Should you get an Xbox One for Titanfall?

When a new console is released, many people wait for the system’s first “killer app” before purchasing. For example, the Nintendo 64 had Super Mario 64, which coincidentally released alongside the system. The Xbox 360 had Gears of War, releasing a year after the system. The PS3 got Uncharted, also a year after the system’s release.

Back at E3, Titanfall was shoehorned into being the killer app for the Xbox One, and for good reason: it’s really, really damn good. But is it good enough to follow Lance’s lead and buy a system just for the game?

Do you own a PC capable of running Titanfall?

If so, then there’s really no need to purchase the console just for the game. Going into the recent beta event, I really only had one question: what are the differences between the PC and Xbox One version? It turns out that there aren’t many aside from the default control scheme. Dare I say that the game looked better on my PC? It sure had more lens-flare, anyway. That’s not to say that things were perfect on PC; I loathed the keyboard/mouse setup and the game had a few hiccups (I suffered no bugs during my time with Xbox One). This wasn’t enough to make hate the PC version of the game, though, nor was it enough to break the game. It’s essentially on par with the Xbox One version.

If you don’t, however, and really want to play Titanfall, let’s ask some more questions.

Do you have $500 to spend?

If you don’t, then why the hell are you even considering spending that kind of money? If you do, however…

Do you really, really want to play Titanfall at launch?

Microsoft has sweetened the pot: buy an Xbox One, get Titanfall. But is it enough to make the console a must own purchase? Before the announcement that Twitch streaming will be available March 11th, this wasn’t even a question. Now, however, it becomes a consideration. Look, I absolutely adore my Xbox One. The fact that it’s currently being sent back for repairs because of a random disc drive error when I tried to play Plants vs. Zombies: Garden Warfare breaks my heart.

But I also know that not everyone shares my opinion and doesn’t think as highly of the Xbox One as I do, so they can’t justify spending the money on the console, even if it’s for a game like Titanfall.

So what should you do then?

Whatever the heck you’d like to do. Personally, Titanfall is a game that has the power to sell systems. Use it as an excuse to take the dip into the newest generation of gaming. Use it as an excuse to upgrade your PC. Use it as an excuse to go over to your friend’s house and play their copy. 

Of course, you may be one of the people who aren’t impressed by Titanfall. That’s totally okay and I can understand where you’re coming from. If you’re one of those people, though, then why did you read this article? You’re not my target audience…