'Titanfall' welcomes beta hopefuls for Feb 14 launch

Multiplayer action game "Titanfall," which traces its lineage directly to the creators of "Call of Duty," has opened its beta registration phase with the first batch of public tests scheduled for later this week.

Multiplayer action game 'Titanfall,' which traces its lineage directly to the creators of 'Call of Duty,' has opened its beta registration phase with the first batch of public tests scheduled for later this week.

The game, which features a mix of nimble footsoldiers and giant mechanoid vehicles, is tied to Microsoft's Xbox One, Xbox 360, and Windows PC platforms as a result of an exclusivity deal with publisher Electronic Arts.

Well anticipated due to its links with 'Call of Duty' co-founder Vince Zampella, who heads up the Respawn Entertainment studio, 'Titanfall' also mixes human players with AI-controlled combatants and sets out to blend spectacular set pieces with multiplayer gameplay.

The beta is to open on February 14, with invitations going out in waves until the 17th, and is for players with access to a Windows PC or Xbox One, using EA's Origin network on PC and Microsoft's Xbox Live on XBO.

Three modes are included for the 6 vs. 6 team-based shooter: Attrition (obliterate the other team), Hardpoint Domination (king of the hill), and Last Titan Standing (a battle for robots and their pilots).

'Titanfall' launches March 11 on PC and Xbox One, and March 25 on Xbox 360. Its eventual sequel is expected to embrace the PlayStation platform in addition.

Comrade-in-arms 'Destiny,' another new game by a studio whose legacy lies in blockbuster console-based shooters -- in this case it's Bungie and 'Halo' -- has a September 9 date marked down.