Identity Crisis

After playing around 20 hours of the Alpha, it clicked in my mind of what's wrong with Marathon...

They aren't making an extraction shooter.

They are attempting to make a classic Bungie competitive multiplayer/PvP game, couched within an extraction shooter framework. It's clear from the gameplay in the alpha that a ton of work was put into making the PvP engagements feel tight and balanced and have that typical Bungie flavor of combat. Especially for players coming off of Destiny. However, it's clear that in focusing so hard on that aspect of the game, the extraction shooter elements were sidelined. But in their mind that's ok. They've been clear they don't want to take players away from tarkov or other hardcore extraction shooters. So then they need to be clear about the product they're pitching the consumers:

This is a less hardcore experience with a focus on tight/balanced PvP engagements with a rich narrative lurking behind the scenes.

Even after enjoying my 20 hours with the game, I have been left wondering.... What's the hook? Why am I coming back?

I'm not building a custom character. Progression is solely based on stat and ability upgrades. I have no home base to upgrade. And given the structure of an extraction shooter and losing loot, it feels near impossible to get to a point where I'm making any meaningful builds.

I'm thoroughly enjoy the gunplay and matches on and of themselves feel tense and fun. But without something to really draw me in long term, I'm wondering what the hook for the game is. Why am I going to invest long term in this game?

Bungie doesn't realize I think that the solid mechanics of the shooting and gameplay will only carry people so far in the modern era of games. Back in the halo 2 or 3 days sure, I sunk hours into just PvP with no long term progression. But people need more now. The state of games have changed. I'm not sure Bungie realizes that.