# Marathon: A Fresh Beginning for Bungie’s Ambitious Sci-Fi Shooter

Marathon, the eagerly awaited title from Bungie, was initially scheduled for an earlier release but has since been postponed to launch in March 2026. This update was revealed during an enlightening documentary that shed light on the game’s development, showcasing its transformation into a sci-fi survival extraction shooter filled with enigmas and concealed threats.

## An In-Depth Look at Development

The newly released 22-minute video documentary concentrated on the extensive groundwork and alterations undertaken since the game’s indefinite postponement earlier this year, which was mainly due to significant feedback from fans following an initial public alpha test. In reaction to these comments, Bungie carried out a series of closed beta tests to enhance gameplay and integrate new features, one of the standout additions being proximity chat, now prevalent in competing titles like Arc Raiders and set to be a key component of Marathon.

As per the development team, their strategy has shifted notably in various areas, including audio, visuals, zone design, and loot systems. The objective is explicit: to formulate unique maps and gameplay experiences that rise above the repetitive characteristics often seen in quick-match PvP shooters. Producer Emanuel Rosu underlined the necessity for an atmosphere filled with peril, stating, “We’ve infused a bit of reality, a touch of grit, a hint of darkness, a little bit of that mood, which is essential for an extraction shooter to evoke danger.”

## Tackling Player Concerns

The Marathon development crew has made efforts to resolve several issues raised during the alpha testing phase. Major enhancements consist of improved solo play capabilities, polished visuals, and a more realistic take on player fatalities, where defeated opponents will leave behind decomposing bodies rather than static loot. At launch, players can look forward to four unique maps, with one taking place in an end-game area aboard the UESC Marathon.

Additionally, the game will include upgrade trees, faction tiers, unlockable rewards, and a degree of weapon customization. Players will enjoy the artistic freedom to modify firearms, allowing them to recreate legendary equipment from Bungie’s history, such as converting an SMG into the Needler from Halo.

## Monetization Approach

In a recent blog entry, Bungie explained the monetization framework for Marathon, which will not function as a free-to-play game. Players who buy the game will receive full access, accompanied by a timeline of free gameplay updates throughout the year. These updates will bring new maps, Runner shells, events, and more, beginning with the exploration of UESC Marathon’s Cryo Archive in Season 1.

Bungie’s dedication to player involvement without the stress of missing content is evident in their Rewards Passes, which will never expire. Players can acquire and unlock past passes, guaranteeing ongoing enjoyment without the pressures of FOMO (fear of missing out). Furthermore, competitive integrity is upheld, as the game will not feature pay-to-win elements, ensuring that survival tactics depend on skill rather than financial investment.

## Final Thoughts

With the strategic insights drawn from successful live service models like Helldivers 2, Marathon positions itself for potential success as a PvEvP game. However, the obstacles of balancing player interaction within a richly crafted world persist. As fans eagerly await the March 2026 release, excitement grows over whether Bungie’s bold ambition will materialize in this new installment.

Professions offer exclusive buffs!

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If this is a single flavour of genre that, if you put a gun to my head and forced me to pick a favourite, I would say is my favourite, it’s probably body horror. There are a seemingly infinite amount of ways to project images of devolving flesh and altered bodies into your eyeballs, many of which I find strangely relatable, occasionally comforting. Graft, the next game from the studio behind Battletech and the Shadowrun series, does none of that for me, but its first gameplay trailer successfully twisted my guts into a collection of pretzels, so it’s doing something right (though perhaps avoid the trailer if you’re quite squeamish).

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### Larian Studios and the Progression of the Divinity Series

Within the landscape of role-playing games (RPGs), Larian Studios has created a lasting impact, especially with its 2023 release, *Baldur’s Gate 3*, which has enthralled both fans and reviewers. At the recent Game Awards, Larian displayed its playful nature with a quirky statue in the desert and tantalized fans with an unexpected teaser for its forthcoming project in the *Divinity* series, fueling excitement for further journeys in Rivellon.

#### The Genesis of a Legacy: Overview of the Divinity Series

The *Divinity* franchise commenced with *Divine Divinity* in 2002, a game that laid the groundwork for Larian’s aspirations. While earlier titles such as *Beyond Divinity* (2004) and *Divinity II* (2009) encountered mixed critiques due to technical shortcomings and lackluster narratives, each version steadily enhanced the groundwork set by their forerunners. The launch of *Divinity: Original Sin* in 2014 was a landmark event, blending traditional RPG features with innovative gameplay elements that reinvigorated the genre.

This progression ultimately led to the debut of *Divinity: Original Sin II* in 2017, which achieved an impressive 93 score on Metacritic and established Larian as a prominent developer in the RPG field. The success of this title was a reflection of the studio’s commitment to integrating community feedback from its Kickstarter campaign and thorough development throughout its Early Access phase, allowing for crucial modifications before the final release. The Definitive Edition that ensued further enriched the player’s experience, firmly establishing *DOS2* as a defining title.

#### The Current and Upcoming Directions of the Franchise

With the revelation of the *Divinity* sequel, fans are now eagerly revisiting *Divinity: Original Sin II*, which has been recently upgraded for the Nintendo Switch 2, Xbox Series X|S, and PlayStation 5. This remaster offers an excellent opportunity for both newcomers and seasoned players to dive into a game widely celebrated as one of the finest RPGs ever created.

The standalone aspect of *DOS2* means players aren’t required to have played its predecessor to relish the complexities and joys of this sequel. The extensive world, captivating mechanics, and engaging character arcs have lured players back into the meticulously crafted realm of Rivellon.

#### Reasons to Experience Divinity: Original Sin II

For those who have yet to dive into *Divinity: Original Sin II*, this is an ideal time. The game’s blend of profound narrative, intricate turn-based combat, and cooperative multiplayer elements distinguishes it in the RPG realm. Players can find fulfillment in shaping their individual narratives through impactful choices that reverberate throughout their journey.

Significantly, certain gameplay aspects, such as the capacity to converse with animals—an essential feature within the game—infuse layers of complexity and engagement into the experience. This element alone showcases the clever and whimsical design Larian has woven into its world.

As anticipation heightens for Larian’s next venture into the *Divinity* universe, this is the perfect moment to either revisit or discover *Divinity: Original Sin II* for the first time, particularly with its enhancements designed for contemporary gaming consoles. The upgraded visuals and mechanics promise a sense of nostalgia for returning players while welcoming new audiences to experience what many deem a groundbreaking achievement in the RPG genre.

It’s essential, really.

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Who’s that I hear coming down my chimney? Why, it’s… Megabonk’s “Spooky” update? No, that doesn’t sound quite right to me either, and yet it is in fact the truth of this world. As you’ve probably already gathered by the name of the update, this is one that was meant to be out for Halloween, but developer Vedinad needed a touch more time for it.

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# The Worst Games of 2025: A Retrospective on the Flops

The year 2025 presented a multitude of gaming adventures, yet not every one of them stood out for positive reasons. While numerous titles excelled, various games did not fulfill player and critic expectations, marking them as some of the most poorly received entries of the year. Acknowledging these failures is crucial as they emphasize the successful aspects of the industry through contrast. Here’s a summary of the ten lowest-rated games on Metacritic in 2025, according to their metascores and reviewers’ critiques.

## 10: *Fast & Furious: Arcade Edition* | 45 Metascore
At a price point of $30, this economical port of the arcade game turned out to be a disappointing experience. Gamers opted to use their coins on the original arcade variant for a brief thrill instead of investing in this unsatisfactory home console version.

## 9: *Glover* | 44 Metascore
This adaptation of the cherished N64 platformer was anticipated to evoke nostalgia among fans. However, it underperformed, providing minimal enhancements and failing to captivate players. The game’s troubled history continued to haunt it, making its inclusion on this list expected.

## 8: *Scar-Lead Salvation* | 44 Metascore
Sharing its metascore with *Glover*, *Scar-Lead Salvation* ranks lower due to a greater number of critiques, signaling its widespread unpopularity. This costly anime-themed take on a *Returnal*-inspired roguelike shooter did not connect well with audiences, highlighting its deficits.

## 7: *Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator* | 44 Metascore
Another title holding a 44 Metascore, *Ambulance Life* garnered significant backlash for its poorly implemented AI-driven dialogue, cumbersome gameplay, and unattractive graphics. The absence of engaging mechanics stifled its enjoyment potential.

## 6: *Tamagotchi Plaza – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition* | 43 Metascore
The follow-up to *Tamagotchi Connection: Corner Shop* stumbled badly, delivering gameplay that resembled an inferior mobile game. Players voiced their disappointment with its monotonous mini-games and overall execution.

## 5: *Gore Doctor* | 40 Metascore
*Gore Doctor* left its mark as a technical disaster. This horror game, mostly unknown before its launch, quickly became synonymous with disappointment due to its faulty controls and disjointed gameplay, categorizing it as a title to steer clear of.

## 4: *Spy Drops* | 39 Metascore
Attempting to embody the spirit of classic stealth-action titles like *Metal Gear Solid*, *Spy Drops* faltered due to numerous problems, including a troublesome camera, bugs, and simplistic enemy AI. These flaws overshadowed any potential promise it possessed.

## 3: *Blood of Mehran* | 38 Metascore
This action-adventure title, reminiscent of *Prince of Persia*, received overwhelmingly negative critiques. Reviewers united against its design, advising gamers to avoid this ill-fated game.

## 2: *Fire Emblem Shadows* | 37 Metascore
Intended as a fusion of *Fire Emblem* and *Among Us*, this mobile-exclusive release missed the target, suffering from insufficient content and an unfulfilling free-to-play model. Most players would likely find more satisfaction simply by playing *Among Us*.

## 1: *MindsEye* | 28 Metascore
This game landed at the very bottom with a bleak 28 Metascore. Highlighting its unsatisfactory gameplay and lack of creativity, it left players questioning how it ever reached the market, marking it as a definite low in 2025 gaming.

Regardless of their negative reception, it’s important to understand that enjoyment in gaming is subjective. These scores do not account for the possibilities for niche audiences or individual enjoyment of these games. While 2025 showcased a plethora of outstanding titles, these blunders serve as a reminder of the hurdles faced in game development and the varied preferences within the gaming community.

The correct answers for all Prize Quiz questions.

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11 Bit Studios’ sci-fi management game The Alters arrived at a point when I was unhappy with the trajectory my life was taking. But, I wasn’t expecting a story about a shipwrecked astronaut and his cabal of clones to leave me questioning not just the choices I’d taken that led me down that path, but also highlighting all the choices I had left untaken along the way.

That’s not bad going for a game in which you spend most evenings getting hammered playing beer pong.

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**Title: Terminator 2D: No Fate – A Trip Down Memory Lane in Arcade-Style Action Gaming**

*Terminator 2: Judgment Day* hit theaters in July 1991, at a time when major films often resulted in a variety of associated video games. The movie was no different, as its arcade version made a notable impression with its pioneering use of digitized visuals and high-octane gameplay. However, several home console versions failed to capture the spirit of James Cameron’s action-packed story. Fast forward nearly 35 years, and we now have *Terminator 2D: No Fate*, a fresh action side-scroller that not only pays tribute to the film but emerges as one of the top run-and-gun shooters on the market today.

This version distinctly prioritizes “arcade-style” gameplay, a focus that has become increasingly rare in modern action games, which tend to complicate simplicity in the name of progress. While recent titles such as *Shinobi: Art of Vengeance* and *Ninja Gaiden Ragebound* strayed from their arcade origins, *No Fate* embraces the uncomplicated, relentless action that characterizes the genre.

*No Fate* plunges players into a nostalgic experience echoing classics like the early *Contra* titles and *Metal Slug*. Created by Bitmap Bureau, a team with extensive experience in the gaming field, the game eliminates unnecessary intricacies, aiming to enhance the excitement of the classic run-and-gun style. Their dedication to delivering a thrilling and addictively playable experience shines through.

With 15 stages, *No Fate* expertly integrates scenes from the original film—such as the memorable biker bar fight and the assault on Cyberdyne—with new segments that broaden the storyline. Players engage in fierce battles within a post-apocalyptic Los Angeles while taking on roles like John Connor. Although the main campaign wraps up in approximately 45 minutes, the game beckons players to return time and time again, ensuring each playthrough feels like a distinctive journey.

The control system in *No Fate* is notable for its accuracy and smoothness, making every action feel gratifying. Weapons vary from Sarah Connor’s pistol to John’s cutting-edge pulse rifle, each giving players a sense of empowerment as they blast through adversaries. The gameplay continuously morphs, as players are encouraged to partake in melee fights, exploit environmental advantages, and strategize to dodge enemy strikes.

Distinct gameplay mechanics introduce diversity across levels. The biker bar fight shifts to a beat ’em up format, while other stages implement vehicle controls, requiring players to navigate obstacles while combating the relentless T-1000. An escape sequence from a mental facility amplifies the tension as players must outwit their futuristic pursuer.

Achieving mastery in *No Fate* is gratifying; as players advance, they become adept at handling increasingly intricate enemy formations and challenging boss fights. The design promotes growth, featuring an engaging scoring system where remaining unscathed results in higher multipliers. Difficulty levels like “Hasta La Vista” and “Judgment Day” elevate the challenge by modifying enemy placements and behaviors.

The levels, while brief, are packed with secrets and alternate routes, allowing various pathways through the game’s storyline. Player decisions can influence the number of stages, making replayability a significant aspect as they discover different scenarios and nods to the original *Terminator* film.

Visually, *No Fate* is a spectacle, showcasing striking pixel art that beautifully captures the film’s aesthetic. Guided by industry expert Henk Nieborg, the game’s graphics resonate with nostalgia while incorporating modern elements. The gameplay not only recalls the iconic run-and-gun period but also aligns with today’s standards of engaging and fulfilling design.

In hindsight, the 1991 home console adaptations of *Terminator 2* fell short in delivering a captivating gameplay experience that reflected the film’s intensity. However, *Terminator 2D: No Fate* addresses that gap, resembling a lost classic revived for a new audience. Its dynamism and fidelity to arcade roots revive the enchantment of former gaming eras, rendering it a must-play for any action game aficionado.