A Titanfall 2 Tech Test review from two veteran players.
by Denis Cabaldi and Leo ACS
Fun is certainly the first word that comes to our minds playing Titanfall, but at the same time, words like glitches, adjustments, and balance come together with a pre-alpha test, so let’s begin our review.
Far from what the first game proposed, Titanfall 2 movement mechanics are slower and “heavier” when compared to the first title and these changes may have frustrated the expectations of many players, including us, letting us with no alternative but to choosing Grappling Hook as a default class.
“ The grappling hook really needs to be part of every pilot’s kit rather than an option in the loadout screen.” Forbes
The Grappling Hook is more than welcome and was a great addition to the game, that maybe should be a default item for all classes and allow players to choose how their mobility will work. The hook could also get a little buff in range and an increment in traction speed allowing more maneuvers to be performed more efficiently and bringing back the classic verticality from TF1.
Adjusting movements and wall running parameters to match the fast paced and fluid combat, that was in first Titanfall, could increase the chances for pilots escape the different type of situations against titans and focus on gameplay objectives. Wall running is one of the things that sets Titanfall apart from other games, and in this second title this shouldn’t be different! This characteristic certainly captivated those who have played the first game.
Analyzing the two maps available we've noticed a considerable increase in size, which provides for more diverse types of combat, but end up being underutilized because of the weird range and precision of some weapons, leaving players limited to small sections of the map. Perhaps this might be related to a lack of mobility mentioned before and it force some players to camp, toxic behavior that was not present in the first game.
The accuracy of assault rifles and SMGs need adjustments, as these weapons have random unpredictable recoil and doesn’t offers players an opportunity to use their skills to correct this variation. Any attempt to adjust the recoil makes it even more difficult to target and strike any opponent, forcing palyer always try to outflank their opponent or to camp.
We've played the PS4 version, and the controller calibration may have to be adjusted too. On the menu there is a bunch of configurations that doesn’t feel right, maybe Respawn needs to work according to these settings. By the way, the settings on Xbox One joysticks were perfect in Titanfall 1.
Loosing targets in mid and long distant happened very frequently, let’s take the R201 rifle as an example, it was painful to take down some targets with a so short ammo magazine (24 bullets). It’s is not enough for a mid or long range combat, forcing us to permanently choose extended magazine to make a fair close combat against shotguns or gain an extra effectiveness in accuracy and range.
Of course, we know, it’s a test! It’s not the final game! But the matchmaking system was a little buggy when we tried to join a server with other friends, constantly dropping one of us from the party system. The invite menu was little buggy too.
Another thing that we miss is the indicator of party members and their titans showing up on the mini-map with green colors like in TF1.
We need to confess, we don’t like the class build and customization, our feeling are that we have lost the power to choose what we want and equip in any type of uniform, class or titan.
Despite all criticism listed here, we love the game, the graphics and conceptual art are beautiful: menus, interface, maps, titans, guns, particle system, and special effects are stunning. The sound is awesome! We love it. The new rodeo mechanics are great creating more synergy between pilots and team titans. It was a great pre-alpha that looks almost like a beta, and we can’t wait to play the full game.
This article has the intention to show our concern in making Titanfall a better game for us and for the whole community that loves this game, if you agree with our opinions help us by sharing our review until someone working at Respawn Entertainment reads our critics and suggestions.
Thanks for your time and standing by for Titanfall . =)
