Review: Transformers War For Cybertron (360)
Just like many people my age and older Transformers were a big deal. Early mornings before catching the school bus I was treated to giant robots transforming into vehicles who then tried to kill each other. Nothing could be better besides four teenage mutant ninja turtles who ate pizza and fought ninjas, but then again, giant robots are next best thing. Transformers War for Cybertron for the 360,PS3, and PC tried to capitalize on my childhood memories and this is just the game that I think fans like me will be sold on.
The story takes place on Cybertron, the Transformer’s home planet during the Cybertronian War. Decepticons have discovered an energy source known as dark energon which can be dangerous in the wrong hands. Autobots of course want to stop Megatron and his minions and bring peace to their world. While the story is simply good robot versus bad robot, the story is told well and something that Transformer’s fans can really enjoy. Hasbro has even accepted this story as canon for the G1 series.
Transformers War For Cybertron is a third person shooter developed on the Unreal 3 engine. The game looks amazing. Autobots and Decepticons have a look that is similar to the original cartoons but updated enough to where it doesn’t look dated. The characters standout the most in the game, the transformation animations as well as their vehicle modes. There are even some minor things that make it feel really authentic. Like watching the wheels move on his back when he is standing around. Little things like that help it to stand out. Cybertron has a cold metal look and you can tell the planet has been though a lot. Everything looks great although environments could be a bit more varied but its not as gray as a game like Gears of War. It may not make sense to have a water or a grass stage in the game anyways. You can tell a lot of love not only went into characters and the environment but menu’s and the interface as well which gives you the sense your playing as a robot, especially when you die.
What would a Transformers game be without the classic sounds and voices. Peter Cullen is back as Optimus Prime and a handful of others reprise their rolls. Characters all play their rolls well but fans will be squealing with glee when Optimus speaks. Another treat for Transformer’s nuts is when characters transform in and out you will hear the same transformation sounds from the original series. Overall everything you hear in the game gives you the sense that on Cybertron there is nothing that is a plant, animal or a vegetable, its all metallic. Defiantly check out the credits for the game as it features a song that could easily be the successor to “You Got the Touch”.
The gameplay does not take a backseat to the outstanding presentation in Transformers. Running around blasting Decepticons and transforming in and out of your vehicles is satisfying once you get use to the controls. It maybe a little awkward to use at first but you can quickly get the hang of it. There is no cover system in Transformers but the transforming more than makes up for it. You can still hide behind stuff, and if an enemy is blasting at you, transforming into your vehicle form can allow you to quickly maneuver around that and even get you to other parts of the stage or map quickly. Weapons in the game are your standard affair, machine guns, assault rifles, and gun torrents are all here. Each character belongs to a class and each class has different attributes and usually tied to a specific vehicle transformation. Each class has its own perks that can give you an advantage in battle. This comes to play the most in the multiplayer mode.
Online multiplayer is where Transformers has its replayability. You can customize and level up your own character for multiplayer. You can even name your Transformer. You have four classes scientist, leader, scout, and soldier. Each is best suited for different kinds of combat. Scientist are usually jets that provide support for the team and leaders help boost your teams attributes.
You have varied game types such as deathmatch, a capture the flag type game (power struggle), 3 player co-op story campaign, as well as many others. The game even features a hoard type mode called Escalation. Where you fight off waves of enemies and you are rewarded points for doing so. These points allow you to gather more equipment, health, and ammo. The mutliplayer experience offers nothing new in the modes it offers but it it is very enjoyable with plenty of people online to play with. Multiplayer is online only which is kind of disappointing to those who might want to have a quick round or two with their friends.
Transformers War For Cybertron is a game worthy of fans of the series but newcomers or even those who just want a good third person shooter. A couple of minor issues keep this game from being a completely pimped out ride. Ammo and health can be lacking at times when you need it, especially if you die and respawn with a low amount before you tackle a huge challenge. For some action may get repetitive at times but boss battles and some other enemy types that appear a bit further on help to keep it interesting. The game is defiantly worth a play if not a buy for Transformer fans. Transformers War For Cybertron, keep on rocking like Stan Bush.
Verdict: B+
