Marathon has just introduced the first four characters for players to get excited about: Blackbird, Glitch, Locus, and Void. The diversity in their skills and weaknesses promises a dynamic gaming experience. There’s more to come, with two additional characters set to be part of the lineup when the game hits PC and consoles on September 23.
Marathon has teased us with a look at its gameplay, giving us a taste of the four classes players can look forward to in Bungie’s newest venture. This game heralds the return of the Marathon franchise, a breath of fresh air in gaming since its announcement back in May 2023. It marks a milestone for Bungie as its first extraction shooter under its new parent company, Sony Interactive Entertainment, which snapped it up in a hefty $3.6 billion deal in July 2022.
Today, on April 12, just shy of the two-year anniversary since Bungie first spoke of Marathon, we’re finally getting a peek behind the curtain. The studio treated us to some tantalizing gameplay footage, accompanied by a nine-minute animated short that sets the stage for the game’s universe. Among the revelations were the four classes—or “Runners” as they are called in this cyberpunk world: Blackbird, Glitch, Locus, and Void.
Each of these characters brings something unique to the table. They all have their strengths and weaknesses, offering players a variety of styles to experiment with. Void and Blackbird offer a more defensive playstyle but take different approaches. Void is all about stealth, utilizing smoke grenades and active camouflage to navigate dangers with finesse, perfect for players who favor hit-and-run strategies. In contrast, Blackbird is more about intel gathering, using her abilities to scout enemy locations and play defensively with precision.
For those itching for action, Locus is your go-to class. Powerful on the attack yet leaving some vulnerabilities exposed, Locus is perfect for players who enjoy taking the fight head-on. Lastly, we have Glitch, a swift and agile character who thrives on excellent positioning to outsmart opponents.
Bungie has more surprises up its sleeve, hinting at two additional classes to round out the roster by the game’s release. These new heroes will likely be revealed well in advance of Marathon’s official launch. With a closed alpha test looming, there’s always the chance someone might leak details, though participants will need to adhere to a strict NDA to participate.
In summary, Marathon is shaping up to be an exciting addition to the gaming world, promising diverse gameplay and character dynamics when it arrives on September 23. Let’s see what Bungie has to reveal next!
