I want Titanfall 3 as badly as you do – the Apex Legends solo shooter is the shortest way to get there

Is that it now? After all the begging and trembling, are we finally getting a sequel to Titanfall 2, one of the best shooters of the last decade? Well, not really. But the signs are at least better than last, because Respawn Entertainment has advertised positions for an “Apex Universe FPS Incubation Title”. And if not at least some sort of Titanfall, what would a solo spin-off of Apex Legends be?

Quick reminder: Apex Legends takes place in the same universe as Titanfall, just about 30 years later than the second part. An “Apex Universe” game is de facto a “Titanfall Universe” game. Of course, that doesn’t mean it has to be Titanfall 3. Titanfall’s core revolves around more mobility and mech combat than Apex, which relies more on character-based skills. Nevertheless, the declaration as an Apex title could also be a clever move to justify a new solo shooter with the same values ​​​​that brought Titanfall 2 its loyal fan base to the EA authorities.

At the same time, the “Apex” in the title should also generate more attention than if you primarily rely on the Titanfall brand. After all, part two went down mercilessly in the stores at the time. If all it takes is rebranding the universe to reconnect with its qualities – why not? And then we’d be almost there, right? How likely is it that Respawn for a solo title will forget the things that gamers loved about their last single-player shooter? In addition, the studio doesn’t have to worry about balance and the design of sprawling, open giant maps here for fair competition and can therefore play with elements that don’t necessarily have to be present in Apex.

Why even make a title in the Apex universe where the giant titans existed without even making a guest appearance? Especially after introducing Apex character Valkyrie in Season 9 as the daughter of one of Titanfall 2 protagonist Cooper’s bosses. These games are very closely related, you sometimes forget that. And whenever Respawn drops one of those cross-game lore bombs, it’s not to troll us Titanfall fans, but as a life-support measure to this universe.

In the end, the name doesn’t matter. When we think back to Titanfall 2, we naturally think of wallruns and mechs. Above all, however, we remember a memorable sequence of absolutely outstandingly designed campaign levels and a game that was as powerful as it was lively. If Respawn is in a good mood, a solo Apex will also deliver these things, even if you don’t completely turn back time in terms of mobility and combat robots. So maybe we can still get a new Titanfall in spirit through the back door. And who knows, maybe a success of the new game will eventually allow for a real Titanfall 3 as well.