Transformers War for Cybertron
SCORE: 64
Video games have long been my hobby, dating back all the way to the original Atari game system. Second only to video games is my enjoyment for collecting and watching Transformers – specifically Generation 1 Transformers from the mid 80’s. Unfortunately the two have never been able to successfully combine into any type of entertaining experience…until now. Transformers: War for Cybertron is the almost perfect combination of great action gameplay with classic Transformers story telling. This game has everything Transformers fans and action game enthusiasts will enjoy.
Transformers: War for Cybertron takes 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. The story is much deeper and satisfying then either of the recent blockbuster movies. In fact, Hasbro, the maker of Transformers, was so impressed with the story developed by High Moon Studios that it was approved as actual cannon material. Meaning this is now considered official history in the Transformers universe. The campaign mode will take approximately 12 to 15 hours to complete. It is full of fast paced action and will keep you engaged from beginning to end.
Transformers: War for Cybertron campaign mode is divided into ten chapters. The first five chapters are played as the Decepticons in their conquest to take over Cybertron. Megatron is in search for a mysterious energy source that would give him the power to rule the universe. The last five chapters are played as the Autobots and their retaliation against the Decepticon push for power. There are three playable characters for each chapter and all three participate in the action. In solo campaign the other two characters go along with you to assist in fighting. While in online multiplayer campaign mode you can join up with two other gamers and play through the story together. Speaking of multiplayer, the online game modes are both entertaining and well developed. Online gamers will definitely enjoy playing the various online modes solo or teaming up with their online friends.
In addition to the story, the control scheme is one of the strongest aspects of Transformers: War for Cybertron. The control layout is very user friendly and takes about one chapter to master. Transformations are easy to achieve and play a vital part in the game. Unlike past Transformers games, transforming is not just a gimmick to appeal to the fan boys of the 80’s cartoon. In Transformers: War for Cybertron transforming from robot to alternate mode and back to robot serves a purpose and is essential to being successful. Transformers: War for Cybertron uses the Unreal Engine to showcase one of the best third person shooters of 2010. But this is more than just a third person shooter. The game is more fascinating than your average shooter due to the riveting action and melee battles.
As a fan boy myself, I was thrilled to hear know that Peter Cullen would be voicing Optimus Prime in Transformers: War for Cybertron. For those not familiar with Transformers history, Peter Cullen was the original voice of Optimus Prime and was brought back in the recent films. He makes the character of Optimus Prime and this move added legitimacy to the game. The rest of the voice cast does a fine job of bringing their robots to life and giving them adequate personality.
What really gives the Transformers their respective personalities is the designs given them by High Moon studios. The designs are reminiscent of the Generation One cartoons, while adding a modern flare. Each of the main characters is clearly defined in their appearance. These models are some of the best we have seen since the original series. The overall graphical presentation of Transformers: War for Cybertron is superb. The entire game takes place on a robot planet, but the scenes never get old. The explosions and battle sequences are top notch.
As great and entertaining as Transformers: War for Cybertron can be, there are a few flaws that keep it from being perfect. There were some platforming issues that I noticed in my play through the game. In one level, playing as the Autobots, my two allies were trying to jump over an obstacle and became stuck in mid air. The enemies then came and I had no help in chasing them away, as the two air stuck robots were running in place. In another instance, I was on one of the elevators and one of the two allies with me was running in place once again, not stopping until we reached the destination. There were also a couple of times the camera would shift to a weird angle and it was hard to see the oncoming enemies. Even with these issues, Transformers: War for Cybertron is a solid third person shooter and still the best Transformers game ever produced.
For families considering adding Transformers: War for Cybertron to their game library, there are a few things worth noting. Transformers: War for Cybertron is the classic depiction of Good versus Evil. The Autobots (good guys) are fighting for their survival against the Decepticons (bad guys). Optimus Prime is the leader of the Autobots. He leads by example and is always encouraging his fellow Autobots to do their best. Megatron is the leader of the Decepticons and is arrogant and egotistical. Megatron does not allow any one to question him, even his own followers. In one chapter-opening scene, Megatron kills one of the Decepticons for questioning his leadership.
As previously mentioned, Transformers: War for Cybertron is a third person shooter. There are no human characters, so there is no blood and gore in that regard. But there is screaming and death as far as the robots are concerned. It reminds me of how boys play with their action figure and role-play after watching their favorite action cartoons. Good versus evil meets modern video game technology.
Transformers: War for Cybertron will be a huge hit among Transformers fans, and provides enough crossover appeal to satisfy even the most die-hard shooter fans. There are videos, characters and concept art to unlock. Combine that with the online play and gamers will have Transformers: War for Cybertron in their consoles for a long time. That being said, Transformers: War for Cybertron is rated ‘T” for Teen due to the fantasy violence. Parents can look to discuss violence, arrogance, leadership and much more regarding good versus evil if considering Transformers: War for Cybertron.
Transformers: War for Cybertron is a good alternative to gory, blood
infested shooters that currently fill store shelves.
- Alan
Graphics: 59%
Sound: 67%
Replay/Extras: 73%
Gameplay: 66%
Family Friendly Factor: 55%
System: Xbox 360/Playstation 3/PC
Publisher: Activision
Rating: 'T' for Teen
{Violence}
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