Titanfall Expedition DLC features multilayered design experiment

The Runoff map featured in the upcoming downloadable content for Respawn Entertainment's first-person shooter, Titanfall, was a design experiment originally set to be included in the main game but was cut due to time constraints, according to a post on the game's official site.

"So, after we had finished the main game and started talking about DLC I opened up Runoff to see if it would play well," Titanfall designer Geoff Smith wrote. "A lot of changes had gone into the main game in a year and I was wondering if Runoff would hold up. Runoff was an experiment to try and make a small map but still allow Titans enough pathing options so that they don't feel constrained or limited."

Runoff consists of three main buildings that are connected with sky-bridges and running billboards, with a trench running through the centre of the map. The trenches allow players to bug out quickly if they get into an unwinnable Titan fight; however, Titans have to go to either end of the map to exit the trench.

"The core concept of the level is multiple layers of paths: concrete canals filled with water and trash below, and upper levels that are cleaner and more industrial," Smith wrote. "I thought the canals would be cool for Titans to fight in, with Pilots able to jump across them. I also set out to make more choke points in the level, something that is pretty hard to do in our game, at least for Pilots with their enhanced mobility."

In Hardpoint on Runoff, B is the only point that can be captured directly by a Titan, while A and C allow Titans to see and shoot into them. The flag bases are located at either end of the main trench path in Capture the Flag, with the trench offering a fast avenue for Titans to traverse between bases.

Set to launch in May, the Expedition DLC's story takes place after the multiplayer campaign. It features Runoff and two other maps, such as "Swampland" that is set among the ruins of "archaic alien technology" and features trees for wall running. The third map called "War Games" is based in the game's training simulator.

Revealed at a PAX East 2014 retrospective panel, additional free Titanfall updates planned for the game include new burn cards and multiplayer modes. Respawn is also researching removing the HUD for video capture, allowing players to pair up using social media hashtags, customizable titans, along with competitive rankings and daily challenges. You can learn more about the game by checking out Polygon's Titanfall review.