PRE-ALPHA PREVIEW – Titanfall is back, and this time it also does its rounds on the PlayStation 4. We had a chance to test out the multiplayer portion in this open alpha (beta it is a beta), to get a feel for the sequel. Our first impressions are lukewarm, to be honest, and it feels like Respawn Entertainment, and Electronic Arts might just decide to send the game to a quick and sudden death between Battlefield 1 and Infinite Warfare. The sequel had so much hope for a lot of people, but the core Multiplayer experience has been changed compared to the original game.
The game has currently three modes available for testing, Bounty Hunter – which replaces attrition – allows the players to collect money from AI / player targets upon killing them, and returning it to the bank. The team with the most money in the bank at the end of the session win. Then there is Amped Hardpoint, a 6vs6 mode where players have to capture three points ( Titans can be used here also).
Then there’s pilot vs. pilot, that has no AI enemies or Titans, a basic Team Death Match mode. We also get two maps for the beta (Boomtown and Homestead), and two titans to try out.
Stripped to the core
The problems with Titanfall 2 will be glaring for those who played the first game, for those that did not well even they seem to be realizing something is amiss. Players, and Titans are no longer that unique, as Titans now cannot be customized, and players have to level up to gain gear and weapon modification.
This would not be so bad if it weren’t for the fact that the design between the two teams looks identical. In the first game, you had two distinct sides, the Corporation and the Militia. Here however even if you choose either the Apex Predators or the 6-4 group you will not see any differences between the models. Sure there is some customization options, but certain loadout seems to be locked behind classes.
The grappling hook that was advertised in trailers, is also only a selectable item. The use of it is a bit slow, but allows the player to traverse the open maps much quicker. There is also the slinding mechanic which is reminiscent of Vanquish. It is a neat mechanic and allows for some hectic combat scenarios, but because of the low TTK it is not the best thing.
MOBA-Fall
Not just loadout, other options for weapons, skin are locked behind level and credit options. Unfortunately, our weapons are not that great if they are not leveled up. Except the one hit one kill sniper rifle, which ruins the game. Although most weapons are now one, hit one kill types, and boy does that show. I remember complaining about Destiny’s time to kill, but Titanfall 2 takes the cake. The game became “I can see him before he sees me. Therefore, I win” situation.
Titans were also nerfed to the ground regarding availability and durability. There are no more timers, and Titans are now locked behind killstreaks ( the devs claim they are not but hey – I’m the one not getting a Titan for two whole matches), oh and they also do not have any shields now. Their armor is average, and we cannot dash with them ( at least in this alpha), so they are a just big slow giant walking death traps.
A lack of atmosphere has also been plaguing the gameplay. While Titanfall 1 had lively chatter from commanders, soldiers, and even the walking dead machines themselves, there is none of that in Titanfall 2.
It feels empty as hell and really easy to snipe with even the most basic weapon.
Delay?
The question has been echoing through the internet: Should this game be delayed and Respawn Entertainment think it through before release?
It is not a bad game, but many such as me when went back and played Titanfall 1 realized that the sequel feels barebones. It is the literal one step forward, two steps back issue. While EA and the developers will probably won’t delay it, the negative press the game has been getting might force EA and the devs to truly rethink this game.
Titanfall 2 is in a weird situation. The first game had its problems, but the sequel instead of streamlining or even trying to fix those issue, just decided to rip them out. Respawn Entertainment has two months to try and fix these problems, or the Singleplayer will have to carry the sequel.
-Dante-
Could be good:
+ Mech showdowns look awesome
+ Next gen only (finally)
+ Singleplayer story shows promise
Could be bad:
– 12 players per match seem low in this day and age
– Lack of maps, and modes
– Lack of support after release
Publisher: Electronic Arts
Developer: Respawn Entertainment
Genre: First Person Shooter
Relase date: Okt. 28, 2016
Wow, you’re an Einstein. Comparing a beta to a full retail game, and calling it “bare bones”. It’s a beta, it’s going to be bare bones. It’s a test. Not meant to give the full experience. This reviewer is an idiot.
Its not even an alpha – it says all over it ‘pre-alpha build’ and the entire purpose of it was not to review the forthcoming game, but rather to test out their new network infrastructure. To that point, it handled the load quite well. Yes – its missing features and is a bit buggy – but they tell you that right up front. To review this right now – you’re missing the point.
Article writer here
Thank you for your comments.
The game feels barebones not because of the lack of content, but because of the stripped out mechanics, and changes to the overall gameplay balances compared to the first Titanfall. Both Neogaf, and reddit have been up in flames about the changes made by Respawn Entertainment. I should have added that part, as it does feel a bit misleading on what I mean on barebones. In my previous preview I did mention the singleplayer campaign looking neat based on the information we have.
After playing this technical test for two days, it feels entirely different with regards to how the game handles Titans, and Players, plus player interaction on the maps. There are scores of videos comparing how much more quicker it was to play as a Pilot, and the speed of the player has been reduced in this tech test. Titans now also lack the old customization depth they had, and are now considered by some people as glorified MOBA heroes.
So when I played a match of Titanfall 1, and also compared online footage to the two it felt “barebones” on the gameplay mechanic side.
I even mention these issues will be more visible to those who played the first game.
Also this is just a preview, and not review of the final product – I even comment on the end how the game still has two months to fix most of its multiplayer issues. Or it can try and carry the game on its Singleplayer campaign.
Cheers and have a nice day for both of you.
Dante