"The Finale in the Marathon Trilogy"

Bungie has assured us that, after this, we can't expect anything more from them in the Marathon Series. That's really too bad. But what a nice way to end it.

Not officially a sequel, Marathon Infinity runs off the same engine as Marathon 2, with a few add ons, namely Vaccuum Bobs, a new 0-Pressure gun, and all new textures, scenario, and plotline.

It's after Marathon 2, and things are getting really complicated. I mean, really. If you were at all confused by the plotlines of the first two chapters of the trilogy, I can guarantee you you will get confused fast here. It seems that Durandal, the rogue AI, wants to meld with an ancient Spht AI. The result is a trip through time and subconsious, that at sometimes gets so metaphysical and profound that it's really ironic that its a game in a genre so often noted for its mindlessness.

You must follow three different possible outcomes of the same timeline, and effect them all somehow. After you finish doing this, you'll be zapped into a "dream," where you must find your way out into the next "possibility," or be stuck in the same "possibility" again. The premise is clever, but a little confusing since it's never fully explained.. however, I think that's the point.

The graphics are more of the same from Marathon 2, except darker and moodier, more like an Alien Movie. The enemies look and react the same, except this time there are stronger and smarter breeds, and the inclusion of some bizarre dreamy terrain doesn't help matter much either. Play control is as tight as the original -- you can still look up and down and all around in 360 degrees, including your strafe and what not, though you still can't jump. :(

And, yes, multiplayer is back, including all the same modes from Marathon 2, including King of the Hill, Guy with the Ball, Teams, and of course, good old fashioned deathmatch.

Marathon Infinity is long. Its engaging. And, unlike other 1st person shooters, it will make you think. If you have a mac and nothing to do with it, I suggest you pick up the Mac Action Sack for 19.99 -- it includes the entire Marathon trilogy, as well as 3 other classic mac games from bungie. The Marathon Trilogy is a Mac Gamer's bible. Why don't you see what we were getting so into.

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 11/01/99, Updated 11/01/99