Following on from the ‘Call of Duty’ craze that started some seven years ago, Titanfall has been hyped to take the crown in the world of first-person shooters. Infinity Ward laid the foundations all those years ago and the seed grew into one of the most popular game franchises to date. Vince Zampella and Jason West, two of Infinity Ward’s chief creators, left the company in 2010 to form Respawn Entertainment.
Respawn Entertainment’s Titanfall has been thrust into the spotlight as the Xbox One’s signature title, but does it deliver what’s required to make it the benchmark setting title that everyone is expecting? This can depend on your perspective and experience of first-person shooters. Those new to the genre will no doubt be overwhelmed by the non-stop action and spectacular effects within the game, while die hard first-person junkies may be left a little short.
The plot of Titanfall can’t be accused of being complex. The game focuses on two alternative factions, the Militia and the IMC, who battle it out using heavy duty weaponry. Both sides also have access to Titans, huge mechanoids that can be summoned at certain points within the game. As you might expect, damage is increased greatly when piloting a Titan.
Gameplay within Titanfall is not limited to the Titan; in fact your character will only have access to a titan every two minutes. So what does this mean in relation to your battle against the enemy? Well worry not; regardless of whether you’re piloting a Titan or working solo, damage can be done to enemy Titan with the right equipment. Players will also notice how agile and nimble the pilots are, so gameplay is far from sluggish.
The game is online multiplayer only, so those hoping to kick back on their own will no doubt be disappointed at the lack of a single-player option. Also going back to the thin plot, this is what makes the campaign modes, which are effectively nine multiplayers games glued together with events. The campaigns can be played through as both Militia and the IMC, but don’t expect anything close to the gripping plotlines of the Call of Duty series.
The gameplay itself sees you team up with five other online players during the campaign mode. As previously explained, the campaign plays much the same as the matches. This adds excitement and gives the game a more realistic feel in that you’re working with real people rather than computer-controlled sidekicks.
Despite the lack of a solid plotline, the game delivers where it matters most, action. The game is mostly made of matches called ‘Attrion,’ which in layman’s terms means to kill as many enemies as you possibly can, the killing of enemies helps you build up points. Other matches include ‘Capture the Flag,’ ‘Pilot Hunter’ and ‘Last Titan Standing’.
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