Fans of classic first-person shooters are in for a treat as Bungie brings its Marathon trilogy to Steam for free. The launch kicks off with the original Marathon game, already available, with its sequels, Marathon 2 and Marathon Infinity, set to follow soon.
The Marathon series, pivotal in the FPS genre, offers a nostalgic dive with modern enhancements tailored for today’s systems. Thanks to the efforts of the Aleph One community, players can now experience these classics with updated features like optional widescreen support, improved 3D graphics, positional audio, and smooth 60 fps gameplay.
A Look at the Tech and Availability
The games have been updated using the Aleph One engine, which is based on Marathon 2’s engine. This update ensures that the games run seamlessly on contemporary Windows and macOS systems, enhancing features from the 1990s originals such as the user interface and audio-visual settings. For multiplayer enthusiasts, the game supports up to eight players over peer-to-peer and LAN.
These Steam versions maintain their vintage appeal while integrating modern conveniences like achievements and cloud saves, making the Marathon series more accessible to a new generation of gamers and long-time fans alike.
Future of Marathon
While celebrating the past, Bungie is also looking ahead with plans for a new Marathon game. This upcoming title will be a team-based extraction shooter, quite a departure from the narrative-driven originals. This pivot reflects Bungie’s adaptive strategy in evolving with the gaming industry while nodding to its roots.
For now, gamers can relive the glory of the original Marathon trilogy on Steam at no cost, perhaps prepping for the new dynamics that the future Marathon installment will bring. Bungie’s continued innovation ensures that both old and new fans have something to look forward to.
