Transformers Devastation Review
Transformers is a franchise that has had its ups and downs across all forms of media from the movies and video games, to the cartoons and toys. This is a iconic franchise that has a lot to offer gamers. The most recent game in the series, Transformers Devastation is a fantastic addition to the collection; it pays homage to the 80s cartoon and gives fans what they want.
The game was developed by Platinum, the company behind Bayonetta, who are known for quality games. Transformers Devastation is not just another game based on the movies from Michael Bay, instead Devastation is a throwback to the best era of Transformers, the 1980s cartoon. This means gamers will be seeing appearances from such classic characters as Megatron, Starscream, Wheeljack, Soundwave, Grimlock, Bumblebee and several others.
Although the game clocks in at about 10 hours, I felt it’s well worth it. The animation is fantastic and I felt like a kid watching the cartoon again. Voicework and music is spot on to what I remember, even down to the way Optimus issues commands to Starscream’s whining pleas to Megatron. Gameplay is smooth and involves seamless transition from vehicles to Autobot and back again. Vehicles are mostly used for getting around, but they have the ability to engage the enemy with ranged weapons. Playing in autobot form is easy and involves some button mashing, build those combos and unleash a special attack. Parry or dodge enemy attacks and get a narrow window to unleash damage.
Collect items and players can upgrade and combine their weapons, each character can have 4 weapons and a variety of guns and melee weapons exist. I found myself using Devastator’s Drills or the upgraded energy swords. Each character also has 2-3 tech slots which will let gamer’s get more experience for certain attacks, get more ammo, do more damage, etc. The boss battles are fun and involve Devastator and Menasor, and often time players will be fighting alongside AI controller Autobots as well.
The story is that Megatron has come to Earth and wants to transform it into another Cybertron using the Proudstar with the help of the Insecticons. Optimus and crew must stop him. Most of the battles take place in the city or underground. I found myself drawn to using Bumblebee or Optimus most of the time. Sideswipe and Wheeljack feel similar and Grimlock is the heavy bruiser. Grimlock is slow, has high defense and can deal out a lot of damage. The only problems I had with the game are it was challenging to fight flying enemies as Autobots who cannot fly and some of the boss battles were pretty tough.
The game is a lot of fun. When it's over, there are challenge rooms and bits of lore and history to unlock. The game is $25 or less on Amazon right now and is a must buy for fans of the series or if gamers are looking for an action game fix.
End score for this great game is 4.75/5