These days, most players know Respawn Entertainment for Apex Legends, but we shouldn’t forget the studio’s underappreciated masterpiece, Titanfall 2. Experiencing a surge in popularity after a recent tie-in with Apex Legends, the game is completely free to play for the next few days on Steam. You’ll get a chance to see some of the weapons and ideas that were eventually used for the battle royale game–but it’s more than just a stepping stone.
Temporarily free-to-play and returning to its normal price on May 3 at 10 AM PT / 1 PM ET, Titanfall 2 features several different competitive multiplayer modes as well as a nearly perfect single-player campaign. It’s also included with EA Play, so if you have Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, you can play the game for no extra charge, too.
The campaign mode’s quality came as a bit of surprise given that its predecessor didn’t really have a campaign, and instead threw story moments into multiplayer matches. But Titanfall 2’s mix of heartfelt buddy moments, excellent action set-pieces, and tremendous level design helped to really elevate it. It also features one of the best time-travel mechanics in gaming, putting a unique spin on platforming.
In addition to delivering plenty of action over several hours, the campaign also prepares you for what’s ahead in multiplayer. Titanfall 2 refines the first game’s formula with buttery smooth shooting controls, wall-running, and high-flying maneuvers while playing as a normal Pilot. When you get into your Titan of choice, you have access to a ton of different options for customization and can stop bullets or fire missile barrages while stomping on the enemies around your feet. It’s tough to balance an experience like this, but Respawn nailed it, as you don’t feel invincible as a Titan and don’t feel helpless as a Pilot.
Titanfall 2’s critical acclaim at launch didn’t lead to super-high sales figures, as the game released during a very crowded period that included EA’s own Battlefield 1. However, the game’s increasing popularity recently could give Respawn thoughts of making another one, and according to EA, that decision rests with the studio itself.
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