Be a mecha warrior in Titanfall

SINGAPORE — First-person shooter games might feel repetitive, especially with the Call Of Duty and Battlefield series having multiple sequels, but it looks like there is now a game that can add a new dimension to the genre. It is called Titanfall, and what a ride it is.

Created by Respawn Entertainment, of which some team members were behind the Call Of Duty series, Titanfall has players play a pilot in a time when a massive battle is being fought over multiple planets. Players have not only the usual arsenal of armaments but also the ability to jump with rocket boosters and run along walls, parkour style.

That is not all. After a timer has run down, a voice says: “Titan Online” and you can call down from the sky a giant mecha — the titular Titan. Suddenly, you are gunning down enemies while sitting in this robot.

What is amazing is how epic it all feels, from scaling heights as a tiny pilot to suddenly being in command of the Titan. With multiple worlds to visit, the ability to scale buildings and multiple types of Titans to try out, the game has a verticality not usually seen in shooter games. This, however, never feels overwhelming because the game often gives you the chance to do something creative while in battle.

Titanfall requires you to play online with up to 12 players. I am generally averse to multi-player shooter games but, in Titanfall, I found myself having a lot of fun. The campaign mode strings along a story that continues whether you win or lose a round, and does enough to make you feel like you are making a difference in battle.

What Titanfall brings is movements that flow together fluidly. You can do crazy things such as jumping from a tower towards your awaiting Titan and allowing it to grab you while in mid-jump, to riding an enemy Titan “rodeo style”. The worlds feel alive, with the game constantly introducing non-player characters who help novice players with target practice and ensure that the map never feels boring and empty — the battle rages on constantly until victory conditions are met.

Titanfall would have been the perfect game with which to launch the Xbox One in Singapore. Sadly, the Xbox One will not be launched here till September, so players will have to settle for the PC or Xbox 360 versions.

Titanfall is available on PC for S$64.90 and will be available on the Xbox 360 for S$79.90 on April 8.

Rating: 4.5/5

Correction: The article originally mentioned that the game was created by Electronic Arts. This is incorrect. The game is created by Respawn Entertanment, and published by Electronic Arts. The article also mentioned that the Xbox One will not be coming to Singapore. This is incorrect, it is set to be released in September. We apologise for these mistakes. This article was updated at 12pm, March 24, 2013.