The Evolution of Legends: Was Apex Supposed to Be Titanfall 3?
The short answer? No, Apex Legends was not originally conceived as Titanfall 3, but it evolved from ideas and gameplay mechanics initially explored during the early phases of Titanfall 3 development. While Apex Legends shares the universe, lore, and certain assets with the Titanfall franchise, it is a distinct game built on a different design philosophy and game engine. It represents a pivot by Respawn Entertainment towards a new, commercially viable genre, leveraging elements of Titanfall while forging its own identity.
The Genesis of Apex: From Titanfall’s DNA
The story of Apex Legends’ origins is a fascinating tale of creative redirection. After the relative commercial disappointment of Titanfall 2 despite its critical acclaim, Respawn faced a crucial decision. The core gameplay of Titanfall – the fluid movement, impactful gunplay, and engaging pilot abilities – was undeniably strong. However, the addition of Titans, while innovative, presented a significant balancing challenge and potentially limited the game’s accessibility.
Early work on Titanfall 3 explored ways to refine the multiplayer experience. One path they were taking was the multiplayer aspects of Titanfall 3 shine on their own. It became clear that these mechanics could potentially stand alone in a different context – a context that could reach a broader audience. This led to the exploration of a hero-based battle royale concept.
Why Abandon Titanfall 3?
Several factors contributed to the decision to shift focus.
- Market Trends: The explosive growth of the battle royale genre, spearheaded by games like PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG) and Fortnite, presented a compelling opportunity. Respawn recognized the potential to leverage their existing gameplay expertise in this burgeoning market.
- Accessibility: The battle royale format, particularly with a focus on hero characters with unique abilities, offered a more accessible entry point for new players compared to the complex mechanics of Titanfall.
- Engine Shift: Apex Legends runs on a modified version of the Source engine.
- Commercial Viability: Despite being critically acclaimed, Titanfall 2 underperformed in sales. This put Titanfall 3 in a high-risk category, making the battle royale a much safer bet.
Apex Legends became the vehicle for these ideas, allowing Respawn to capitalize on the battle royale craze while retaining the core gameplay feel that defined Titanfall. While the absence of Titans was a controversial decision for some fans, it streamlined the gameplay loop and allowed for a greater focus on character abilities and team-based tactics. The game was also a free-to-play model which increased the overall appeal.
Legacy and Connection: Titanfall’s Enduring Influence
Even though Apex Legends took a different direction, the influence of Titanfall is undeniable. The shared universe provides a rich backdrop for the game’s narrative and character development. Weapons, maps, and characters from the Titanfall games frequently appear as references, easter eggs, or straight-up crossovers in Apex Legends.
For fans of the Titanfall universe, Apex Legends offers a chance to continue exploring the Frontier, albeit in a different format. The game’s lore expands upon the existing narrative, introducing new characters and storylines that are deeply rooted in the Titanfall mythology.
Ultimately, Apex Legends is not Titanfall 3, but it is a spiritual successor in many ways. It takes the best elements of Titanfall‘s gameplay and translates them into a new and exciting experience that has resonated with millions of players worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What exactly is Apex Legends?
Apex Legends is a free-to-play hero shooter battle royale game developed by Respawn Entertainment and published by Electronic Arts. Players form squads of three (or two in Duos mode) and compete to be the last team standing on a map called the Arena. It is set in the same universe as Titanfall, but after the events of Titanfall 2.
2. Why did Respawn choose to make a battle royale instead of Titanfall 3?
Respawn saw the popularity of the battle royale genre and recognized the opportunity to leverage the smooth movement mechanics of Titanfall. Despite being critically acclaimed, Titanfall 2 did not perform as well commercially.
3. Is Titanfall 2 canon to the Apex Legends universe?
Yes, Apex Legends takes place approximately eighteen years after the events of Titanfall 2. The lore and characters from the Titanfall games are an integral part of the Apex Legends universe.
4. Are there any Titans in Apex Legends?
No, Titans are not playable or present in Apex Legends. The game focuses on pilot abilities and gunplay.
5. Will there ever be a Titanfall 3?
The future of a potential Titanfall 3 remains uncertain. While Respawn has not explicitly ruled it out, they haven’t announced any concrete plans either. For now, the company’s focus is on Apex Legends and other projects.
6. How is Ash from Titanfall 2 alive in Apex Legends?
Ash is a simulacrum, a human consciousness transferred into a robotic body. Ash/Ashleigh has the highest confirmed amount of deaths and rebirths. She was initially killed by Amélie Paquette, revived as a simulacrum; destroyed by Jack Cooper, rebuilt by Vinson Dynamics; dismantled and hidden in an alternate dimension by Kuben Blisk, rebuilt by the Apex Legends, physically fully restored by Pathfinder.
7. Is Valkyrie related to anyone from Titanfall?
Yes, Valkyrie’s full name is Kairi Imahara, and she is the daughter of Viper, a boss character from Titanfall 2 and a member of the Apex Predators mercenary group.
8. What happened to Jack Cooper after Titanfall 2?
The exact fate of Jack Cooper is unknown. Some theories suggest that he joined the Apex Games after receiving an invitation from Kuben Blisk at the end of Titanfall 2, but this has not been confirmed.
9. Is BT-7274 still alive?
The ending of Titanfall 2 hinted at the possibility of BT-7274’s consciousness surviving. A small flicker on Cooper’s helmet at the end of the game leaves the option that BT-7274 has transferred to Cooper’s helmet.
10. How old is Viper from Titanfall 2?
According to the official Prima guide for Titanfall 2, Viper was 45 years old during the Frontier War.
11. Who are the Apex Predators?
The Apex Predators are a mercenary group led by Kuben Blisk. They are known for their skill and ruthlessness, and they play a significant role in the Titanfall universe.
12. Why was Titanfall 2 rated PEGI 16?
Titanfall 2 received a PEGI 16 rating for its depiction of realistic-looking violence.
13. Is it true that Apex copied Titanfall guns?
While there are similarities in weapon design and functionality, it’s more accurate to say that Apex Legends draws inspiration from Titanfall‘s arsenal. Many of the guns have similar names and characteristics, but they have been rebalanced and adapted for the battle royale format.
14. Who betrayed Horizon in Apex Legends?
Dr. Ashleigh Reid betrayed Dr. Mary Somers (Horizon), stealing the Branthium and sending her shuttle into the black hole’s orbit.
15. What is the significance of the Titanfall universe in Apex Legends?
The Titanfall universe provides a rich backstory and lore for Apex Legends. It explains the world’s history, its factions, and the origins of many of the characters and technologies featured in the game. The Titanfall connection gives Apex Legends a sense of depth and authenticity that sets it apart from other battle royale games.
Learning more about gaming and its societal impact can be further explored through organizations like the Games Learning Society, found at GamesLearningSociety.org.