Feedback: PVE mode in Marathon is a win, but not a tension-free mode
tl;dr: I’m beyond excited about the announcements for the future of Marathon, and I’d love nothing more than PVE modes. But PVE should not become synonymous with a mode without tension, that tension is what captivates most of us. Instead, Bungie should leverage PVE to create tension in different ways (something Destiny has done very well in the past).
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About a month ago, I made a post about being a casual player and recommending Marathon to other casuals after my first few hours with the game. Now, after reaching ~80 hours, filling my inventory, and completing a large number of priority contracts with one VIP faction, I’m honestly addicted to Marathon. I can only play so much, but Marathon is the game I launch whenever I have free time (and when I’m alone).
Why alone? Because none of my friends really feel comfortable getting into a game so heavily focused on PVP. Most of them love team-based games and PVE-focused experiences like Destiny, including endgame activities such as raids.
Naturally, when I read that the Marathon team was planning to experiment with more PVE-oriented modes, I was beyond excited. I honestly don’t care if loot is differentiated between the modes, or if some weapons are only accessible through PVP. I’m sure this change alone will spark curiosity in a lot of people who currently feel intimidated by the game’s strong PVP focus.
However, I am a little concerned about this being framed as an “option to chill.”
To me, what makes Marathon stand out from other shooters is the immersion and the constant survival tension. Marathon punishes you when you stop paying attention. Even with a gold kit, the environment, enemy AI, or other players can destroy you if you become careless. Without that tension, Marathon risks losing part of what makes it unique.
In my opinion, PVE in Marathon should still include mechanics that constantly keep players on their toes. There are many ways Bungie could approach this.
I distinctly remember Destiny’s Haunted Forest event years ago: a Halloween activity where teams pushed through enemy-filled areas while being stalked by an unkillable enemy designed to create panic and pressure. Alien: Isolation does this incredibly well too. Marathon could create similar tension in PVE through systems like:
(i) a compiler-like S'pht (or another strange alien entity) roaming the map that becomes alerted by gunfire and actively hunts teams;
(ii) puzzle mechanics that must be solved while under heavy UESC pressure;
(iii) enemies ambushing players from vents, lockers, or dark corners;
(iv) environmental hazards that escalate over time and force teams to keep moving;
etc.
I'm sure others can think of even better ways to keep the tension in the game!! The one thing I’d beg Bungie not to do is rely on giant bullet sponges as a substitute for difficulty or tension.