Marathon 2: Durandal

About

Marathon 2: Durandal is a first-person shooter that follows a spacefaring commando trapped on a hostile starship. You navigate labyrinthine corridors and alien ruins, battling competing factions of synthetics and organic enemies. Combat leans on varied weapon modes, limited inventory management, and the occasional ally to thin crowds. The story unfolds through terminal logs and environmental clues, detailing a struggle for control of a derelict civilization's secrets. Later ports add co-op and multiplayer modes, letting you team up or clash with others on the same screen or online. The game’s age shows in its 2.5D visuals but its design remains sharp. The Xbox 360 version boosts frame rates and adds high-res support, smoothing out older hitches. With its focus on tactical gunplay and shifting enemy dynamics, it carved out a niche ahead of its time. A single "wholesome" community vote hints at its cult following, players drawn to its deliberate pacing and layered lore. Not many shooters from 1995 still feel this functional.

Storyline

After your successful mission on the starship Marathon, you find yourself under the control of the rogue computer Durandal, who compels you to carry out tasks in a remote region of the galaxy. Your objective is to explore the remains of an ancient civilization, locate the remnants of a lost clan, and unveil their hidden knowledge. Prepare yourself for encounters with formidable and ancient adversaries, armed with advanced weaponry and cunning tactics. Throughout your journey, you must strive to survive the nightmarish alien environment and find a way to break free from Durandal's grip.