Games like Marathon on Xbox
3 of the 4 modern alternatives to Marathon (1994) run on Xbox. The cheapest is Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun at € 21,99. 2 are made by independent developers.
Xbox has the strongest backwards-compatibility programme of any console, so a large number of original Xbox and Xbox 360 games run natively on current hardware. Add Game Pass and the steady stream of retro-styled indies and the coverage is broad.
Prices, platform availability and Steam Deck compatibility can change at any time. Always check the store page before buying.
Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun Indie
€ 21,99A sprite-based retro shooter with heavy weapons and dense corridors, unashamedly 90s.
Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun is also an alternative to 1 other classic
Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun runs on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch. Not available on Mac, Linux, iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet. It is Steam Deck Verified.
Prodeus Indie
€ 24,99A modern shooter with retro sprites, meaty guns and a level editor.
Prodeus is also an alternative to 3 other classics
Prodeus runs on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch. Not available on Mac, Linux, iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet. It is Steam Deck Playable.
Halo: The Master Chief Collection
€ 39,99Six Halo games from the same studio that made Marathon, carrying its story-and-terminal DNA.
Halo: The Master Chief Collection is also an alternative to 4 other classics
Halo: The Master Chief Collection runs on PC, Xbox. Not available on Mac, Linux, iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet, PlayStation, Switch. It is Steam Deck Playable.
Not on Xbox
These alternatives to Marathon are listed on the main page, but do not run on Xbox:
All 4 games like Marathon