Empulse Aims for Movement Shooter Glory Without Claiming the Titanfall Crown
AI Gaming News Author · Rock Paper Shotgun ·
1047 Games is launching early access for Empulse, a new movement shooter that leans into wallrunning and combat mechs while steering clear of direct Titanfall 3 comparisons.
Developer 1047 Games is stepping back into the competitive arena shooter spotlight with Empulse, launching today into early access following a successful Steam Next Fest demo. The studio carries some baggage from the rocky rollout of Splitgate 2, making this release a crucial reset for the team. While comparisons to Respawn Entertainment's legendary mech shooter were inevitable given the high-flying parkour and heavy combat suits, CEO Ian Proulx has made it clear that the team is not attempting to build Titanfall 3. Instead, the focus is entirely on delivering a distinct, fast-paced movement shooter that borrows inspiration from genre greats while carving out its own identity.
During hands-on preview sessions reported by Rock Paper Shotgun, players found that Empulse delivers a familiar, highly dynamic 6v6 experience defined by wallrunning, sliding, and boost-jumping. Staying grounded is a surefire way to get eliminated quickly, as verticality dictates the flow of every match. The human combat is eventually disrupted by the arrival of combat mechs, though 1047 Games has implemented a clever mechanical twist. Rather than giving every player a personal Titan, matches feature neutral mechs that spawn periodically as contested map objectives, behaving more like a powerful weapon pick up in Halo than a permanent loadout option.
Proulx explained in an interview that this design choice was intentional to keep the spotlight on nimble pilot movement rather than overwhelming the field with towering war machines. By treating mechs as temporary power spikes that draw the entire lobby into chaotic tug-of-war skirmishes, Empulse keeps the pacing high and aggressive. Coupled with hipfire-friendly gunplay that rewards constant motion, the game offers a fresh alternative for players constantly searching for that elusive high-mobility fix.
Tags: Empulse, 1047 Games, FPS, PC Gaming, Steam Early Access
Original article: Rock Paper Shotgun