Transformers

"Sound the Red Alert, we have one Hot Shot of a game."

Well, to start, you're all probably familiar with the Transformers franchise by now, right? Those huge robots that walk around on Earth and can transform themselves into cars and tanks and planes--you get the idea. You also know that the story is always focused around the war between the Autobots and the Decepticons, and there's always something involving saving Cybertron from destruction. This time, it's the Mini-Cons.

Let's start off with Gameplay: 10/10

This game's gameplay is fairly easy to use and quick to be learned. There really isn't much challenge thanks to the variety of different Mini-Cons that you can equip onto your Autobots. Although there is a lack of character choice (you've only got Optimus Prime, Red Alert and Hot Shot), each character has different specialties that allow you to preform better on certain terrains. Let's compare Hot Shot to Red Alert really fast while they're in their vehicle form. Red Alert transforms into an emergency SUV, which preforms better on rough terrains, while Hot Shot is a speedster that likes opening roads, because he's a sports car meant for a track. Place them in say, the frozen terrains of Antarctica and the results will be obvious: Red Alert will operate better because that's just how the creators made him. Strategy and careful planning can make a mission easier or harder.

Mini-Cons: They all give you something different. Rocket Launchers, Mines, Shields, the ability to move faster or even see "Energon." This adds depth to the gaming system. Also, equipping Mini-Cons of the same type/color will increase their performances.

Story: 9/10

Like all the other Transformers franchise, this one involves a war between to sides of Transformers: Autobots and Decepticons, with Cybertron, their home world, coming to ruins beneath their feet. The only difference, usually, is how the Autobots plan to save their home world. This time, it is with the help of the Mini-Cons a race of small "smart tools" that, when linked to a larger Transformer, gives them special powers. They race to Earth to save their world and end the war against the Decepticons.

Graphics: 10/10

When you first start the game, what's usually the first thing you realize? For me, it's the graphics--that eye-candy (or lack of) that you have to stare at for however long you're going to play, whether it's going to be 20 minutes or 17 hours (oh, please tell me you have a life?). For lack of any better words to describe this game's graphics, I'm simply going to say this: Oh...my...freakin'...A! DAMN are these graphics intense. The environments are unbelievably beautiful. There's not a single flaw in the graphics, especially with the robots themselves. Although the enemies are very similar to each other, the detail that the creators worked into their designs is magnificent. Although your vision is usually limited by either fierce whether or trees upon never-ending trees, they are only vouchers to how much work the creators put into the visual field of the game. The landscapes are almost never-ending and there doesn't seem to be any stone that isn't rendered with a mother's care.

Sounds: 10/10

Oh how the sounds can bother me some times. They have the same voices as in the shows, just like always, folks. You don't have to go put the creators of the game on stakes and burn them. Don't worry. Every time you move, you're going to hear the sound of your gears grinding against each other, or your wheels tearing up the road beneath you... The explosions and gunfire are exactly what you'd expect in a game. Nothing different. Just goes to show you: the more things change, the more they stay the same.

Replay value and bonuses: 8/10

You're still going to be faced with the exact same enemies and terrain every time you play through, but there are a bunch of bonuses that can be collected through out the game...some you must finish latter levels to unlock, and then go back once you have certain Mini-Cons.

The Verdict: 10/10

This is a game worth its money, and if you're into the franchise/enjoy collecting the stuff, this is your game. Now, roll out!

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 08/31/09

Game Release: Transformers (US, 05/11/04)