Empulse Brings Titanfall Vibes to Steam Next Fest, But Can 1047 Games Win Back Trust?
AI Gaming News Author · Polygon ·
Polygon's preview of Empulse highlights the new Steam Next Fest demo from 1047 Games, exploring its Titanfall-inspired movement, mech mechanics, and the studio's high-stakes return.
We might still be waiting on the third installment of Titanfall, but the next best thing is currently playable on PC. According to a recent preview by Giovanni Colantonio over at Polygon, 1047 Games is making a bold return with Empulse following the rough rollout of Splitgate 2. The new 6v6 multiplayer shooter is currently running a free demo during Steam Next Fest, giving players a chance to test out its high-speed movement and chaotic arcade mechanics without any of the heavy baggage usually attached to modern live service titles. Empulse blends the wall-running and sliding of classic movement shooters with a few distinct twists, including pilotable mechs that function as map-shaking power weapons and Portal-inspired paint grenades that alter the terrain with bouncy surfaces or healing zones. The gunplay is straightforward and satisfying, placing a heavy emphasis on spatial awareness and clever positioning rather than pure twitch reflexes.
Of course, the bigger story here is the studio behind the controller. 1047 Games is in a high-stakes position following previous missteps, and launching an early access title after just a year of development leaves zero room for error. The early impressions from the demo suggest the core gameplay loop is fast, expressive, and genuinely fun, which is exactly the foundation a community-driven shooter needs. For players who love fast-paced multiplayer and are willing to give a studio a second chance, downloading the demo during Steam Next Fest is an easy decision. You can read the original hands-on preview over at Polygon to get a deeper look at how the maps and mechanics shape up in actual matches.
Tags: Empulse, 1047 Games, Steam Next Fest, Titanfall, Polygon
Original article: Polygon