Transformers: The Game Xbox 360 Review
When I was growing up, I enjoyed the Transformers. I collected the toys and watched the series. Looking back I was one of those kids who could take any one of the toys and within a few minutes switch the form to the vehicle and then back to the robot form without any trouble. The Transformers represented something high tech and also cool to own. I just enjoyed the fun and the animated series.
When I first heard about the plans to bring back the Transformers on the big screen, I had mixed emotions. On the one hand I wanted to see my old Heroes come back to life. On the other I did not want it to be just another weak action movie. I also knew that there was going to be a game and there were a million reasons why the Transformers would make a great game. Unfortunately, when you read my full review, you’ll see that even with all the right reasons, the game never managed to bring back that feeling I had when I was younger. Read on to see why I say this.
Gameplay
The basic story and gameplay has little to do with the movie and this right away turned me off. A movie-based game should have the right balance of having enough of the movie plot and action while not ruining it so it spoils the whole movie. For whatever reasons the developers of the game decided to throw in the basic story of introducing Sam and the fact he had the key or “AllSpark”, the life force of all the Transformers. Both sides want to get their hands on it.
I hoped there was more to the basic plot of the game but story-wise this is it. Now granted you can choose to play the good guys the Autobots or play as the Decepticons. Normally having two separate campaigns is always a bonus in any video game. Unfortunately the two campaigns are pretty much the same formula and pattern. Hack, Slash and destroy then repeat. They attempted to make the game interesting but with a fairly small combat area and limited missions, the game is very short. The levels offer some cool destruction and morphing effects, but the game’s basic design never allows the gamer to get into the game and experience the world of either the good or the bad Transformers and that is the real shame here.
There were certain aspects that I really enjoyed, but the trouble is that these moments were very few. While fun, they were over as quickly as they were introduced. I thought being able to take control of each of the Transformers and drive them around would be a blast. The truth is it was more fun switching forms and running. It seems the game testers thought the driving engine was either fine the way it was or not important.
As a reviewer, I have seen a lot of bad movie-based games over the years. While I try and separate my own likes and thoughts and not pre- judge any game, it’s clear that for those who grew up with something as popular as the Transformers, they may be disappointed. Any gamer will enjoy the hack and slash gameplay for a while but few will say at the end of the game it was really a good gaming experience. I also grew tired of the camera constantly shaking and rocking trying to simulate the robotic effects. At first it was cool and later due to the fact the camera system was pretty poor it just seemed to add to my frustration of the overall game. Looking back perhaps they wanted to make sure the game was not too hard for younger players, but in the total process it just seemed watered down for the older gamer.
Control
I already mentioned that most of the game is a button mashing style of hack and slash. You have plenty of weapons and other tools to use and they are laid out well, but it just never seems like you use most of the controls. One of the biggest complaints that I had was placing the gas for the driving on the left trigger. It made no sense while I was playing the game. Even while trying to review the game, I am stumped as to why this was the choice. It felt awkward and maybe that is why I really could not get into the whole driving aspect.
I also did not like the game’s camera and the lack of control. It just seemed out of place and in the way almost all the time. The only thing I can say is the controls are easy to learn even for younger gamers. I don’t know many gamers that will adjust to the gas peddle being the left trigger though. They made a decent effort in the control area and it works just not as well as it could have.
Graphics
At times the graphics look outstanding and show off some nice details. It seems that it then switches back to a pretty bland looking and somewhat washed out look. Every time you enter a battle it looks like your fighting the same enemy and most times you are. There are a few great explosions and short graphic highlights but like the rest of the game this is too few and too short to make an impact for the game.
You may see the main character looking great, but especially in chasing scenes the rest of the surroundings look pretty boring and almost like a backdrop. It never comes close to looking like an Xbox 360 title and that is very sad for the fans of the series and movie.
Audio
Bringing in some of the leads to reprise their roles adds to the audio. I am not sure if this was recorded just for the game or not. It was great to hear some of the familiar voices again and the other effects sound decent but nothing amazing or that stood out. A decent job but I really wanted and expected more.
Replay Value
If you play every side mission and want to find all the secrets in the game, it may add to the overall replay value. As it is even playing through everything and both campaigns the total game takes about 5-7 hours to beat and then it’s over. With no live mode to play or something to change the campaigns, it just gets old. Bottom line is even the die-hard fans will play though the game once to complete it and then let it sit. You will have fun at first but the fun factor wears off too quickly.
Bottom Line
Overall Score: 5.8/10.0
Additional Comments
I wanted to enjoy the game and there were plenty of options the developers could have used to make this a great game. It seemed more of a commercial for the movie than a real attempt at a game. I never enjoy ripping a game. Even going back and trying to change my mind set, I had the same feeling playing the game. It’s a rental at best and even true Transformers fans will probably wind up trading this one in if they buy it. I hope one day they will decide to make a real game for gamers to enjoy the same fun I had with the Transformer toys as a kid.
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Filed under: Reviews • Xbox 360
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