Titanfall Preview

Titanfall dropped in as a seemingly smash hit with it's announcement gameplay trailer at E3. Since then the game has had nothing but positive reactions from the gaming community. Jason West and Vince Zampella, who were originally known for the development of Infinity Ward, founded Respawn Entertainment. Using the funding provided by EA, they started off with their first project called Titanfall. This game seems like an ordinary first person shooter at first glance, but with the addition to special abilities, fast and fluent free running, and the use of giant mechs called titans, it takes on a new perspective of how shooters should be played.

Although the titans seem overpowered, they do have their advantages and disadvantages making everything in the game very well balanced. While the titans can withstand a beating and have heavy gun power, the soldiers will be able to get to certain vantage points and use weapons specifically to take out these monstrous machines. Players will even be able to take the risk of jumping on these titans and shoot at their wiring to do much more damage to it, leaving it helpless. Unless the pilot of the titan has certain perks that allow it to defend itself from these attacks.

Each players can customize their pilots after a certain level. They can choose their weapon, weapon attachments, abilities, and their titans abilities. All abilities give advantages to help the team win. Leveling up will unlock more weapons and abilities. Completing challenges will increase the player's XP and also reward players with burn cards. A burn card gives players a special ability they can use only once and will only stay active until death.

Gameplay feels polished and strategic. The AI interacts with players to either give them strategic advice or create a randomly generated event that makes the battle seem all too real.  There are teams of 6 players who will be accompanied by multiple waves of AI to fight each other. Players will be rewarded more points when they kill another player rather than an AI. Some of the AIs are robots called specters that you can hack to take control of and make an ally.

The maps are very well made. Each part of the map can provide tactical advantage on the enemy. Whether it be for cover, high ground, or running from the enemy, each bit of the map is easily accessible and maneuverable. After many playthroughs, players will find a starting route they like the most that will allow them to get the advantage if they run it right.

There is so much to say about this game. Overall Titanfall is a must have out of this years upcoming titles. Titanfall will be released on March 11th for Windows and Xbox One.