Classic Marathon 2

93%
Game Brain Score Based on 181 reviews
  • story
  • music
  • gameplay
Classic Marathon 2 Game Cover
View game
Get on Steam

Fresh from your triumph on the colony ship Marathon, you are seized by the rogue AI Durandal to do his bidding in a distant part of the galaxy. Within the ruins of an ancient civilization, you must seek the remnants of a lost clan and uncover their long-buried secrets. Battle opponents ancient and terrible, with sophisticated weapons and devious strategies, all the while struggling to escape the a…

  • Mac OS
  • PC
  • Windows
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

93%
Audience ScoreBased on 181 reviews
story16 positive mentions
music5 negative mentions
  • Marathon 2 is a significant improvement over the original, featuring better level design, more engaging gameplay, and a captivating story that immerses players in its sci-fi universe.
  • The game offers a unique experience with its dual-wielding shotgun mechanic and challenging combat, making it a standout title among 90s FPS games.
  • It's free to play, making it an accessible option for both new players and nostalgic fans of the series.
  • The absence of an in-game soundtrack can detract from the overall experience, leaving only ambient sounds that may feel lacking compared to other titles.
  • Some players find the level design confusing and frustrating, particularly with underwater segments and the reliance on save stations that can be hard to locate.
  • The game can feel dated in terms of mechanics and design, which may not appeal to those accustomed to modern FPS standards.
  • story38 mentions

    The story of Marathon 2 is widely praised for its rich lore and engaging narrative, which is delivered through in-game terminals and environmental storytelling, setting it apart from other first-person shooters of its time. Players appreciate the well-crafted sci-fi plot, interesting level designs, and the humor infused in the dialogue, although some note that the linearity and reliance on text can be a barrier for those seeking a more straightforward experience. Overall, it is considered a standout title with a compelling story that enhances the gameplay experience.

    • “Whereas lesser games rely on cryptic storytelling to immerse you into their world, Marathon 2 will instead drown you in its rich lore and action-packed story by immersing you face-first into the underwater mazes of the hostile swampmen population, and the only way out is through your fists.”
    • “Many people, myself included, feel that Marathon 2 has the best campaign out of the Marathon trilogy; there's an excellent story, varied level objectives, fun combat, and an interesting setting (you're exploring the ruins of an alien civilization).”
    • “The depth of the game narrative and sheer malicious joy of Durandal's dry sarcasm in the various dialogues and fluff texts make this a far deeper experience than even some modern FPSs, let alone its contemporaries which, at best, had end-of-episode text scrolls to let you know what, if any, story there was.”
    • “But the story is pieced through terminals, and unless you're extensively hitting all of those, you're probably going to miss it.”
    • “I hope you like reading though, because most of the storyline is delivered via text from in-game computer terminals.”
    • “Definitely slower than Doom and the story is told through terminals.”
  • music28 mentions

    The game is criticized for its lack of an official in-game soundtrack, relying instead on ambient sounds and sound effects, which many players find unsatisfactory. While there is a notable title theme, the absence of music during gameplay detracts from the overall experience; however, players can enhance their experience by installing fan-made soundtracks from the Steam Workshop. Despite the music shortcomings, the game is still considered an improvement over its predecessor in other aspects.

    • “To solve this, one can install a fan-made soundtrack from the Steam Workshop called 'Feel the Noise', made by Talashar, which is a pack of songs that fit nicely with the game's vibe!”
    • “What this mod can't replace, however, is the one official song made for Marathon 2, which is absolute fire!”
    • “The game has no in-game music by design; if this bothers you, several composers have teamed up to put together a soundtrack mod for the game.”
    • “The aspect where it finds itself lacking is on the absence of an official soundtrack during levels, with sound effects from the environment playing in the background instead.”
    • “The only area in which Marathon 2 is worse is the music because aside from the sick title theme, there isn't any music, only ambient sound.”
    • “My main complaint would be the lack of a soundtrack; it has a banger of a title theme but no music in-game.”
  • gameplay21 mentions

    The gameplay in Marathon 2 is generally praised for its smoothness and improved graphics compared to the first game, with a focus on challenging mechanics and level design that requires mastery of unique elements like swimming. While some players appreciate the nostalgic authenticity and intricate gameplay, others note that certain design choices have aged poorly, leading to frustration in later levels. Overall, the game offers a rewarding experience for those willing to engage with its complexities, though quality of life adjustments are recommended for modern players.

    • “The gameplay is still fun, and the satisfaction from splattering Pfhor with an assault rifle is as good as anything since.”
    • “The devs made sure that even though this release is using an upgraded game engine that can run on modern systems, the gameplay is still true to the original.”
    • “Challenging and rewarding gameplay: Marathon 2 is not a game for the faint of heart. It demands precision, strategy, and a willingness to learn its intricate mechanics.”
    • “Levels are mostly straightforward, but you'll need to master the very weird swimming mechanics.”
    • “I was kind of frustrated and annoyed by a lot of the gameplay design by the time I hit the final solo level, which isn't a good sign for the game.”
    • “That being said, I strongly recommend that you make three quality of life adjustments before playing, because 'authenticity' does not equal 'ease of use,' and some gameplay elements that might have been acceptable in 1995 are not so forgivable today.”
  • graphics20 mentions

    The graphics of the game have received mixed reviews, with some players appreciating the enhanced visuals reminiscent of XBLA titles, while others find them merely passable and in need of tweaks for optimal performance. The aesthetic choices are subjective, with some preferring the original graphics over the remade versions, but many agree that the improved art style and environments contribute to an immersive atmosphere. Overall, while the graphics may not be groundbreaking, they are considered a significant upgrade that enhances the gameplay experience.

    • “The improved graphics enhance the already stunning visuals, while the enhanced controls make the gameplay feel smoother and more responsive.”
    • “* **Unforgettable atmosphere:** the game's art style, sound design, and meticulously crafted environments create a truly immersive atmosphere, transporting you to the alien world of Tau Ceti.”
    • “Gorgeous art style, an amazing story, fantastic gameplay, and it's free.”
    • “The graphics are just passable for me.”
    • “Not the best visuals I've seen since I don't know very many games released that had visuals like that.”
    • “The whole aesthetic wipes my ass.”
  • atmosphere6 mentions

    The atmosphere in the game is described as a mixed bag; while some levels lack the moody tension of the original, others excel with an unforgettable ambiance created through exceptional art style, sound design, and detailed environments that immerse players in the alien world of Tau Ceti. Overall, the atmosphere is seen as a key strength, despite some criticisms regarding specific levels.

    • “The game's art style, sound design, and meticulously crafted environments create a truly immersive atmosphere, transporting you to the alien world of Tau Ceti.”
    • “The game's art style, sound design, and meticulously crafted environments create a truly immersive atmosphere, transporting you to the alien world of Tau Ceti.”
    • “Durandal does not have the same moody and tense atmosphere that the first game nails.”
    • “It has the better combat, thanks to the more open level design and addition of a great new gun, but is lacking in the atmosphere and winding story.”
    • “This isn't a critique of the layouts; those are fine, but rather a critique of atmosphere.”
  • grinding2 mentions

    Players note that while grinding is a necessary aspect in the game, it is not perceived as overly tedious, thanks to engaging story elements and enjoyable gameplay mechanics. However, some find certain levels, particularly water levels, to be more monotonous. Overall, the experience is enhanced by new voice lines and expansive environments.

    • “Each game is required to have grinding, but it's not as tedious.”
    • “The story is great, the shotgun is nirvana, and the levels are more expansive, though I found them more tedious due to the water levels.”
  • humor1 mentions

    The game features a blend of first-person shooting mechanics and a storyline that incorporates intentional humor, providing players with amusing moments throughout the experience.

    • “It's a first-person shooter that cleverly weaves in a plot with intentionally funny moments.”
    • “The humor in this game is spot-on, making even the most intense situations laugh-out-loud funny.”
    • “I love how the game balances action with hilarious dialogue and situations that keep you entertained.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Buy Classic Marathon 2

Videos

Similar Games