Transformers Cybertron Autobots

SCORE: 64

Transformers: War for Cybertron for the Xbox 360 and PS3 is making a splash in the mainstream action genre – unlike past Transformers video games. And I was really looking forward to playing the Transformers: War for Cybertron – Autobots version of the game to see how the battle transformed to the Nintendo DS. For those unfamiliar with the media buzz around Transformers: War for Cybertron, the Xbox 360 and PS3 versions take us back years before the Transformers come to earth, and tells the back story of Optimus becoming Prime, Starscream joining the Decepticons and much more. As with the previous DS Transformers games, War for Cybertron is separated into two distinct games for the Nintendo DS – Autobots and Decepticons. As you can imagine, one follows the story of the Autobots and the other the story of the Decepticons.

But unlike its consoles cousins, War for Cybertron – Autobots fails to capture the audience with great story telling and graphical presentation. Where the console versions excel, the DS Autobots title falls flat. The graphic in War for Cybertron – Autobots are very disappointing. Granted, the DS is nowhere near a strong player in the world of video game graphics, but this title comes across as sloppy and unfinished. If I had not been so familiar with the characters and their designs, it would have been hard to differentiate who was who. Even with the entire game taking place on Cybertron, a robotic planet, the levels are dark and messy.

I was disappointed to find that so much of the story was told through reading the conversations. Be prepared to do a lot of reading (which is not uncommon for DS games) with a bland script. I found myself simply pressing through the conversations to get to the next sequence in the game. Even with a solid voice cast, the storytelling felt empty. I really wish the DS had better sound quality, but this title could have done better depicting the sounds of the robots interacting with the environments and each other.

The control scheme is one area the War for Cybertron – Autobots does a decent job. The controls are nicely laid out and easy to learn. Transform into your characters’ alternate mode by a press of a button. I appreciated the ability to lock on targets when using your weapon. The melee attacks are also accessed by the press of one button, and come across with fairly realistic animations. The only major draw back here is that the gameplay is so repetitive. I would really like to see more variety in level design and gameplay.

War for Cybertron – Autobots uses the top DS screen for the gameplay, and the bottom screen is a map with health indicator for your partner. Switching partners is achieved by pressing the A button. This is necessary at times because each enemy is susceptible to different attacks. Your primary and secondary characters each have different strengths and weaknesses, and using them appropriately will go a long way towards your success in the game.

Game modes include the Autobots story mode, survival mode and various online modes. One of the few strong points with this title is the appeal of playing with your friends online. There are also plenty of unlockable characters that will encourage gamers to keep coming back for more. Transformers can be modified and upgraded using the points earned during battle. This is a nice touch that will no doubt delight die-hard Transformer fans. But the gameplay and poor graphics will make it hard for new comers to want to continue the fight for Cybertron.

War for Cybertron – Autobots could have, and should have, been a much better game. I really got the feeling while playing through War for Cybertron – Autobots that this was an easy way to cash in on the Transformers brand. Selling two titles, Autobots and Decepticons, for $30. If the gamer wants to unlock all of the available items and Transformers then both games will need to be purchased. I would have preferred and more polished and refined gaming experience with some of both games wrapped into one title.

Parents can look for animated violence and fantasy melee (hand to hand) combat in War for Cybertron – Autobots for the Nintendo DS. The Autobots version does not have the overall negative feel as its Decepticon counterpart due to the fact this title has you as the good guys. The game is rated E+10 and that is a very appropriate rating.

If you are a Transformers fan that is on the go, then you will definitely enjoy War for Cybertron – Autobots, but casual DS gamers may find it hard to enjoy.
- Alan

Graphics: 56%
Sound: 70%
Replay/Extras: 70%
Gameplay: 66%
Family Friendly Factor: 55%
System: Nintendo DS
Publisher: Activision
Rating: 'E10+' for Everyone 10+
{Fantasy Violence}

Want more info on this product, or the company that made this product?
Set web browser to:
Link

Got a question, comment, or a concern regarding this review?
Email them to:
GameReviews@familyfriendlygaming.com