Well, I don't know if I should be saddened or impressed, but playing this beta has made me lose so much interest in TF2. I didn't think it was possible to fuck up the sequel given how outstanding the first game was, but there's just so much changed/removed from the first game that I enjoyed that I'm not feeling the hype anymore. I'll probably Redbox the game when it releases to see if anything in the full game can allay my fears, but as it stands now these are my issues with the game:
That said, there are a few things I like. The grappling hook is a cool addition, although I wish it was available to all classes and didn't take up an equipment slot. Bounty Hunt is interesting, although I don't like that it seems to be in there at the expense of Attrition. I'm not sure how I feel about the merit system replacing XP for leveling, or moving to infinite grenades on a cooldown timer though. Hopefully I'll be able to catch the back end of the second test as I won't have more time to play until then, but as of right now my outlook on the game is pretty low, and that's really disappointing as this was the game I was looking forward to the most this year.
- Removal of the AI Grunts in most modes
- Titanfall is now based on points earned rather than a timer that you can burn down faster
- Removal of Attrition (They aren't saying one way or the other, but the lack of grunts in Hardpoint and the addition of Bounty Hunt suggest it's gone)
- The maps don't feel conducive to the parkour mechanics like the first game (The full game might prove me wrong)
- Parkour speed has been slowed from the first game
- Titan loadout customization is predetermined by frame
- Titan shields are gone (Which also defeats the purpose of hitching a ride on a friendly titan since there is nothing to keep you from getting blown away)
- Burn cards are gone
- Wallhanging is a perk now
- Can't hack Specters to do your bidding, although this is probably a consequence of the removal of AI in the other modes
- I prefer the old rodeo system of trying to outfox the guy in the cockpit when he tries to remove you, rather than just having the whole thing automated and having to do it multiple times
WTF?@?!?!?@?