Evoking nostalgia as a worthy successor, Olden Era mostly charms players with its homage to Heroes III, offering a modernized take balanced with old mechanics. However, many highlight AI issues and a complex new systems that can affect enjoyment. While the multiplayer modes and graphical update add appeal, balance and technical problems persist, underscoring a need for further polish during its early access phase.

Player feedback on the game expresses extensive praise for its depth and replayability, criticisms of its complexity and difficult learning curve, and frustration at the high cost and necessity of DLCs. Despite its flaws, many find it highly engaging and recommendable for those interested in strategy and history, albeit with the caveat of its steep learning curve and expensive pricing model.

The overall sentiment towards Marathon is complex. While the gunplay and sound design receive considerable praise, the game's UI complexity and technical issues are major points of contention. The rich aesthetics and immersive soundscape attract players, but the frustration with the repetitive progression system and the steep learning curve for newcomers create a barrier to broad appeal. Those who enjoy extraction shooters may find much to enjoy, but the game presently struggles with fulfilling its potential, leaving players divided.

Overall, the sentiment for this game's early access release is largely positive but tempered with caution due to its early access state. Players are enthusiastic about the magical world and creature collecting systems. However, the presence of bugs and some clunky mechanics have led to frustration, particularly in multiplayer modes. The widespread appreciation for the cozy theme and encouraging immediate updates by developers contribute to a hopeful outlook for future improvements and content expansions.