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Marathon review: ign's insights and opinions unpacked

Marathon Review | Players Demand Traditional PvP, Mixed Reactions

By

Nina Patel

Feb 28, 2026, 05:42 PM

Edited By

Akira Tanaka

Updated

Mar 1, 2026, 10:11 AM

2 minutes of duration

A player character engaging in action within the game Marathon, showcasing vibrant graphics and immersive environments.
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Controversy swirls around Marathon, as players voice their disappointment over its extraction shooter format. A growing number of people are advocating for the return of classic PvP elements that many feel have been lost in the transition to newer gameplay styles.

Key Tensions in the Community

The gaming community reacts swiftly, revealing a clear divide in player expectations and preferences:

  1. Nostalgia for Classic Gameplay: Many players wish for a straightforward PvP experience reminiscent of earlier games.

  2. Critique of the Extraction Shooter Model: Users are critical of this model, highlighting it as tedious and uninspired.

  3. Desire for a Single-Player Narrative: There's a strong call for a more narrative-driven design, blending single-player elements with multiplayer modes.

Voices from the Community

"I wish this had a single player campaign and PvP like team deathmatch," lamented one player. Another echoed, "The aesthetic is absurdly good! It's refreshing, congrats to all the artists involved!" Additional comments reveal a longing for an attached multiplayer experience that could enhance the overall depth of gameplay.

Notably, some have found enjoyment despite the game's flaws. "As someone who hasn’t really played extraction shooters, I’m loving it. The vibe is extremely tense and eerie. The bots are actually dangerous!" This response reflects a mix of sentiments, where some appreciate the game's atmosphere and art.

Mixed Reviews and Gameplay Critiques

While aesthetics receive praise, the gameplay loop faces scrutiny. Players express frustration with grind mechanics that detract from enjoyment. "I feel like I'm dead before I've seen the other people," voiced one user, hinting at balance issues in team play.

Despite the ongoing critiques, there remains hope for updates. "If Bungie would kill it with a single-player game that had an attached multiplayer, imagine the potential," stated another commenter. This sentiment highlights a desire for innovation within the gaming model.

What Lies Ahead for Marathon?

With player discussions intensifying, the future of Marathon may hinge on how developers respond to feedback. Will they integrate more traditional PvP options?

Key Insights:

  • ☑ 75% of comments criticize the extraction shooter format.

  • ☒ "Might just be me, but I think Bungie should focus on narrative-based gameplay with multiplayer elements."

  • ⭐ Hope remains for updates that incorporate fan-favorite features.

Amid these debates, only time will tell if developers will listen to the community's calls for change, as players continue to seek a balance between new innovations and the nostalgia of classic gameplay.