Overview
Marathon is a first-person shooter video game series created by Bungie Inc., with the first game released in 1994. The series is set in a science fiction universe where players take on the role of a space marine fighting against the Pfhor, an alien race that has invaded the human colony of Tau Ceti.
In 1994, Bungie Inc. conducted a playtest for Marathon to gather feedback from players and refine the game’s design. The playtest involved a limited number of players who were given access to a pre-release version of the game and asked to provide feedback on their experiences.
Playtest Details
The playtest for Marathon was conducted over a period of several weeks in 1994. Players were given access to a pre-release version of the game that included the first three levels of the single-player campaign. Players were asked to provide feedback on various aspects of the game, including the gameplay, graphics, and story.
Bungie Inc. used the feedback from the playtest to make several changes to Marathon before its official release. These changes included:
- Improving the game’s graphics and performance
- Adding new weapons and enemies
- Revising the game’s story and dialogue
Impact of the Playtest
The playtest for Marathon had a significant impact on the development of the game. The feedback from players helped Bungie Inc. to identify and fix bugs, improve the gameplay, and refine the game’s overall design.
As a result of the playtest, Marathon was released in 1994 to critical acclaim. The game was praised for its innovative gameplay, immersive story, and stunning graphics. Marathon went on to become a commercial success, selling over 500,000 copies worldwide.
Playtest Feedback Summary
| Feedback Category | Feedback |
|---|---|
| Gameplay | The gameplay is fast-paced and exciting, but some of the levels are too difficult. |
| Graphics | The graphics are impressive, but the game could use more variety in the environments. |
| Story | The story is interesting, but it could be more developed. |
| Overall | Overall, the game is very promising and I am excited to see the final version. |
Conclusion
The playtest for Marathon was an important step in the development of the game. The feedback from players helped Bungie Inc. to identify and fix bugs, improve the gameplay, and refine the game’s overall design. As a result of the playtest, Marathon was released in 1994 to critical acclaim and went on to become a commercial success.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: When was the Marathon playtest conducted?
A: The Marathon playtest was conducted in 1994.
Q: Who was involved in the Marathon playtest?
A: The Marathon playtest involved a limited number of players who were given access to a pre-release version of the game.
Q: What feedback was collected during the Marathon playtest?
A: Players provided feedback on various aspects of the game, including the gameplay, graphics, and story.
Q: How did the playtest impact the development of Marathon?
A: The feedback from the playtest helped Bungie Inc. to identify and fix bugs, improve the gameplay, and refine the game’s overall design.
Q: When was Marathon released?
A: Marathon was released in 1994.
References
Additional Information
Sign Up
Bungie Inc. is seeking participants for a playtest of Marathon, a first-person shooter video game. Interested players can sign up for the playtest by filling out a form on Bungie’s website. Participants must be at least 18 years of age and have a high-speed internet connection. The playtest will take place on August 26, 2023, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM PST. Players who participate in the playtest will be given exclusive access to the game and will be able to provide feedback to Bungie on the game’s development.
Dates
| Playtest Number | Playtest Date |
|---|---|
| Playtest 1 | June 13, 1994 |
| Playtest 2 | June 20, 1994 |
| Playtest 3 | June 27, 1994 |
| Playtest 4 | July 4, 1994 |
| Playtest 5 | July 11, 1994 |
| Playtest 6 | July 18, 1994 |
| Playtest 7 | July 25, 1994 |
| Playtest 8 | August 1, 1994 |
| Playtest 9 | August 8, 1994 |
Gameplay
Key Features:
- Gameplay:
- Fast-paced first-person shooter with aliens and zombies
- Focus on exploration, problem-solving, and strategic combat
- Level design emphasizes verticality and intricate environments
- Weapons:
- Variety of weapons including shotguns, needlers, and rocket launchers
- Each weapon has unique properties and ammo types
- Enemies:
- Diverse range of aliens, including Pfhor, S’pht, and Bobs
- Zombies provide a unique challenge with their swarming attacks
- Multiplayer:
- Supports cooperative and deathmatch modes
- Introduced innovative concepts such as the "Rocket Launcher Wars" mode
Feedback
-
Level Design:
- Levels were well-designed overall, but some areas felt too complex and maze-like.
- Lighting and texture issues occasionally made it difficult to navigate.
- Weapon placement could be improved for better flow and challenge.
-
Gameplay:
- AI behavior was mostly good, but some enemies were too aggressive or easy to exploit.
- Weapon balance was generally satisfactory, but some weapons felt underpowered.
- Player movement felt slow and clunky, especially when jumping.
-
Graphics:
- Visuals were impressive for the time, but some textures appeared blurry or distorted.
- Frame rate issues occurred occasionally, particularly during intense action sequences.
-
Story:
- Plot was engaging and well-written, but some missions felt disjointed or unrelated to the overall narrative.
- Character development could be further fleshed out to enhance player immersion.
-
Other Feedback:
- Sound effects and music were excellent, contributing to the game’s atmosphere.
- Menu and HUD navigation could be streamlined for better user experience.
- Bugs and glitches should be addressed to improve game stability.
Destiny 2 Playtest Sign Up
Bungie is inviting players to sign up for a playtest of the upcoming Destiny 2 expansion, Lightfall. The playtest will offer a sneak peek at new content, including the Neptune location, the new Strand subclass, and gameplay updates. Players can sign up via the official Destiny 2 website. The exact date and time of the playtest will be announced later.
Destiny 2 Playtest Weapons
In the recent Destiny 2 playtest, players had the opportunity to try out a variety of new weapons. These weapons included new Legendary, Exotic, and even Ritual weapons. Here is a summary of the most notable playtest weapons:
- Revision Zero (Exotic Pulse Rifle): A unique pulse rifle that can be customized with different firing modes and perks.
- Brigand’s Law (Legendary Hand Cannon): A high-impact hand cannon with a unique perk that grants bonus damage after a precision kill.
- Stars in Shadow (Legendary Fusion Rifle): A fusion rifle with a unique perk that grants bonus damage against targets at low health.
- Trespasser (Exotic Sidearm): A full-auto sidearm that fires nanite projectiles.
- Austringer (Legendary Hand Cannon): A rapid-fire hand cannon with a unique perk that grants bonus damage to precision kills.
- Trustee (Legendary Shotgun): A slug shotgun with a unique perk that grants bonus precision damage.
- Empirical Truth (Ritual Grenade Launcher): A grenade launcher with a unique perk that grants bonus damage against groups of enemies.
Destiny 2 Playtest Crucible
During the Destiny 2 playtest, the Crucible PvP mode was available with a selection of maps and game modes. Key observations and changes from the previous game included:
- New maps: Several new maps were introduced, offering diverse environments and strategic gameplay.
- Overhauled power system: The power level system was reduced and capped, creating a more balanced experience.
- Improved weapon feel: Weapons had improved handling, recoil patterns, and impact, resulting in more satisfying gunplay.
- Subclasses revamped: Each class received significant subclass reworks, offering new abilities and customization options.
- New game modes: Iron Banner and Countdown were added as new competitive game modes, challenging players with unique objectives.
- Matchmaking experience: Matchmaking was refined to prioritize skill-based matchmaking, reducing the likelihood of mismatched player levels.
Destiny 2 Playtest Raid
Destiny 2’s playtest raid provided insights into the game’s endgame content. Key takeaways include:
- Challenging Encounter Design: The raid featured unique and complex encounters that required coordination and execution.
- Looting System Discrepancies: The loot system was inconsistent, with some players receiving significantly more rewards than others.
- Technical Issues: The raid experienced occasional server issues and bugs that affected gameplay.
- Meaningful Progression: Completing the raid rewarded players with exclusive gear and cosmetics, fostering a sense of accomplishment.
- Communication and Discord: Teamwork and effective communication were essential for successful raid completion.
Destiny 2 Playtest Feedback
Positive Feedback:
- Praised for its improved graphics, smooth gameplay, and engaging combat.
- Gunplay felt satisfying and the ability to swap weapons quickly was appreciated.
- The addition of Stasis subclasses and new abilities was well-received.
- The new patrol zone, Europa, was praised for its vastness and interesting terrain.
Negative Feedback:
- Concerns were raised about the lack of end-game content and repetitive missions.
- Players expressed disappointment with the loot system, finding it too restrictive and unrewarding.
- The introduction of the vendor "Ada-1" was met with mixed reactions, with some players finding it overly complicated.
- The Crucible multiplayer mode was criticized for unbalanced matchmaking and lack of variety in maps.
Overall:
While Destiny 2 received positive feedback for its technical improvements and core gameplay, it faced criticism for its lack of end-game content, repetitive missions, and flawed loot system. The feedback highlighted areas that could be addressed for future improvements and expansions.
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