Before Apex Legends there was Titanfall 2. Stunning, slick shooting mechanics blended with parkour-inspired level design which resulted in a glorious ballet of violence.
But it wasn’t all style over substance. The story, which followed a young pilot Cooper and his relationship with BT-7274– a towering mech – received praise from critics and fans alike.
Despite this, the game performed poorly when it came to sales. At least initially.
It didn’t take long for word to spread that Titanfall was a hidden gem, and little by little the numbers started racking up. When Apex dropped last year, Titanfall 2 saw its player count rocket. The game was alive again.
Which brings us to right now – Titanfall 2 is now free on PlayStation Plus, and there’s never been a better time to pick it up.
Here are four reasons why you should download this game.
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It’ll Make You Better At Apex
Within minutes of the campaign you’ll feel right at home if you’re an Apex player.
This isn’t a cover shooter. You’re encouraged to keep moving in both multiplayer and campaign, using the environment to flank and outwit your enemies. And there are lots of them. Gun battles will see you leaping from platform to platform dodging bullets and projectiles. Sound familiar?
There’s also some puzzle elements that make use of Cooper’s parkour skills – which break up the action nicely. Keep an eye on the "Effect and Cause" level, where you need to transfer through the past and present. Genius.
Add to the mix a pulse blade (a throwing knife that reveals the location of any nearby enemy), the holo-pilot, (a holographic pilot that mimics players' action to confuse enemies), and a grappling hook, and you’ve got yourself an Apex clone. Kinda.
Gunplay is on point
Obviously all free-running wouldn’t be fun if the gunplay is awful (I’m looking at you ‘Brink’).
Thankfully, it’s incredibly tight. The pick of the bunch is the R-201 assault rifle, which levels up throughout the game. I rarely used anything else.
There’s also a range of shotguns and rocket launchers, not to mention BT’s impressive armoury of homing missiles and chain guns. Which brings us likely on to…
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Mec Battles Are Awesome
They really are. Playing like a mix between a John Woo film and Pacific Rim, no mech battle is ever the same.
Each boss has their own strengths and weaknesses, but can be tackled different ways to suit your playstyle.
Some take place in cramped sewer systems – others are on a more grand scale later in the game. Both are incredibly enjoyable.
BT is the star of the show
I never went into this game thinking I would leave with genuine feelings for a lump of metal, but it’s hard not to fall for BT.
He starts as a functional killing machine, but over time the bond between it and Cooper develops.
BT becomes ‘more human’ and in turn, his feelings towards Cooper become stronger.
The functional relationship, much like a solider has with a weapon, flourishes into a friendship – that’s tested to the limit in the latter parts of the game.
If you don’t shed a tear then there’s something wrong with you.
Anyway, I’ve just convinced myself to redownload Titanfall 2. I hope you do the same.
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Written ByChris Trout@TheTrout91