Title:
Marathon: Durandal
Rating:
M
Genre:
Action
Adult
First Person Shooter
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Release Date:
2007-08-01
Date Added:
2018-07-03 14:14:12
Game Summary:
“Marathon: Durandal” is the Xbox Live Arcade (XBLA) port of “Marathon 2: Durandal,” originally developed by Bungie and released in 1995. The XBLA version was released on August 1, 2007, bringing the classic first-person shooter to the Xbox 360 platform.
Gameplay and Features
In “Marathon: Durandal,” players assume the role of a security officer navigating the ruins of the alien planet Lh’owon. The game is renowned for its intricate narrative, delivered through in-game terminals, and its complex level design. The XBLA version introduced several enhancements:
• High-Definition Graphics: The game received updated visuals to leverage the Xbox 360’s capabilities.
• Multiplayer Support: It offers both local split-screen (up to four players) and online multiplayer modes via Xbox Live, supporting up to eight players. Modes include cooperative play and various competitive formats such as deathmatch and king of the hill.
• Achievements: Integration of Xbox Live achievements provided additional challenges and replay value.
Critical Reception
Upon release, “Marathon: Durandal” received mixed reviews. Critics appreciated the opportunity to experience a piece of gaming history but noted that certain aspects had not aged well. Official Xbox Magazine commented that while the game is “interesting for aspiring game designers and historians who want to observe Bungie’s roots,” it “doesn’t hold up very well” as a $10 offering in 2007. 
TeamXbox noted that although the game was ahead of its time, it “hasn’t aged as well given its more deliberate pace.” 
Backward Compatibility
“Marathon: Durandal” became backward compatible with Xbox One on February 26, 2019, allowing players to enjoy the game on newer hardware. 
Legacy
“Marathon: Durandal” holds a significant place in gaming history as a precursor to Bungie’s later successes, notably the “Halo” series. Its complex storytelling, innovative for its time, and engaging gameplay continue to be appreciated by enthusiasts of classic first-person shooters.
For those interested in experiencing “Marathon: Durandal,” it is available for download on the Xbox Marketplace and can be played on both Xbox 360 and Xbox One consoles.
Gameplay and Features
In “Marathon: Durandal,” players assume the role of a security officer navigating the ruins of the alien planet Lh’owon. The game is renowned for its intricate narrative, delivered through in-game terminals, and its complex level design. The XBLA version introduced several enhancements:
• High-Definition Graphics: The game received updated visuals to leverage the Xbox 360’s capabilities.
• Multiplayer Support: It offers both local split-screen (up to four players) and online multiplayer modes via Xbox Live, supporting up to eight players. Modes include cooperative play and various competitive formats such as deathmatch and king of the hill.
• Achievements: Integration of Xbox Live achievements provided additional challenges and replay value.
Critical Reception
Upon release, “Marathon: Durandal” received mixed reviews. Critics appreciated the opportunity to experience a piece of gaming history but noted that certain aspects had not aged well. Official Xbox Magazine commented that while the game is “interesting for aspiring game designers and historians who want to observe Bungie’s roots,” it “doesn’t hold up very well” as a $10 offering in 2007. 
TeamXbox noted that although the game was ahead of its time, it “hasn’t aged as well given its more deliberate pace.” 
Backward Compatibility
“Marathon: Durandal” became backward compatible with Xbox One on February 26, 2019, allowing players to enjoy the game on newer hardware. 
Legacy
“Marathon: Durandal” holds a significant place in gaming history as a precursor to Bungie’s later successes, notably the “Halo” series. Its complex storytelling, innovative for its time, and engaging gameplay continue to be appreciated by enthusiasts of classic first-person shooters.
For those interested in experiencing “Marathon: Durandal,” it is available for download on the Xbox Marketplace and can be played on both Xbox 360 and Xbox One consoles.
Platform:
Microsoft Xbox 360
Publisher:
Backwards compatible
Developers:
Freeverse
2 players local
4 players local
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Players:
1-4 Local 2-8 Online
Input Devices:
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Media Type:
Download
Date Added:
2018-07-03 14:14:12
