Marathon Unveils Four Classes, Two More to Debut at Launch

Marathon has stirred excitement with the reveal of its first four playable characters: Blackbird, Glitch, Locus, and Void. Each brings a unique set of skills and challenges, ensuring diverse gameplay. Additionally, two more characters will join the fray at launch when the game debuts on PC and consoles on September 23.

Gameplay footage has shed light on these new classes, enriching the excitement for Bungie’s upcoming title. This marks a significant return of Marathon, a franchise that made waves when its revival was announced in May 2023. It’s not just a revival; it stands as the first extraction shooter of the series and the first game to launch under Bungie’s new management as part of Sony Interactive Entertainment. Sony acquired Bungie in a high-profile $3.6 billion deal in July 2022.

A month shy of the two-year mark since the game’s announcement, Bungie has finally unveiled more about Marathon on April 12. Fans were treated to a peek at gameplay alongside a captivating nine-minute animated introduction detailing the game world. While exploring Marathon’s vibrant and cyberpunk universe, players will soon meet four intriguing classes, or "Runners" as they’re referred to. Blackbird, Glitch, Locus, and Void each offer a distinct flavor of play.

The new cast is definitely a mixed bag. Each Runner brings unique strengths along with vulnerabilities, catering to distinct play styles. Void, for instance, thrives in stealth, adept at outmaneuvering trouble through tools like smoke grenades and camouflage. Meanwhile, Blackbird might be less elusive but can offer valuable intel by scouting enemy positions.

Looking closely at each class:

• Blackbird: Voiced by Nika Futterman, this class thrives on strategy, using abilities to locate opponents and advocate for a more deliberate gameplay.
• Glitch: Brought to life by Erica Lindbeck, Glitch stands out with her speed and agility, aiming to outplay foes through strategic positioning.
• Locus: Awaiting a voice announcement, this class is more offensive in nature, rewarding aggressive players.
• Void: Voiced by Elias Toufexis, Void is all about stealth, with techniques designed for hit-and-run engagements.

Two additional, yet-to-be-revealed classes promise to expand this roster by launch day. Although details remain under wraps, Bungie plans to disclose more before the game lands on shelves. Early testers participating in Marathon’s closed alpha must sign non-disclosure agreements, keeping spoilers to a minimum.

Harnessing their strengths, each class in Marathon is set to offer something special, teasing a richly layered tactical experience for players to master. With its long-awaited return, the franchise is poised to redefine player expectations, signaling an exciting chapter for Bungie under Sony’s banner. As we near the September release, gamers are undoubtedly eager to uncover more about these classes and this thrilling new universe.