Key Takeaways
- Bungie has requested a delay in Marathon reviews until after the game's launch date for more content availability.
- Early access issues have led to some review sites not finalizing their opinions, impacting the information available to buyers.
- Marathon's player count on Steam has not met projections, with only about 87,000 players at launch, compared to higher counts for other games.
- Initial reviews on Steam are positive, with an 84% rating, though there are concerns about a cluttered user interface.
- Major updates are planned, including a ranked mode and an endgame zone map, to enhance gameplay and narrative progression.
Buyers who are unsure about Bungie's new extraction shooter might not find helpful information on Metacritic. This is partly because the publisher has asked for a delay in Marathon reviews until after the game’s launch date. They have requested that review sites hold off on sharing their thoughts until more content is available later in March.
Early Access Issues
On the ResetEra forums, it was revealed that a well-known contributor’s media outlet “didn't get early access to the server.” Other users supported this statement, pointing out that IGN's ongoing review wouldn't be finalized until the end of the month.
Player Count Concerns
It's uncertain if favorable reviews for Marathon would have increased the game’s peak player count on Steam. Nevertheless, the game has not met certain projections, reaching only about 87,000 players on its March 5th launch date. Currently, it sits outside the top 10 most-played games on Valve’s platform. In comparison, the new indie game Slay the Spire 2 has achieved a much healthier player count of over 177,000.
During the server slam, the Bungie project hit a peak player count of over 143,300 on Steam. However, that number gradually dropped as the playtest came to an end. With a price of $39.99, players might think twice before trying it again.
Positive Initial Reception
Despite some doubts, early reviews for Marathon on Steam are highlighting the positive aspects of the extraction shooter. Currently, it has a very positive rating of over 84%. Many gamers appreciate the smooth gunplay that is characteristic of Bungie titles like Destiny 2. However, there have been frequent complaints regarding a cluttered user interface since the initial demos.
Not too many players are complaining about a lack of content, which seems to be a concern for the studio. There are mixed feelings about Bungie's unusual approach to review sites. Some gamers believe that critics should be encouraged to give their final opinions on a paid product. Conversely, the live-service model can significantly alter a game after it has been released.
Future Updates
Season 1 for the sci-fi shooter is currently ongoing, but players can look forward to major updates soon. An endgame zone map will provide a clearer understanding of the narrative’s progression. Additionally, a ranked mode is set to enhance competitive multiplayer features in the latter half of March.
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