It’s a rare sight when a game shakes up an established genre like first-person-shooters. Titanfall dares to break the “Modern Military” mold with its parkour fast-paced action and intense gameplay. Can a 6v6 multiplayer game with bots really be good as the hype? Can the team at Respawn Entertainment really create the next level of FPS? Strap yourselves in. Standby for Titanfall.
Two factions, the IMC “Government” and the Militia “Rebels” are at war. This is all you really need to know to enjoy Titanfall. Unlike its predecessors, Titanfall takes a different approach to its storytelling by having the player go through several multiplayer matches and showing you cut scenes in and between games. Unfortunately, it falls short in describing the narrative effectively. I never really knew what was happening story-wise as I was too focused on winning the match for my team. Most of the time the main characters would claim we’re trying to take an oil fuel base of some sort, but all I can perceive is capturing a base or racking up the kills.
As a gamer who enjoys a storyline (good or bad), I found myself unmotivated towards the last few levels and I highly accredit this failure on the lack of focus of the storyline. However, the concept’s fresh and unique, offering a more “rewarding” campaign to the user to unlock weaponry and abilities while trying their best to understand the plot. This concept’s one I hope they continue to use, but improve upon in future installments.
The Xbox One’s graphical limitations at the time of this video’s creation is disappointing, but the game shines better with the myriad of explosions and action that’s taking place. Graphical snobs, however, may want to look towards the PC variant of this game, as the PC version is not limited. The game feels visually similar to most games of this genre, and isn’t anything to take home. Nevertheless, the game seems to focus on what has made it so popular: the gameplay.
Not since the days of Quake and Unreal Tournament have we seen a modern take of a true-fast paced multiplayer as this. From your first epic leap from your ship, to wall-running and jumping onto an enemy titan, Titanfall provides a sound action-packed match every single time.
The 6v6 game mode is actually quite decent with the amount of NPC and bots that battle alongside you. Providing the cannon fodder gives an easier transition to newcomers and a strategic advantage to the seasoned pilots. Ultimately, the bots help add emphasis that this isn’t a squad vs. squad battle but a full on army vs. army scenario.
The ability to parkour makes this game stand out from the rest and adds height into the equation. Mobility is king in this game, and offers little reward for campers. Titanfall also provides for a seamless transition from a twitch shooter like Battlefield and Call of Duty into a Halo-esque consistency shooter when you’re piloting the titan – something that most FPS games have not been able to combine.
The audio’s clean and the moment you call in your Titan to the battle you can just feel the drop coming in. Titanfall’s music producer and veteran of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare and Metal Gear Solid, Stephen Barton, prides the game’s soundtrack as kinetic and an accessory to the gameplay. That’s a befitting description since the soundtrack playing in each match is filled with great energy, but unfortunately, it lack a memorability.
Titanfall makes a great early title for the Xbox One and a great action-packed PC game. Where the game lacks in story, it makes up for in fun multiplayer matches that will have you dropping in time and time again. The variations in the titans and how you can play them adds a special dynamic to those looking for a slower or faster gaming pace. And with new DLC debuting at $25 for the season pass, Titanfall’s looking to be a solid purchase for gamers itching for something new.