Marathon Announces Four Classes with Two Additional Ones Debuting at Launch

Marathon has unveiled a quartet of its key players: Blackbird, Glitch, Locus, and Void. This newly introduced team presents a wide range of skills and drawbacks. When Marathon debuts on September 23 for PC and consoles, two additional characters will also join the lineup.

The game recently offered a glimpse of its gameplay, spotlighting these four classes. Developing this new chapter in the Marathon saga, Bungie has reimagined its earlier series as an extraction shooter. This announcement is particularly noteworthy as it marks Bungie’s first major release under the umbrella of Sony Interactive Entertainment, following a significant $3.6 billion acquisition deal finalized in July 2022.

Leading up to the second anniversary of this announcement, Bungie has finally introduced us to the game’s details on April 12. Alongside sharing an animated short that provides insight into the game’s universe, they showcased a snippet of diverse gameplay featuring four distinct Runners: Blackbird, Glitch, Locus, and Void. These characters bring their unique strengths and strategies to the battlefield.

Each Runner has their own gameplay nuances. Void and Blackbird lean more defensively, yet they approach this style differently. Void excels in stealth, equipped with a camo suit and smoke grenades, making hit-and-run a viable tactic. Blackbird, on the other hand, offers strategic advantage with the capability to scout rival locations.

Diving deeper into these characters, Marathon brings together a mix of playstyles. Blackbird is voiced by Nika Futterman and uses strategic insight to locate enemies. Glitch, voiced by Erica Lindbeck, uses agility and superior positioning to outmaneuver foes. Locus, with details still under wraps, thrives on offense but lacks defensive skills, encouraging an aggressive playstyle. Void, voiced by Elias Toufexis, embodies stealth, with tools designed for surprise attacks.

Two more Runners are promised for the game’s launch. Details on these characters are still forthcoming, likely emerging before the game’s September release. It’s conceivable these characters will surface in a planned closed alpha test, although participants might be bound by NDAs, keeping leaks to a minimum.

With Marathon shaping up under Bungie’s experienced leadership, expectations are high for its narrative-rich cyberpunk world. Sitting proudly under Sony’s wing, the studio may once again deliver an immersive gaming experience capturing many with its innovative designs and gameplay.