Maratona, Bungie’s new extraction shooter, has earned positive reviews for its unique take on the genre. The game pits players as “Runners”, human consciousnesses implanted in disposable cybernetic bodies, on missions on the planet Tau Ceti IV to collect resources and data from rival factions. Unlike the developer’s previous hits like Halo and Destiny, Maratona doesn’t aim for widespread appeal and positions itself as a hardcore experience that rewards those who face its challenges methodically.
The intelligent design of extraction mechanics forms the core of the game. Qualquer Item collected or taken into a race disappears upon death, forcing careful route planning and cautious exploration. Esse system creates constant tension between risk and reward, distinguishing the experience from previous Bungie titles. Robotic NPCs are durable and human players attack mercilessly, reflecting the narrative theme where Corredores fight each other for crumbs in Tau Ceti IV, it’s every man for himself.
Solid Play Loops Keeps Players Returning
Core flow offers immediate satisfaction even after defeats. Limited Suprimentos means unlikely equipment works well if the player executes smart tactics. Kits sponsored by the six factions provide basic tools, weapons, and healing supplies, with no ability to equip additional items. Essa standardization keeps the playing field level where skill trumps loot accumulation. Quando extraction occurs successfully, items are sold automatically, generating currency to purchase equipment for the next deployment. Morte, however, means total loss, creating a “just another fun” psychological loop that holds attention.
Maratona offers four maps with progressive difficulty escalation:
- Perimeter: open spaces ideal for beginners, easy access for quick starts
- Dire Marsh: Dense fog and tall grass require extreme caution, combat difficult to track
- Outpost: Smaller map with tight corners, more encounters with human players, communicative teams have an advantage
- Cryo Archive: Relentless maze available only on weekends, requires 5,000 credits in minimum equipment, authorization system up to level 5 with hacking mechanics
Direção of art and sound design establishes unique visual identity
Retro-futuristic Estética unifies the entire experience. Fontes and menus replicate Apple interfaces from the 80s, a deliberate reference to the game’s origins in Macintosh. Essa’s visual choice maintains narrative cohesion while evoking calculated nostalgia. Paisagem sound deserves particular attention, audio indicators are critical as shots reveal the player’s position. Sons Breaking glass, blaring lock alarms, and even your own footprints can jeopardize extraction plans. Cada racing in Maratona changes constantly, and Bungie achieves remarkable dynamism using just four maps through sophisticated sound design.
Armas looks elegant and packs a satisfying punch. Combates moment by moment emerge organically, giving the planet Tau Ceti IV an atmosphere that is both oppressive and masochistically fun. Transições between encounters with NPCs and human players creates continuous variation without a sense of mechanical repetition.
Cryo Archive challenges experienced players with puzzle design
Final Mapa represents peak complexity. Estrutura requires progression through five-level authorization, obtained by hacking monitors and collecting security tags from defeated players. Diferentemente from Perimeter and Dire Marsh, extraction does not follow a standard process, you need to reach level 3 authorization and respect the time limit. Design levels similar to the puzzle compared to Resident Evil Réquiem’s care center. Ganhos economics are astronomical but losses equally extreme. Satisfação comes from meticulous planning and execution under constant pressure. High input Barreira means casual gamers may never experience the thrill and tension that Cryo Archive offers.
Clumsy Controles hinder operational fluidity
User Interfaces exhibit notable flaws. Similar Ações do not share the same input opening box uses square button while placing items in inventory requires X button. Esse non-intuitive design confuses even after dozens of hours of gameplay. Fonte is difficult to read even on large screens, with no option to increase size. Esperança expects future updates to fix these accessibility issues.
Fações adds a narrative layer to the universe
Seis factions embody different aspects of the universe. Cyberacme specializes in AI while NuCaloric addresses agricultural issues. MIDA, an anarchist group, forces players to run by setting off alarms. Sekiguchi, the company behind cybernetic projectiles, sees Corredores as experimental guinea pigs, requesting to suffer specific amounts of fall damage. Construção’s world is conveyed through intelligent gameplay and faction-distributed contracts, not through head-on cinematics. Essa’s approach is reminiscent of Concórdia where history reveals itself more efficiently in the game’s encyclopedia menus.
Maratona is available on Steam, PlayStation 5 and Xbox. Bungie demonstrates that its historic success in Halo and Destiny sets no limit to its creative potential, the new series proves that the developer remains a leading player in the video game space through robust design, compelling art direction and immersive soundscape.