SDCC 2016: Hands-on first impressions with Titanfall 2 multiplayer

 

When Respawn Entertainment first announced the original Titanfall back in 2014, it was slated by many to be the next big thing in FPS. Unfortunately, that wasn’t so much true, as it was quite the opposite. Even though it was well-received and a fairly balanced multiplayer game, lack of multiplayer modes and a single-player campaign were just a few of the nuances that plagued the title. That and being exclusive to only Microsoft and the Xbox One (yes there was a 360 port that came later).

Fast-forward 2 years later, and Respawn is back again with the second iteration in the series, Titanfall 2. This time around, they’re boasting a myriad of changes, mostly going off of the many qualms gamers had from the first title. A big part of that was going multi-platform to PC and PS4 as well as Xbox One. At this year’s San Diego Comic-Con, I got a chance to play some multiplayer and see if Respawn has made good on their delivery.

Before I start, I will state that I’ve had the original Titanfall from just after it released, and have played through its many patches and updates, so I know a thing or two about the game.

Jumping In

Starting off, I was greeted with a similar loadout screen that veterans (much less any FPS player) will be familiar with. There were only 3 preset classes to choose from as well as 2 different Titans. I rolled with the rifleman class most of the time, as it’s my go-to for run-and-gun gameplay. Instantly, you get dropped into the Call of Duty-esque fast-paced gameplay.

We did battle on a map called Boomtown, and played the game type where you had to hold control points to score. Among the 5 players on the other team we were up against, were all of the grunts and Spectre robots littered across the map. The game itself feels a bit faster than the original, which truly sets it at the top of the twitch shooter list.

I got a chance to play around with a brand-new game mechanic added to pilots, which is the inclusion of a grappling hook. Now this was probably my favorite part of playing. Not only could I use it to grapple to higher places in the map, but it’s true utilization comes through when facing off against an enemy Titan.

Latching onto to one is akin to trying to ride a bucking bronco. If the Titan is moving around, it will swing you around in the air as you try to reel yourself in. I must say that corralling a Titan then proceeding to destroy it in one fell swoop is one of the most satisfying things ever.

I can’t actually tell you what it was like piloting the newer Titans as I never got into one. Now that’s not to say that I never got my Titan. I always had it following me around for the sole purpose of acting as a buffer/distraction as I wrangled enemy mechs.

Even though there’s not much to say that’s new, the game feels great. The controls are very fluent and responsive, as they should be. Respawn has done a great job essentially polishing and adding some bells and whistles to what was already a decent title. I can’t wait to see what else the game has to offer in terms of customization and new features.

Titanfall 2 hits stores on October 28th for Xbox One, PS4 and PC.

from Nerd Reactor