Titanfall 2 is a linear and familiar experience but it is, for most part, a very well-polished linear experience and is therefore a refreshing change from some of the more buggy, half-baked, disappointing broken promises that pass as games these days. Titanfall 2 is paced well, has a variety of mechanics, and uses those game mechanics to the fullest extent. The main one is wall running combined with a double jump. This mechanic is somewhat overused, as the game keeps coming up with increasingly artificial-feeling locations for you to use it.
The single player has a very gamy and silly feel to it, not taking itself seriously. The way you hack computers is by twisting your army knife into them, which then does some magical hacking stuff within a couple of seconds. The way you reach a distant platform a couple of times is by having your robot throw you at it like a ball. You fall from large heights with no problem, even though no amount of cushion would let you survive that. Your Titan robot has a character and gradually starts behaving and speaking like he cares about you on a personal level, which is ridiculous if you think about. At one point you just nonchalantly get some time-traveling powers and it is not handled like a big deal at all. No, it’s just a new mechanic that you use to solve puzzles that are clearly designed to be solved by it, and don’t think too hard about the science behind this…or anything else for that matter. Pretty much everything in this game is ridiculous if you think about it for too long. This lighthearted feel will appeal to some people but may come across as immature to others and does detract from immersion.
Graphics
The graphics are great and the game is well optimized so that you don’t need a brand-new machine to enjoy them. There is a good variety of environments, both inside and outdoors, both nature-themed and man-made. Of course, you can already guess that the soundtrack is of high quality. Traditional instruments are mixed with the heavy electronic bass lines for an epic futuristic feel. The soundtrack does not stand out in any original way, but serves very well as the background for the action.
Multiplayer
The multiplayer component has both the standard multiplayer game types, like Capture the Flag, and a number of special modes, such as the collection of bounty for kills, which can only be "desposited" at one of the upload stations, where you have to stay alive while the money gradually piles up. There is unfortunately no pure co-op mode against AI. You can only have matches that have AI enemies in them in addition to the human “pilots”. Maps are relatively small, with a maximum of 16 players, which number is decided by the game type.
As you play, you level up and unlock new abilities. There are some cosmetic customization options for your character and your Titan, with additional unlockables available for purchase with real money, but unfortunately, the shape of your Titan is locked to the weapon loadout and the appearance of your character is locked to the main ability. The game could have really benefited from allowing the player to pick from a few different parts and construct a custom Titan.
There are Networks that you can join, which are communities, essentially like a public clan.
Conclusion
Titanfall 2, despite its unserious atmosphere, is a highly polished and fun experience that comes highly recommended. There are unfortunately some artificial limitations in the multiplayer like the lack of pure co-op and a number of inflexible settings.