Reviews

Newest Reviews

I've sampled all three soundtrack plugins and this is definitely the best one. Interesting use of leitmotifs to enhance the music and I like the attention given to which levels get what track.

  • Currently 3/5 Stars.

Skybox Textures Not Working Marathon Durandal XBLA HD Graphics SuperPlugin

Sem on Apr 18th, 2025, Version 2.3

For whatever reason the landscapes are not working.

  • Currently 2/5 Stars.

Music Plugins Don't Work Windows 95 Map File

Sem on Apr 17th, 2025, Version 1.0

Because of the "merge", the checksum of the map file is different from the original. So any plugins that check for the Win95 map file specifically will not work with this.

  • Currently 4/5 Stars.

One Snag FloatingX

Sem on Apr 15th, 2025, Version 1.4.1

I love the way this HUD looks, but it is entirely incompatible with the Enhanced HUD crosshairs.

  • Currently 5/5 Stars.

It feels like the very first time. Apotheosis X

Chris on Apr 8th, 2025, Version 1.1

Apotheosis is an absolute Masterclass in Marathon scenario creation. From the first step to the sprint at the finish line, my jaw was on the floor and eyebrows on the ceiling! The scenario is so well thought out, planned, and executed - not to mention stunningly beautiful (to the eye and ear) - that it took me right back to my initial run-throughs of Bungie's Trilogy. Palms sweating, gasping for air, praying for a nearby Save Terminal, or 1x powerup, all while masterfully being guided through the amazingly crafted levels. Zero fluff, every level a breathtaking Masterpiece, expertly rationed ammo and supplies, an engaging story, and enough baddies to wear your fingers to the bone. All of this, in a brand new environment filled with the most apropos textures and scenery objects. I cannot tell you how many times I just stopped and stared at the beauty before me. The cartography, lighting, and atmosphere instantly pulled me right in, and I was there. Truly an unforgettable gaming experience. The all new weapons and sprites were the icing on the cake. Again, so well thought out, planned, and executed - with balance - kudos to the entire team. "What the hell was that?!" (that ran across the catwalk)... "Are those buildings glowing blue?!"... "Did the floor just drop out!?!"... so many sensational and thrilling moments, it took me right back to the mid 90's, and it felt like the very first time.

Thank you for the outstanding gaming experience, my hat's off to the entire team for all you have created.

Sincerely, ...Borzz

  • Currently 5/5 Stars.

Amazing scenario Tempus Irae Redux (2025)

Dylan_Dog on Mar 21st, 2025, Version 1.0

Took me hostage for a good four days

  • Currently 5/5 Stars.

Mamma mia! Tempus Irae Redux (2025)

hypersleep on Mar 19th, 2025, Version 1.0

In Tempus Irae you play the role of a heavily armed Vitruvian Man helping Leonardo da Vinci track down his missing tax receipts while 3 eyed Italians attempt to swat you with brooms. (Description generated by AI).

Seriously though, the original Tempus Irae is one of the seminal works in the world of Marathon scenarios, Nardo threw down the gauntlet in a big way, back when we were all just learning how. This update is a beautiful and faithful modernisation of that brilliant work. It's absolutely worth experiencing once more, or for the first time.

  • Currently 1/5 Stars.

fiasco All NEFX Marathon/Aleph One inventions

patrick on Feb 27th, 2025, Version 2025-02-10

soliciting reviews: minus one star

omitting my review from the promised total carnage readthrough: minus one star

purging my review from simplici7y along with the entire nefx historical record: minus one star

reducing simplici7y to a splash page for the internet archive: minus one star

those loved by nefx today, beware

it was not ever

it will not always

  • Currently 5/5 Stars.

Jjaro is a BIG univers! Marathon Jjaro

patrick on Feb 18th, 2025, Version 1.0beta2

i downloaded ale phone jp just to play it

  • Currently 5/5 Stars.

One of my all time favorites Gemini Station

Mazaro on Feb 4th, 2025, Version 2.0

I can honestly totally understand the negative reviews, but this scenario absolutely BLEW MY MIND with its plot, labyrinthine design and overall mysteriousness when I was roughly age 12. It is indeed VERY hard, and I'm honestly amazed it was so difficult to find where to go even though I've played it before and I'm 2 decades older now. Though it can be frustrating, in my opinion it is off the charts creatively and truly incorporates design choices I've never seen elsewhere, many devices I'd never have even considered despite developing for Marathon for my entire lifetime. To respond to what others have said - no, A1 didn't break the scenario, it already had its very inconvenient, unforgiving style and very difficult battles.

  • Currently 5/5 Stars.

Thank you Excalibur: Morgana's Revenge AlephOne-compatible patch

Mazaro on Feb 4th, 2025, Version beta1

I really appreciate this! It worked first try, and this game is one of my all time nostalgic favs.

  • Currently 4/5 Stars.

Joy to the World Marathon 2: Jolly

Zott on Dec 30th, 2024, Version Jolly

I like the idea! Got a chuckle looking at the Shapes in ShapesFusion.

Unfortunately, I kept getting 'Out of RAM' errors whenever trying to run a map with this Shapes. So I didn't really experience the joy in-game. :(

  • Currently 5/5 Stars.

Awsome Durandal Done Different (demo)

NovusXcell on Nov 20th, 2024, Version 1

Very Good Demo.

  • Currently 5/5 Stars.

Unusual Combat Kindred Spirits

Dylan_Dog on Nov 15th, 2024, Version

After finishing KTA4 and Phoenix I had to stuff my face with some more Ryoko maps and this came in clutch. This scenario uses no AR and has pretty unorthodox progression. Not as convoluted as the other reviews say, methinks. Also has a lot of funny references to Rubicon so maybe you might want to play this after you've played that first

  • Currently 5/5 Stars.

Simple perfection Kill Them All IV

Dylan_Dog on Nov 3rd, 2024, Version 1.00

Highlights Marathon Infinity's weapon balance and enemy design. No reason not to play this if you're at all a fan of Marathon combat.

  • Currently 4/5 Stars.

Elegant and technical-looking Basic HUD

Dylan_Dog on Oct 30th, 2024, Version 1.2

If I have a particular complaint, it is that the health/oxygen bars have a strange clipping at their edges (even and most notably when they are full). Although, I wonder if this is at all fixable...

EDIT: setting the size to Normal slightly mitigates the issue, but is no fix.

  • Currently 5/5 Stars.

It's peam Apotheosis X

Dylan_Dog on Oct 30th, 2024, Version 1.1

Beautiful sprites and mapping. Nice combat on TC. Weapons that feel straight out of Unreal Tournament in the best possible way. Can feel quite different from regular Marathon at times, but perhaps that is more to its credit than anything else.

  • Currently 5/5 Stars.

Marathon doesn't get much better than this Marathon Phoenix

Dylan_Dog on Oct 30th, 2024, Version 1.4.2

Arcadey feel combined with the long breaths typical of Marathon campaigns, combat polished to an absolute fault and with its own identity, plain old good mapping and a satisfying arsenal. Everything garnished with a fairly good story that explains various new gameplay elements in an immersive way and provides awesome setpieces to play through, as well as great balance even and especially on Total Carnage. I see very little reason not to treat yourself to this scenario if you are able to.

  • Currently 4/5 Stars.

Quote Unquote Nightclub Prototype

patrick on Oct 24th, 2024, Version 1.0

i've been waiting for this ever since DOUCHEMAPS dropped

  • Currently 4/5 Stars.

Fun Levels Deus Volt!

erichotz on Oct 15th, 2024, Version 1.2

I played these levels long ago and playing them again was enjoyable. I like the details, architecture, and the clever designs. These levels are not easy but require thought before running in. I found the replaying these levels to be good. I hope you can design more. This package is well worth playing. It certainly captures the marathon flavor and action.