The first installment of Titanfall, released in 2014, marked the beginning of the series. It introduced the distinctive combination of fast-paced first-person shooter action and mechanized combat. While the original Titanfall didn't feature a traditional single-player campaign, it laid the groundwork for the franchise.
Titanfall 1
Titanfall 2's single-player campaign is still a hidden gem in the first-person shooter genre. The story follows Jack Cooper and BT-7274 (In the Game almost always called BD), and their dynamic, kinda tragic, relationship is at the heart of the campaign. I genuinely cared about their journey and the challenges.
The gameplay in Titanfall 2 is not just fast-paced and exhilarating; it's a seamless blend of action and strategic thinking. As a pilot on foot, you experience an incredible freedom of movement, and the level design takes full advantage of this, providing thrilling parkour moments. What sets Titanfall 2 apart is the seamless transition into the Titan, those colossal mechs that define the series. You don't just hop into a Titan; you become one. And it's not a one-way street. Throughout the campaign, you'll find yourself leaving your Titan to interact with the environment or solve puzzles. In some remarkable moments, your Titan even throws you onto an otherwise unreachable part of the map. Plus, the Titan isn't just a lifeless machine; it has its own AI that talks to you and interacts with you, moving on its own when you're not piloting it, adding his thoughts to solve the obstacle that lies in your way. This adds a whole new layer of immersion to the game, because BT doubles as your Side Kick.
The campaign's visuals are impressive, with diverse and well-crafted environments that kept me visually engaged throughout. The campaign isn't overly long, which I appreciated, as it felt like the perfect length to tell its story without overstaying its welcome.
Titanfall 2 features a memorable level with a time travel mechanic. This level is called "Effect and Cause." In it, the protagonist acquires a device that allows him to jump instantly back and forth between two different timelines. This mechanic introduces a unique and innovative gameplay element where players must strategically use time travel to solve puzzles, bypass obstacles, and engage in combat. It is still an outstanding set piece with no equal in another game.
The other stand out level is set in a factory known as "The Beacon." Vertical gameplay within an industrial setting filled with massive machinery and conveyors. The Player must navigate through a complex maze of moving parts and platforms while engaging in intense battles with enemy forces at the same time. It includes a thrilling sequence where players traverse a section where enormous pieces of the world are twisted on the side, creating a visually striking and dynamically changing environment. It's a challenging level that showcases the game's excellent parkour mechanics and the unique combat scenarios.
Titanfall 2's engine, a modified version of the Source Engine, is a testament to Respawn Entertainment's ingenuity. They harnessed the Source Engine's foundation and meticulously customized it to align with the unique demands of Titanfall 2. This adaptation showcases Respawn's technical capability. The Engine itself has primarily found success within the realm of Valve's own iconic titles like Half-Life 2, Portal, and Team Fortress. While Valve's games have unquestionably shone on this engine, the Source Engine's success outside of these titles has been relatively limited.
Titanfall 2 - Mission 8 "The Ark"
Despite its undeniable qualities, Titanfall 2 faced a formidable challenge in the form of its release timing. Launching in between the juggernaut franchises of Battlefield and Call of Duty. Sandwiched between these giants, Titanfall 2 struggled to carve out its own space in the crowded shooter market. What made this situation even more puzzling was the fact that EA, the publisher of both Titanfall 2 and Battlefield, had seemingly expected higher sales for both titles despite releasing them simultaneously. This decision divided the player base and made it challenging for players to give Titanfall 2 the attention it deserved. Nevertheless, for those who discovered it amidst the release chaos, Titanfall 2's exceptional gameplay and engaging campaign proved to be a hidden gem, showcasing that sometimes, a game's fate can be heavily influenced by the timing of its release.
Following its release, Titanfall 2 faced a period of neglect with limited support and dwindling player numbers. For years, it struggled to maintain a player base, it did fall into an unplayable bug plaged state without a real perspective. However, the game saw a remarkable revival when Respawn Entertainment released a surprising update in 2023 that reinvigorated the community, especially on Steam. This update breathed new life into Titanfall 2, highlighting the enduring appeal of the game and the impact of developer commitment in reviving it.
Titanfall 2 - Postcards From the Frontier Gameplay Trailer
While Titanfall 2 faced its share of challenges, the Titanfall series as a whole found a new lease on life through the unexpected success of Apex Legends. It is set in the same universe as Titanfall, albeit without the iconic Titans. This battle royale title not only introduced a new generation of players to the Titanfall universe but also ignited interest for those who dived deeper into the lore. Despite not receiving a direct sequel, Titanfall's legacy continues to live on through its connection to Apex Legends, showcasing the resilience and adaptability of the franchise in an ever-evolving gaming landscape.
As we approach the end of 2023, there's a buzz in the gaming community, and the rumors about a potential third installment in the Titanfall series are steadily gaining traction. While there has been no official confirmation from Respawn Entertainment or Electronic Arts, the increasing speculation has fans eagerly anticipating the return of Titans. At least the universe is far from dead, and players try to find confirmation in every piece that respawn releases. Or even not release, like the recent uploads but not published videos on the Youtube channel for example.
However, whether or not Titanfall 3 is announced, fans can take solace in the fact that Titanfall 2 continues to offer an outstanding gaming experience. Its engaging single-player campaign, thrilling multiplayer, and the resurgence of interest in the series through Apex Legends ensure that the Titanfall legacy lives on.
Titanfall 2 on Steam