Marathon Marathon

Gaming

Marathon review: You will lose everything but queue again

Brutal runs, high-stakes firefights, and a loop that punishes you into coming back.

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You don’t drop into Marathon expecting mercy. You drop in expecting silence—broken only by the scrape of boots on alien metal and the echo of your own breath inside a suit that feels one size too tight. Every run is a gamble. Every corridor feels like a question you aren’t ready to answer.

In Marathon, you’re not the hero. You’re a runner—hungry, ambitious, expendable. Extraction isn’t guaranteed. Survival is never promised. What you carry out is what you earn.

First taste? Yeah, it bites back

Marathon

A quick disclaimer: Marathon is my first extraction shooter. I’ve spent plenty of time with first- and third-person hero shooters, so I’m not new to the “shooter with abilities” formula—but this is a different beast entirely.

My first few runs were brutal. Extraction shooters introduce a level of tension I wasn’t prepared for. Losing everything on death raises the stakes in a way few other genres do. Fighting UESC bots alone is already challenging—their AI is surprisingly aggressive and reactive—but once you factor in other players who will shoot you on sight, the experience quickly becomes overwhelming.

First run, first lesson: Nothing is yours

Marathon

My first deployment was on Perimeter with two random teammates. We spawned near the Hauler, a massive land vehicle on the west side of the map. Not knowing what we were getting into, we went inside—only to find it packed with UESC bots.

Our team’s Destroyer, the tank of the group, went down first, though not without taking a few enemies with him. As the Triage—Marathon’s support/healer role—it fell on me to revive him. I managed to clear the remaining bots, but burned through all my ammo and consumables in the process.

My reboot ability, which allows for ranged revives, wasn’t ready yet, so I attempted a manual revive. That’s when a UESC ghost appeared out of nowhere and dropped me in two shots from behind.

With both of us down—reduced to loot bags—it was up to our Assassin, who had been lurking nearby. He popped a smoke screen, revived me first, and dropped a couple of patch kits. I immediately used my reboot ability on the Destroyer, grabbed a kit, and deployed my healing drone. Somehow, we stabilized.

We cleared the Hauler, looted better gear, and decided to extract early. But on the way to exfil, another team ambushed us. The fight wasn’t even close—we were wiped instantly.

Then came that dreaded screen: elimination, along with a breakdown of everything we’d just lost.

That moment defined Marathon for me.

The game doesn’t need to cheat—you’ll die anyway

The UESC bots are no joke. Some strafe and dodge gunfire, others rush you down with melee attacks, and some will snipe you from rooftops with lethal precision. There are grenadiers that bombard you relentlessly, shielded elites that soak damage, and ghosts that move quickly and unpredictably.

Each map also features a Warden boss—something you absolutely shouldn’t underestimate. I learned that the hard way.

Beyond bots, there are additional threats like Ticks, turrets, and drones. Environmental hazards are just as dangerous: toxin plants, explosive claymores, heat cascades, and frost rooms can all end a run if you’re careless.

Loud, neon, and unapologetically weird

As a fan of cyberpunk and utilitarian sci-fi, I love Marathon’s visual style. It won’t appeal to everyone, but it’s undeniably distinct.

Where many shooters lean into muted palettes and desolate landscapes, Marathon goes in the opposite direction—bold, high-contrast visuals with rich neon tones. It’s a risky choice, but it pays off. The aesthetic not only stands out but also reinforces the game’s tone and identity.

If you’re not listening, you’re already dead

The audio design is one of Marathon’s strongest elements. The soundtrack is filled with high-energy tracks that heighten tension, and subtle shifts in music often signal danger before you even see it.

Sound cues are everything here. Sprinting produces loud, unmistakable footsteps. Even walking can give you away if you’re not careful. Crouch-walking is quieter, but not silent—nearby players can still hear you.

Everything makes noise. Opening containers, interacting with objects, even doors—especially doors. The larger they are, the louder they sound. I’ve never paid this much attention to audio in a shooter before, and Marathon trains you to listen or die.

The guns? Yeah, they carry this game

Gunplay is easily the highlight of the experience.

At launch, Marathon features 28 weapons across eight categories, covering everything from close-quarters combat to long-range engagements. Standouts include the M77 Assault Rifle, V75 Scar, Bully SMG, V22 Volt Thrower, Demolition LMG, WSTR Combat Shotgun, Longshot sniper, Ares RG Railgun, and the V11 Punch pistol.

Weapons can be heavily customized with mods and attachments that don’t just tweak stats—they fundamentally change how guns behave. Putting a stack overflow mod chip on a WSTR Combat Shotgun suddenly gives you four bullets instead of two. Unique gold mods like the Overcharge Lens for the V22 Volt Thrower turn the SMG into Halo’s Needler.

The result is a system that rewards experimentation and mastery. PvP encounters feel incredibly satisfying once you get the hang of it—landing headshots, timing abilities, and outplaying opponents creates moments that keep you coming back.

Great style, messy menus

Visually, the UI aligns well with the game’s aesthetic. The UX, however, needs improvement.

Inventory management can be frustrating. Many items look nearly identical, and mods often differ only slightly in appearance. You’re forced to hover over items and read tooltips to distinguish them—something that feels at odds with the game’s fast-paced, high-risk nature.

In a game where every second matters, clarity is crucial. I’ve lost runs simply because I was stuck comparing item tooltips mid-loot.

Additionally, some font choices feel inconsistent and occasionally jarring, which further impacts readability.

It punishes you—and that’s the point

Marathon

Marathon is not a game that welcomes you—it tests you. It punishes hesitation, rewards awareness, and demands that you learn quickly or lose everything.

As a first-time extraction shooter player, the experience was overwhelming at first, even frustrating. But beneath that harsh learning curve is something deeply compelling. The tension of every run, the satisfaction of a successful extraction, and the adrenaline of unpredictable encounters create a loop that’s hard to walk away from.

Its strengths are clear: tight, satisfying gunplay, exceptional audio design, and a bold visual identity that sets it apart from its peers. At the same time, it isn’t without flaws. The UI/UX friction, particularly around inventory management, can actively work against the player in critical moments.

But maybe that friction is part of what defines Marathon. It’s not just about surviving the map—it’s about managing risk, making fast decisions, and accepting that sometimes, you’ll lose it all anyway.

And yet, you queue up again.

Not because it’s forgiving—but because it isn’t.

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Gaming

KINGDOM HEARTS Collection [I–III] now available on PS5, Switch 2

All-in-one collection launches

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October 17, 2026

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KINGDOM HEARTS Collection [I-III]

The KINGDOM HEARTS Collection [I–III] is now available on PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch 2, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Bandai Namco Entertainment Asia and Square Enix announced the collection’s launch on October 15, 2026, alongside the release of physical editions for PS5 and Nintendo Switch 2 in Southeast Asia.

The collection bundles three releases: KINGDOM HEARTS -HD 1.5+2.5 ReMIX-, KINGDOM HEARTS HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue, and KINGDOM HEARTS III + Re Mind (DLC). These include multiple games and cinematic compilations from the franchise, offering newcomers and returning fans a convenient way to experience Sora’s adventures.

The collection is available on Nintendo Switch 2, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Steam, Xbox on PC, and the Epic Games Store. Individual titles are also available, while KINGDOM HEARTS -HD 1.5+2.5 ReMIX- will be available natively on the original Nintendo Switch.

Try Kingdom Hearts III for free

Newcomers can also try the free KINGDOM HEARTS III + Re Mind (DLC) demo on Nintendo Switch 2. It features two playable sections inspired by Disney’s Hercules and Disney-Pixar’s Toy Story.

Progress from the opening section through the early stages of Olympus carries over to the full game. However, save data from the Toy Box section does not transfer.

The Nintendo Switch 2 version also supports Japanese voiceovers through a separately downloadable Japanese Voice Pack DLC.

Platform-exclusive Keyblades

Players who purchase eligible editions of the collection or KINGDOM HEARTS III + Re Mind (DLC) can receive a platform-exclusive Keyblade.

  • Nintendo Switch 2: Long Night
  • PlayStation 5: Midnight Blue
  • Xbox Series X|S: Phantom Green

The physical edition requires an internet connection to download additional game data. Digital pre-orders on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S also included 48-hour early access.

Players who own digital versions of the games on Nintendo Switch (Cloud Version), PS4, or Xbox One are eligible for discounts on digital purchases of the corresponding releases on Nintendo Switch 2, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S.

Nintendo Switch Cloud Version owners can also transfer their save data to Nintendo Switch 2. Other platforms do not support save data transfers.

The KINGDOM HEARTS series will celebrate its 25th anniversary in 2027.

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Entertainment

LE SSERAFIM Sakura recommends this game to a fan

A Square Enix title for Switch 2

Published

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October 16, 2026

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LE SSERAFIM Sakura | Torneko's Mystery Dungeon
LE SSERAFIM Sakura @39saku_chan on Instagram | Torneko's Mystery Dungeon

LE SSERAFIM member Sakura has a game recommendation for Nintendo Switch 2 owners, and it is an unexpected pick for fans looking for something to play.

During a fan send-off at the group’s PUREFLOW tour stop in Newark, New Jersey, a FEARNOT reportedly asked Sakura which Switch 2 game she would recommend. She pointed the fan toward Torneko’s Mystery Dungeon, a classic RPG from Square Enix.

The Newark concert took place at the Prudential Center on October 8, 2026. The game Sakura mentioned is now available internationally as Dragon Quest Heroes: Torneko’s Mystery Dungeon -Classic HD-.

What is Torneko’s Mystery Dungeon about?

The game follows Torneko Taloon, a merchant from Dragon Quest IV who dreams of becoming the world’s greatest weapons dealer.

Torneko hears rumors of a mysterious dungeon filled with incredible treasures. He ventures inside to collect valuable items, bring them home, and expand his shop.

The premise is straightforward, but surviving the dungeon is another story. Each expedition brings a new layout, different items, and new monsters. Torneko must make it out alive if he wants to keep the treasures he finds.

Source: Official Dragon Quest website

What kind of game is it?

Torneko’s Mystery Dungeon is a turn-based roguelike dungeon crawler with RPG and resource-management elements.

Every step counts as a turn. When Torneko moves, enemies move too. Players must decide when to fight, when to use items, and when to retreat. Poor decisions can quickly turn a promising run into a disaster.

Death also carries a hefty penalty. Torneko loses the items collected during a failed expedition and returns to the first floor at Level 1. However, successfully bringing items home helps expand his shop and provides a sense of long-term progression.

The game originally debuted in Japan in 1993. Its Classic HD release brings the pioneering dungeon crawler to international audiences with updated visuals, an official English localization, and adjustable difficulty options.

The game is available on Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.

Source: Nintendo

How long does it take to beat?

According to HowLongToBeat estimates reported by M4 Games, the main story takes around 7.5 hours to complete. A playthrough that includes additional content takes approximately 16 hours.

Those estimates offer a useful starting point, but the game’s procedural dungeons and punishing mechanics can affect how long individual players need to finish it.

Source: M4 Games

What do critics and players think?

Torneko’s Mystery Dungeon -Classic HD- has received a mixed-to-positive response from critics.

Review aggregator listings put its critical reception around the high 60s to low 70s out of 100, depending on the platform and the aggregator. RPGFan awarded it an 80/100, praising its strategic dungeon runs, charming Dragon Quest monsters, and satisfying progression.

However, the game also shows its age. Critics have pointed to dated presentation, limited quality-of-life improvements, and pacing issues. Its demanding mechanics may also frustrate players who prefer more modern, forgiving roguelikes.

The general sentiment is that the core gameplay remains engaging, particularly for fans of classic RPGs and dungeon crawlers. However, this is a 1993 game at heart, and its remaster does not completely modernize the experience.

Sources: RPGFan, CriticDB, Steam player reviews

Would you play it because of the game or because of Sakura?

Let’s be honest. A recommendation from Sakura might be enough to make some FEARNOTs curious about a game they would otherwise overlook.

From a gameplay perspective, Torneko’s Mystery Dungeon -Classic HD- offers a glimpse into the roots of a genre that continues to thrive today. Its turn-based combat, randomly generated dungeons, and risk-reward loop could appeal to players who enjoy methodical RPGs.

Still, the game isn’t necessarily for everyone. Its old-school design and punishing mechanics may require some patience, especially for players accustomed to more modern dungeon crawlers.

Personally, I’d be tempted to give it a shot because of Sakura. 👀

Whether the game itself can keep me playing is another question. But if a FEARNOT is looking for a new Switch 2 game and Sakura recommends this one, that might be reason enough to take a closer look.

Would you play Torneko’s Mystery Dungeon because of the gameplay, or because Sakura recommended it?

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Gaming

Just Dance: Decades of Hits out now, with 35 iconic songs across eras

Travel through time and share the joy of rediscovering iconic moments

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October 14, 2026

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Just Dance: Decades of Hits is officially out now on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.

This gives players the opportunity to have unforgettable moments of fun with friends and family as the title brings every era to one dance floor.

Just Dance: Decades of Hits brings together 35 iconic songs across six different decades into one title.

Here’s the complete list:

1970s

  • Mamma Mia by ABBA
  • Come and Get Your Love by The Heartliners
  • ABC by Groove Century
  • Crocodile Rock by Elton John
  • The Singing Garden by Hyacinth

1980s

  • It’s Tricky by RUN DMC
  • Uptown Girl by Billy Joel
  • Into the Groove by Madonna
  • Jump by Metal Russell
  • Celebration by Equinox Stars

1990s

  • Wannabe by Spice Girls
  • Just A Girl by No Doubt
  • Around the World by Daft Punk
  • Sing Hallelujah! by Dr. Alban
  • Coconut by SMiLE.dk

2000s

  • Stronger by Britney Spears
  • Bye Bye Bye by *NSYNC
  • No Scrubs by TLC
  • Feel Good Inc. by Gorillaz
  • Starlight by The Superman Lovers (feat Mani Hoffman)
  • In Too Deep – Sum 41

2010s

  • Turn Down for What by DJ Snake & Lil Jon
  • Danza Kuduro by Don Omar feat. Lucenzo
  • Hello by Martein Solveig & Dragonette
  • Santa Tell Me by Ariana Grande
  • Give Me Everything by Pitbull featuring Ne-Yo, Afrojack and Nayer

2020s

  • Manchild by Sabrina Carpenter
  • NUEVAYoL by Bad Bunny
  • Midnight Sun by Zara Larsson
  • drop dead by Olivia Rodrigo
  • MORE & MORE by TWICE
  • HOT TO GO! By Chappell Roan
  • Across All Time by Lyra Gigavolt
  • Supersonic by Lyra Gigavolt
  • Hi Lyfe by Cult of Sound

New Adventure Mode

Aside from the songs and visuals, an all-new Adventure Mode is likewise included. These experiences are all designed to immerse players in the spirit that made each decade unforgettable, from the funky ’70s disco floors and electrifying ’80s rock scene to the glossy 2000s pop and beyond.

The game lets players travel through time and share the joy of rediscovering iconic moments with friends and family.

The game’s Nintendo Switch 2 Edition will release on November 10. Meanwhile, those who own both Decades of Hits and the 2023-2026 editions of Just Dance will be able to access all their songs in one place on the same console.

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