Transformers: Fall of Cybertron Review

Transformers: Fall of Cybertron is the sequel of High Moon Studio’s first Transformers game War for Cybertron, based in the universe of the Transformers franchise. The game is published by activision and is release on Windows, 360, and PlayStation 3.

FoC is set on the transformers homeworld of Cybertron; an entire planet made of machinery, hosting the life forms transformers; sentient robots able to transform into different machinery at whim. A civil war has broken out on the planet between the Autobots and the Decepticons causing the planet to die and wither, forcing the Autobots to attempts to escape in an Ark through a worm hole. Decepticons being as evil as possible decide that only oblivion is suitable for the autobots and thus try to destroy them.

The game’s story switches sides frequently giving a better focus on the increasingly larger plot, with each chapter letting you play a different transformer.

FoC knows what its goal is from the start, the game is just trying to make a solid and great Transformers game, using a third person shooter format but letting the Transformers theme carry it with unique weapons, abilities and being able to transform, adding layers and layers of extra enjoyment to the mix.

Its control system is mostly pulled from third person cover shooters but with the cover system removed, leaving the player with an over the shoulder camera angle. Players are however giving the ability to dash and transform giving them a larger amount of agility compared to the average cover shooter, this causes the game to feel faster paced and more about moving around then tactical use of cover. These design choices have also caused the game to have a much more aggressive focus then other third person shoots, as players duck and weave by transforming in mid-air for a speed boost, and dashing close for a high damage melee attack.

Players are given one normal weapon as well as a heavy weapon, these weapons all have the transformers flair, from corrosive ooze guns to chain lighting rifles, all feature a nice twist on the gameplay style that players will utilize. Transformers of course as the name suggests are able to transform as well, adding a vast amount more depth to the mix as each character’s transformation has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Transformers campaign is a joy for any fan of the franchise, as it lets players take over a wide range of famous characters from the transformers franchise; all offering their own special abilities that have an impact on every level. The style of each chapter can drastically change, as characters like Cliffjumper and Jazz player closer to stealth games, meanwhile Grimlock doesn’t even use guns, just a sword, shield and breathing fire when he transforms. This really lets the campaign out do its predecessor with its vast array of variety. The only issue that could be mentioned with the campaign is a couple of difficult spikes that caused momentary frustrations in an otherwise great campaign.

Escalation is one of the other modes on FoC, it’s a horde style four player mode, where players select from a pool of characters and fight against improving ways of opponents, gaining currency along the way to buy weapons and upgrades. Escalation is an enjoyable mode; I didn’t feel it had as much staying power as other game’s horde modes in other game, but it’s enjoyable in its own right and is a nice addition to the other modes.

The main pull for the game is the multiplayer, featuring a four class system. Each class has its own specific transform as well as abilities and weapons, this forces players to work together by healing, putting up shields, and the occasional stealth back stab on opponents. The multiplayer is only made better by a vast amount of customisation that players can do, from the aesthetic look of the characters to slight changes in the weapons stats. The customisation adds greatly to the multiplayer, making it easily repayable, addictive and fun.

Gameplay

Transformers has its heart in a good place, setting out to make a solid transformers game. The gameplay is great with the transformers theme lending itself to the weaponry and also transforming adding extra layers of play to the mix, it’s not the most innovative game out there, and it’s just a really good game

Presentation

• Transformers: FoC is made with the Unreal engine making it instantly noticeable, its graphics have a great metallic sheen due to the engine, however frequent texture pop in when loading models can be a pain.
• Sound work hits the mark with famous voice actors and much of the original voices from TV and films in the franchise.
• The story also works as a nice way to check list multiple characters in the series, giving them all enjoyable cameo appearances.

Longevity

• Transformers features multiple chapters lasting around eight hours, each level is highly diverse with collectables and improvable weapons making it an easy choice to play over and over again.
• Escalation also works as a great addition to the game, adding several hours onto the game.
• The main place most people will be on FoC is the multiplayer, with an addictive levelling up system and the good multiplayer gameplay to stop it becoming tedious.

Overall

• A great game, worthy of any transformers fan and great if your life shooters, transformers does hit all marks but just doesn’t do enough new to make it to the top.

Disclaimer:All scores given within our reviews are based on the artist’s personal opinion; this should in no way impede your decision to purchase the game.