Bungie’s Marathon Reveal Cinematic Short: A Mini Sci-Fi Movie with Stunning Animation
Just as AAA studios are cutting budgets left, right and centre, Bungie’s gone and broken the mold. It brought in an Oscar-winning director for its Marathon reveal cinematic, and it looks incredible.
The Cinematic Short
Gamers have been divided over the vibrant colours and glitchy Wipeout-influenced art style of Bungie’s new Marathon game. The verdict on the new reveal cinematic short should be less contentious. Calling it a ‘reveal cinematic short’ is really underselling it. This is a mini sci-fi movie with stunning animation, an intimate narrative – and, yes, a lot of killing.
Background and Premise
The game’s premise is that runners transfer their consciousnesses into cybernetic 3D bodies to be dropped onto Tau Ceti IV. Most seem to meet quick and vivid ends, after which their psyche returns to their host body. They are then shown objects of emotional importance to anchor them to their actual bodies.
Art and Direction
The cinematic was written and directed by the Spanish director Alberto Mielgo, who won the Best Animated Short Film Oscar for The Windshield Wiper in 2021. He’s known for his work as art director on Disney’s Tron: Uprising and for directing the animated short The Witness in Netflix’s Love, Death & Robots anthology.
Alberto’s style is visible in the blend of photorealism and abstraction, vibrant colors, clean light and the rich detail. It does feel like it could be an episode of Love, Death and Robots. There’s a touch of Cronenberg in the piece, which becomes genuinely moving at times as well as offering plenty of shocks and sensory overload.
Reception
Some fans were were worried about the new Marathon game being a hero shooter (and looking very different from the originals) are now saying they’re happy to at least get this piece of art, regardless of how the game turns out, and I’m not the only one suggesting it deserves to be a full sci-fi series.
Release Date
The new Marathon will be released on 23 September 2025. You can wishlist it on Steam.
Conclusion
Bungie’s Marathon reveal cinematic short is a stunning piece of animation that sets the scene for the game’s background and premise. With its vibrant colors, rich detail, and intimate narrative, it’s a must-watch for fans of sci-fi and animation.
FAQs
Q: What is the premise of the new Marathon game?
A: The game’s premise is that runners transfer their consciousnesses into cybernetic 3D bodies to be dropped onto Tau Ceti IV.
Q: Who directed the Marathon reveal cinematic short?
A: The cinematic was written and directed by Alberto Mielgo, an Oscar-winning director.
Q: When will the new Marathon game be released?
A: The new Marathon will be released on 23 September 2025.
Q: Can I wishlist the game on Steam?
A: Yes, you can wishlist the game on Steam.
