Apex Legends

johnny_ultimate · 05-02-2019 2:17am #1

Guess it deserves its own thread!

So Respawn's Titanfall spin-off comes with two important disclaimers:

It's not Titanfall 3, with all the disappointment that brings
It's a free-to-play battle royale game, with all the limits that brings

But, on its own terms, it's not half bad!

Based on a few games so far, it definitely scores a couple of points above some of its well known competitors. It has that razor sharp Respawn running-and-gunning gameplay, so it flows great even if the temptation is still to wall-run :pac:. The map design actually feels like a massive, interesting map with character rather than the hyper-bland PUBG ones (I haven't played Blackout, but from what I've heard this has borrowed some tricks from that). The relatively small amount of heroes means it's more immediate than Overwatch too, although it seems to me the basic gameplay is very similar across all characters here and the character abilities just add that bit of variety to proceedings.

I'm still not the biggest fan of the genre, and nothing's sparked quite like an Attrition match in either of the mainline TF games. But this, fairly determinedly, wants to be a different thing (a good thing in many ways - studios shouldn't get stuck in a cycle of just churning out straightforward sequels) and it works well. The battle royale pacing can still be annoying, especially when it's all over before you even get to do anything much. But this is a confident take on the genre, with more than enough polish to let you know those talented folk at Respawn are behind it. Gave me a serious hankering to boot up TF2 again, but I look forward to testing this out more as well!

ShadowHearth · 05-02-2019 3:29am

It's actually very interesting way they threw that game out. No marketing, developed for the last two years with vision of being what it is now. No Early Access bull**** too.

I set it to download tonight, so hopefully will give it a go tomorrow after work. So far hearing pretty good things from usual YouTubers.

The only thing that is a bit weird - name. It's clearly Titanfall child, but they burried it. Considering no marketing behind it, it will be a big harder for people to find it. Then again, I bet you media will do their marketing for them for free. Really interested to see how it will pan out.

05-02-2019 8:17am

I really like it. There is enough Titanfall there to call it part of the universe but I also like how they have done something different. You have to wonder if there was a Titanfall 3 what it would look like. The same again only a slightly different? Not sure if i woild buy into that.

Expanding the universe is a smart move and gives the IP a very bright future. Delighted as it is easily my most played (possibly my favourite) game of this console generation.

I am wondering though how they are going to make money off it. I've only played a few games but so far I see absolutely no incentive to buy anything. FPS means there is no point buying skins that you can't even see. I'm guessing we will be getting battlepasses with challenges which should beef up the game a bit.

And if this is a game as a service lile fortnite I wouldn't rule out seeing jet packs and Titans at some stage :-) Even temporarily. They've got to give the community something to get excited about.

Grumpypants · 05-02-2019 8:46am

A million players in under 8 hours. That's some going. Hopefully it sustains as they are a talented studio.

gimli2112 · 05-02-2019 8:53am

Been working on it for two years in secret, no marketing and just launched out of nowhere.
I don't get BR games but this has me interested.

BeerWolf · 05-02-2019 9:22am

Another one hopping on the Battle Royal bandwagon.

Well, **** that.

Kiith · 05-02-2019 9:58am

Seems like it's lost everything i loved about Titanfall (titans and wall running). Probably a fine BR game, and i'll give it a go, but don't expect to play it for long.

Mickeroo · 05-02-2019 10:08am

Seems like a lot of fun the couple of hours I played. A lot easier to just pick up and play than PUBG and no ****e building mechanics to put up with like fortnite. The squad/class based system gives it its own dimension too. Doesn't really feel like Titanfall though, leaving out the wall running was an odd move.

ZiabR · 05-02-2019 10:13am

Not played it yet but I did watch some Twitch last night. It does look fresh and interesting. I may have to give it a try.

Dcully · 05-02-2019 10:21am

Was looking forward to titanfall 3, respawn make great fps games but a BR game no thanks.

05-02-2019 10:53am

Dcully wrote: »

Was looking forward to titanfall 3, respawn make great fps games but a BR game no thanks.

Why is that? Bit of an odd statement, what is it about BR that makes you not want to play a great fps? And for free?!

johnny_ultimate · 05-02-2019 11:16am

To be fair, Titanfall 3 was never announced anyway. This was released with its own name, clearly to separate it from the mainline series. They’ve been completely forthcoming about that.

And sure TF2 still exists anyway, and is wonderful. This game doesn’t change that

Dcully · 05-02-2019 11:21am

Deleted User wrote: »

Why is that? Bit of an odd statement, what is it about BR that makes you not want to play a great fps? And for free?!

Odd statement how?
I just dont enjoy the genre simple really, not everyone enjoys BR.

Grumpypants · 05-02-2019 11:22am

He doesn't like having fun :P

Dcully · 05-02-2019 11:25am

Im having tonnes of fun with other genres

And sure TF2 still exists anyway, and is wonderful. This game doesn’t change that

Its pretty much dead on PC.

Julez · 05-02-2019 11:30am

Gave this a go last night and enjoyed the few games I played. Does feel very polished for something that only just got released. Servers seemed spot on too, quick and easy to find a game, crazy considering there wasn't an open beta or anything. I loved PUBG, and didn't/haven't enjoyed Fortnite or COD: Blackout, early days on this one, but it feels like it could be onto something.

Kiith · 05-02-2019 11:35am

If nothing else, i'll give them credit for announcing a game and then releasing it straight away. No bull**** teases 2 years before a proper announcement (looking at you Bethesda :mad:).

05-02-2019 11:41am

I think its great. I never played Titan Fall or TF2 (I just realised you're not talking about Team Fortress 2) so I'm not disappointed. It's a great take on the BR genre. It cleans up so many little mistakes that other attempts makes. I'm bored to death with PUBG's incredibly slow, "realistic" gameplay and sluggish movement. The weapons feel great and varied, unlike Black Ops 4. It takes BLOPS4's fast gameplay yet takes a bit of PUBG's more realistic gunplay. The weapons aren't lasers... we except the laser weapons but the sniper is a projectile. Grouping your squad together (optionally) is a nice touch. The map seems varied. I love the characters, except that accent on the Jamaican girl. It sticks to first-person which is far superior, you don't have people camping around corners. The ability to respawn teammates is fantastic. It often happens in BR games where you get in a fight early on and lose one team member, you can now respawn that person at a decent enough cost. I'm really, really worried about the F2P aspect. It seems fine now but I can't name one F2P game that doesn't eventually gouge its players to some degree. They have to make money somehow. BR games don't last very long either so I wonder is this a mistake on the developers part, but this seems a cut above the rest so far.

05-02-2019 11:46am

Dcully wrote: »

Odd statement how?
I just dont enjoy the genre simple really, not everyone enjoys BR.

Ok I just don't see how it is any different. The play area closes in, I wouldn't consider that a reason not to play the game tbh but each to their own.

05-02-2019 11:48am

[Deleted User] wrote: »

I think its great. I never played Titan Fall or TF2 (I just realised you're not talking about Team Fortress 2) so I'm not disappointed. It's a great take on the BR genre. It cleans up so many little mistakes that other attempts makes. I'm bored to death with PUBG's incredibly slow, "realistic" gameplay and sluggish movement. The weapons feel great and varied, unlike Black Ops 4. It takes BLOPS4's fast gameplay yet takes a bit of PUBG's more realistic gunplay. The weapons aren't lasers... we except the laser weapons but the sniper is a projectile. Grouping your squad together (optionally) is a nice touch. The map seems varied. I love the characters, except that accent on the Jamaican girl. It sticks to first-person which is far superior, you don't have people camping around corners. The ability to respawn teammates is fantastic. It often happens in BR games where you get in a fight early on and lose one team member, you can now respawn that person at a decent enough cost. I'm really, really worried about the F2P aspect. It seems fine now but I can't name one F2P game that doesn't eventually gouge its players to some degree. They have to make money somehow. BR games don't last very long either so I wonder is this a mistake on the developers part, but this seems a cut above the rest so far.

Yeah you've got to wonder how they plan on making money. Seasons with challenges would be about all I can think of. I wonder was it originally meant to be pay to win and that got abandoned.

Dcully · 05-02-2019 11:49am

Jaysus it seems we just have to enjoy BR games with this lot.
Im long enough around this place and many more gaming message boards to know people like different games and genres, i never question anybody why they do or dont enjoy a particular genre.

Pretty sure the game is solid as respawn are one of the best fps game devs out there, im simply saying i have no interest in BR games, like loads on here have no interest in genres im into, racing sims springs to mind

05-02-2019 11:53am

Dcully wrote: »

Jaysus it seems we just have to enjoy BR games with this lot.
Im long enough around this place and many more gaming message boards to know people like different games and genres, i never question anybody why they do or dont enjoy a particular genre.

Pretty sure the game is solid as respawn are one of the best fps game devs out there, im simply saying i have no interest in BR games, like loads on here have no interest in genres im into, racing sims springs to mind

I'm not saying you have to like it, I'm just curious as to why. You don't have to share your reasons if you don't want to but you've already said you like fps so I was just curious what aspect of this puts you off.

Kiith · 05-02-2019 11:56am

I'd be the same. I'm not the biggest fan of online shooters in general, but something about BR games have just never grabbed me at all.

I'll give this a go though, as Titanfall 2 had some fantastic shooting. Annoyed that wall running is gone though...they did that so well.

Dcully · 05-02-2019 12:01pm

Ofcourse i will give it a go, i owe that to respawn atleast as im a big fan of their gunplay.
Watching Shroud absolutely owning it the last hour, running around just using pistols winning every game, guy is insane.

gimli2112 · 05-02-2019 12:18pm

Dcully wrote: »

Ofcourse i will give it a go, i owe that to respawn atleast as im a big fan of their gunplay.
Watching Shroud absolutely owning it the last hour, running around just using pistols winning every game, guy is insane.

This is my biggest downfall. I'll watch something like this and then hop in expecting similar things to happen to me. The reality is shocking.
I'm a big fan of fps online games but BR (fortnite-the building nor PUBG-too clunky) never grabbed me. I'm not sure the whole concept works for me.

Yet there something in the back of my mind that it could really click with me and I just have to find the right game. I'll be giving this a go and the Battlefield one at launch. I can't bring myself to COD even though I've been offered the latest one for free.

nix · 05-02-2019 1:14pm

Its a bit different than the usual BR's in that, death isnt as permanent.

Like for instance i was playing with a friend last night, it was early game, first circle coming in, and the random we were grouped with ventured off on his own a bit too far and got into a fight, we ran to help and ended up between two squads as a result, the random died, and i eventually got overwhelmed, knocked and killed, my friend managed to kill the rest of them and he picked up my banner from my death chest in time. He then was rushing to the next circle, 5-10mins later, he manages to get to the rez pod with my banner and he was able to call me back into battle. Which was great, we ended up coming second, shoulda won it, i didnt manage to scrounge enough meds/shields for the final stretch and we were 2 v 3 for the final team.

So yeah, its great in that yer team mate can get you back into the game, hard to pull off for the most of times id bet, but still, keeps you interested in death and keeps the banter going on comms

:pac:

super_furry · 05-02-2019 1:28pm

Really enjoying it so far and it's the first Battle Royale game to really click with me.

johnny_ultimate · 05-02-2019 1:35pm

Yeah had another few rounds this morning and already vastly preferring it to the other battle royale games I’ve played (PUBG and Fortnite). While more robust parkour would be great, I do think they’re generous in terms of jumping / grabbing distance - and the zip lines / sliding down hills are great fun

fixXxer · 05-02-2019 1:43pm

So Overwatch meets the Battle Royale genre?

Downloading now, looking forward to giving it a go later.

nix · 05-02-2019 2:03pm

fixxxer wrote: »

So Overwatch meets the Battle Royale genre?

Downloading now, looking forward to giving it a go later.

Pretty much, the abilites arent as powerful as overwatch though, as in you dont press your ult and get loads of kills.

Most of the abilites are support for your team or passive. Like providing shields or healing, or helping locate enemies nearby etc.. 3 of the classes can do damage with their ult, in the form of air strikes or toxic gas, but they are situational and give you plenty of time to avoid. Would be useful to get a team to disperse when heavily fortified.

The only abilities ive been ****ed by was Wraiths portal, she basically presses the button and she goes invisible (at least i think shes invisible, the tooltips arent very informative) and she can run to a point and drop a portal for her team to go through (they enter the portal from where she first activated it) and they flooded through and just wrecked our team with a surprise attack. (Bastards)

fixXxer · 05-02-2019 2:18pm

nix wrote: »

Pretty much, the abilites arent as powerful as overwatch though, as in you dont press your ult and get loads of kills.

Not at my level :pac:

I like the idea that you can play a class that isn't kill focus. I prefer tank/support player to pure DPS. Hopefully it works out and its a viable set up.

Mickeroo · 05-02-2019 3:10pm

I would say the Legends are closer to the Operators in R6:Siege than heroes in Overwatch. They all play much the same when it comes to the actual shooting part but have a bit of extra/unique utility based on their ult/ability.

05-02-2019 3:18pm

Progress through the unlocks is very slow. Clearly weighted towards purchases, which you can't really complain about with a free game. Not sure yet whether you get any real advantage unlocking equipment, I remember in Titanfall the matchmaking was spot on with keeping like with like so you should in theory be able to plod along for free and not be out gunned.

I'm interested to see what will be on offer in the seasons. I think some sort of challenges or extra direction in the game is needed.

05-02-2019 3:19pm

fixxxer wrote: »

Not at my level :pac:

I like the idea that you can play a class that isn't kill focus. I prefer tank/support player to pure DPS. Hopefully it works out and its a viable set up.

This isn't the case tbh. Every character is more or less the same, kill focused, with a few bonus abilities that can help situationally. They aren't game changers like in Overwatch.

Mickeroo · 05-02-2019 3:21pm

Deleted User wrote: »

Progress through the unlocks is very slow. Clearly weighted towards purchases, which you can't really complain about with a free game. Not sure yet whether you get any real advantage unlocking equipment, I remember in Titanfall the matchmaking was spot on with keeping like with like so you should in theory be able to plod along for free and not be out gunned.

I'm interested to see what will be on offer in the seasons. I think some sort of challenges or extra direction in the game is needed.

I'm pretty sure all the unlocks are cosmetic so can be routinely ignored.

nix · 05-02-2019 3:27pm

Deleted User wrote: »

Progress through the unlocks is very slow. Clearly weighted towards purchases, which you can't really complain about with a free game. Not sure yet whether you get any real advantage unlocking equipment, I remember in Titanfall the matchmaking was spot on with keeping like with like so you should in theory be able to plod along for free and not be out gunned.

I'm interested to see what will be on offer in the seasons. I think some sort of challenges or extra direction in the game is needed.

I thought the total opposite, i was expecting it to be like that but was surprised how often you get crates. I've leveled up so far every 2 games pretty much, and you level up every game for the first few games, which is quicker than the likes of overwatch.

Plus its all cosmetic stuff in the crates, the only thing i would feel the need to purchase are the legends, and theres only two of them you need to purchase (so far) which ill likely have both unlocked just from playing in a week or two. And then by the time they release another legend, im sure ill have loads of resources saved up.

So unless they make the grind harder (which they likely will) i'll be happy with the current system.

Grumpypants · 05-02-2019 3:34pm

Yeah you can't buy any weapons, or even unlock them from what I see as you just pick up everything from the floor in game.

AdamD · 05-02-2019 3:36pm

I think all you unlock are skins for weapons, from what I could see.

Julez · 05-02-2019 3:40pm

Yeah, if most of the purchasing is just skins then I'm completely happy with that. And then if you can buy new legends later I also think that's completely fair given that the game is free.

Penn · 05-02-2019 3:42pm

nix wrote: »

I thought the total opposite, i was expecting it to be like that but was surprised how often you get crates. I've leveled up so far every 2 games pretty much, and you level up every game for the first few games, which is quicker than the likes of overwatch.

I thought generally the xp required to get lootboxes is less for the first few levels, then increases until it becomes a fixed amount of xp for every level after that?

05-02-2019 3:53pm

There's crates that give you cosmetics, credits and crafting material.Aand then there is unlocks that you use your credits and crafting material on. Im level 10 and dont have enough to unlock any first items. Pretty sure there was weapon stuff (scopes, clips etc) to spend credits or real money on in the armoury tab? Not in front of it now to check, i could be wrong. I know you can purchase (credits or real money) new characters. Its this progress that is slow, encouraging you to spend real money for useful stuff like a new character or enhanced weapon.

05-02-2019 3:54pm

I couldn't see any pay-to-win elements on first glance. Only thing worthwhile behind a paywall is new characters. Overwatch seems to have done alright with this model.

nix · 05-02-2019 4:07pm

Penn wrote: »

I thought generally the xp required to get lootboxes is less for the first few levels, then increases until it becomes a fixed amount of xp for every level after that?

I'm sure thats how it will be, but the xp gains are generous, you're awarded more for the more you kick ass.

I logged on and checked some things there, i've played a total of 2 hours according to origin (but i would have said i played longer) I'm level 9 and the xp is at 1486 out of 8150.

And im able to check the match report of my last game, it gives you stats and breaks down xp gains. It was the game i was describing above where i died early and my friend was able to rez me near the end.

The break down was as follows:

Top 3 finish: +300xp
Time survived (23:43): +4289xp
kills (0): --
Damage done (485): +121xp
Revive ally:(0)
Respawn ally:(0)
Killed champion:(0)
Kill leader: ()
Champion squad: 500xp
Playing with friends(x1): +213

Total xp: 5616

Thats just from one game, one i myself did poorly in, i wish i could check back over the others, as there was one we won and i racked up a load of kills.

So from the above chart, me lasting nearly the whole game is what raked in the majority of the xp, so you could likely farm loads of xp if you wanted, just playing it passive for as long as you can..

Killing the champion will net you 500xp (the champion is killing the person who had the most kills out of everybody in the current game, in their last game) And kill leader, is killing the person with the most kills in current game, pretty sure that would be around 500xp also..

So i can see leveling up twice in one game being a possibility, especially if you keep killing the kill leader, although cant see that happening more than maybe twice, as you would be the kill leader most likely

, ive done it already but the threshold would have been low in the earlier levels.

nix · 05-02-2019 4:46pm

Potential-Monke wrote: »

So this is not for solo players then?

Well each game is teams of 3, so you can que solo but you will be paired with 2 other players.

It has a pretty handy ping system, you can highlight where you're aiming and ping for enemy spotted or where to go, you can also ping items if you want to share items you dont want etc, so you dont have to use voice comms if thats not your thing, but yeah, team play is kinda necessary.

You could always go off and do your own thing, but you will be fighting in alot of unfair fights that way against a team of 3..

05-02-2019 5:17pm

nix wrote: »

Well each game is teams of 3, so you can que solo but you will be paired with 2 other players.

It has a pretty handy ping system, you can highlight where you're aiming and ping for enemy spotted or where to go, you can also ping items if you want to share items you dont want etc, so you dont have to use voice comms if thats not your thing, but yeah, team play is kinda necessary.

You could always go off and do your own thing, but you will be fighting in alot of unfair fights that way against a team of 3..

You need to stay close enough to revive each other. Unless you're a badass mofo who doesn't need reviving.

It's also worth sticking around when you die and pinging your dog tags or whatever it's called to let your team know you're sticking around if they want to bring you back in the game. You get decent xp so it's worthwhile. Youd expect it to be something no body uses but its not the case. I've restored a couple and also been restored a couple of times myself. As always with respawn they get everything spot on.

heebusjeebus · 05-02-2019 10:04pm

Got 2 kills in my first game.
Never played Titanfall(s) but the gunplay feels great.
The spotting mechanic is well done too as I was playing with randos and I was not mic'd.

Yakult · 05-02-2019 11:43pm

Played two rounds so far (won the second round) and it's rather enjoyable! For me BR games have felt stale the past year but this is actually fun.

Looking for people to play with, so add me on origin if you'd like a few games. It's Xavi_siX

ewj1978 · 05-02-2019 11:52pm

get on the discord server for boards. Can't link in from work but will do tomorrow.
Here ya go yakult: https://discord.gg/25K4WC

BeerWolf · 06-02-2019 4:47am

Just gave it a try, it's like Overwatch+Fortnite.

06-02-2019 10:50am

Anybody else's kill stats disappear? I'm back down to zero

AdamD · 06-02-2019 10:53am

Game is brilliant. I really enjoy BR (played a lot of Fortnite and Blackout) but this has really grabbed me so far. Even playing as a 2 (with a random 3rd) worked quite well due to the way you fly in as a group and can ping loot/enemy players. So many QOL improvements over other BRs too. Automatically applying your attachments to the new weapon you pick up is just so handy. Oh and if you haven't already, pick up the wingman, gun's incredible, think we won 4 out of 5 last night using it.

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