Steam users surprised with iconic free game you can download and keep now

The word “iconic” gets bandied about a lot. However, when we say this free game falls into that category, we really mean it.

Steam has surprised retro gaming fans by adding this old school favourite into its free games library.

When this title originally launched – all the way back in 1994 – it was innovative in its approach to narrative progression and storytelling.

This FPS had “foundational influence on the genre” we know today, and as such, will likely be a must-play for many of you reading this.

Gamers rejoice, for you can play the original Marathon via Steam’s free Classic Marathon download.

The sounds, the aesthetic – oh, Classic Marathon is a dream come true!

“Alien forces have boarded the colony ship UESC Marathon in the Tau Ceti system, in orbit around humanity’s first interstellar colony.”

The synopsis continues, “The situation is dire, and as a security officer assigned to the Marathon, your duty is to defend the ship and its crew from the alien threat.”

Even after all this time, it still delivers an action-packed experience.

“This is an amazing fps with an amazing in-depth story and lore if you can get behind a little reading. Marathon is basically DOOM but good,” reviewed one player.

Another said, “I love the fact that I can play this game again. This is a game that will make you think, from combat pacing and weapon management to platform puzzles. The story is rich and nuanced.”

Most of the Steam reviews you’ll find are “very positive”, meaning there’s really no reason not to give this Bungie classic a try.

It might not be a PC game you fall in love with, but it will show you where “the idea all started from” in regards to Halo and Destiny.

Embrace the blocky, harsh-on-the-eyes graphics and go back in time to the early 90s. There’s not a single Furby in sight, but there are lots of enemies.