Key Highlights:
- A new set of leaks has emerged for Bungie’s Marathon.
- These detail faster TTK speeds, proximity chat, and visual optimizations.
- Other changes include a new runner, and a few newer in-game mechanics.
Bungie’s upcoming Marathon has seen quite a few developments since its initial reveal, with the most recent NDA Playtest 3 detailing additions such as a new runner, an overhauled user interface and much, much more.
This was preceded by a rather unfortunate development where the studio was accused of plagiarizing its entire art direction, something which was proven to be ultimately true. Since then, Bungie has been quietly carrying out a series of closed beta tests that aim to polish the game ahead of a (now delayed) global release.
Marathon Has Had Quite a Few Major Changes Since Its Closed Alpha Test
As reported by TheGamePost in a rather lengthy exclusive, Bungie’s Marathon recently wrapped up a series of closed beta tests, which seem to have introduced quite a few hefty changes since the last leaked beta.
Perhaps one of the bigger changes is the addition of a proximity chat option to the game. This was a highly requested feature that was notably absent in earlier builds, but it looks like Bungie has finally implemented a working solution after quite some time.
Additionally, the TTK (Time to Kill) duration has been greatly reduced as well, aiming to make gameplay feel a lot snappier and shorter in the process.
Taking a page out of the TTK changes, healing items such as patch medkits also appear to slowly regenerate your health over time now. This is opposed to having them instantly refill your HP gauge, which should change gameplay strategies.
That’s as far as major changes are concerned. Bungie has also been quietly working behind the scenes to introduce a few more miscellaneous tweaks, which range from ragdoll properties to environmental effects.
Other Miscellaneous Additions to Marathon
To begin, Bungie has added a new mechanic known as the ‘Heat Cascade’. In short, this is an environmental hazard that boosts your Heat Meter as sparks descend from the sky, making for an additional layer of complexity.
Characters also leave behind corpses once downed, instead of vanishing into smoky, green particles. While the bodies are unlikely to stay there for extended periods of time, it’s still nice to see a touch of ‘realism’ added to the game.
Additionally, downed characters also bleed blue blood now, something which was highlighted in the trailers (and noted to be missing in the game).
Other notable additions include the Codex system, which serves as a way to track your in-game achievements against a set of fixed rewards. Players can also complete Titles by completing certain objectives, which can be adorned on their profile name. A practice range has also been unlocked and added to the game.
Also Read: New Marathon Leaks Suggest UI Overhaul, Multiple Ship Maps, & More
The UESC Marathon map, also known as the Cryo Archive, has also been tweaked. Permadeath rules in particular have been changed, and players can expect some leeway between deaths and revivals. Assuming your teammates fail to revive you on time, you will be kicked out for the remainder of the match.
The overall look and feel of the game also appears to have been polished a lot more compared to the last beta, with more motifs and a generally cleaner looking user interface being added to the current build. Reports indicate better foliage, cleaner lighting, and improved shader work.
There’s still the matter of cosmetics, which were unfortunately removed during the prior tests. Cosmetics are confirmed to be making a comeback, with Runner and weapon skins, emblems and profile banners being thrown in the mix. Still no word on pricing though.
A new runner known as the Rook has also been added to the game, and Bungie has been slowly increasing the number of players in each beta, with the newest one having over 900 participants.
