Marathon

I've put over 10,000 hours into Destiny 2, so when Bungie announced Marathon, I was all in. After spending time with it, I can honestly say this game is unlike anything I've typically played. Would I recommend it to other Destiny players? Probably not—at least not to everyone. If you have two friends you can consistently play with, this game is incredible. Some of the most memorable moments come from the stories you create together. Marathon isn't really about chasing loot like Destiny. It took me a while to understand that. The real progression is in the tension, the teamwork, and accepting that you're going to lose gear. Once you get over the fact that you'll inevitably lose, the game becomes much more enjoyable. When the Vault Breaker update came out, I finally saw the future of the game. Without mechanics like that, I think the player base risks shrinking to mostly hardcore PvP players. Marathon needs reasons for different types of players to log in and take risks. My biggest criticism is the always-listening AI voice system. Knowing that everything being said is constantly monitored feels invasive. I understand why moderation tools exist, but it can make conversations feel less natural and less private. Overall, I love Marathon and I want it to succeed. It's a unique experience that has created some amazing moments with friends. I just think it needs to continue expanding its appeal beyond the most competitive PvP audience while being mindful of how voice moderation affects the player experience.