Transformers

"The Epic Battle Between Good and Evil Begins Anew!"

Introduction

I must first state that I am in fact a HUGE Transformers fan and I have indeed played the other games on NES. Nothing can compare to this. When I first heard that Atari was making a Transformers game, I'll have to admit that I scoffed at the idea stating that every other Transformers game was crap.

I couldn't be more wrong. This game is splendid...its so graphical and detailed. Allow me to elaborate.

Story

This story is no different from any other Transformers game/cartoon show. Decepticons show and up the Autobots have to stop them. The twist on this case is that the Decepticons are after another race of Transformers known as the Mini-cons. The mini-cons grant great power to those who wield them. And the Autobots know that if Megatron and the rest of the Decepticons come to possess them then its Game Over.

Gameplay

The game play is great, though the controls gives you something to desire, they are not the best in the world and take a few minutes to get used to. Worse after that, this game makes use of all 4 shoulder buttons, which can get quite confusing when your in the thick of battle and need to push shoulder buttons to fire or to jump or to use your mini-con abilities. Even worst than that is there is no customizing the controller settings. Everything is set in stone, which sucks because there are so many times I wished I could make X the jump button. Other than those flaws and the fact that you have to get used to the controls, it becomes rather fun. Let's just say that after this game, you will still remember how to play the controls even if you pick this game up again after 6 months. I'd give the controls a 6/10

Graphics

The graphics in this game are stunning for a PS2. The cut-scenes are so vibrant and clean. I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw Optimus and Megatron clashing in the opening movie. I was ecstatic...almost in tears thinking, "Oh my god! This game freaking rocks!" The actual game graphics are no slouching matter either. They are just as good as the cut-scenes. I also noticed the "Rag-Doll Physics" in this game. Another great plus. Not only do I get to blast the crap out of decepticons, I get to see them fly through the air, limbs thrashing as they hit the ground and send particles flying everywhere. Watching Tidal Wave transform in one of the cut-scenes was breathtaking, not to mention the fight you have with him! The world graphics are simply amazing too. The first level...the Amazon, was simply breathtaking. From the realness of the trees right down to the spray of the waterfalls. A solid 10/10 for graphics. Hands Down!

Sound Effects/Music

Great sound. The original cast from Armada is there and they are in full glory as well. Awesome voice acting as well, not to mention general sound effects like explosions and the sound of water. Hearing your footsteps on the snow, hearing it make that snowy "crunch" sound. Very good indeed.

Music was nice...they did a good job I think. Though the whole "More than meets the eye" theme was a bit overplayed. Cut-scene music was awesome, especially the orchestrated pieces.

I'd give the sound effects a solid 9/10 but the music only gets a mediocre 5/10

Extras

This game is chock full of extra content found via Data-Con disks scattered in each of the levels. They unlock a proverbial cache of extras ranging from Armada toy production to mini comics, remixed music, CG stills, Rendered art and even the old Generation 1 PSA (Public Service Announcements) digitally remastered in all their 1985 glory. Very nice touch indeed. I personally loved the old PSA's, I am a big G1 fan.

The extras section definitely gets a 10/10

Overall

Transformers is a great game. Its beautiful to look at, especially since its on PS2 and not XBOX or GC for that matter. Its good to know that Transformers is a PS2 exclusive game and it really shows off the PS2's hardware capabilities. I soundly stick by my overall score of 8/10. Though this game is not perfect, and it has its flaws (mainly control issues and a few bog down spots), this game is a keeper. Go rent it if you have too, but if you have the chance to pick it up, the $50.00 price tag is nothing. You can pay 50 bucks for almost any game, but this one is by far worth it. Don't take my word for it and go buy it cuz i said to. Go rent it, its a blast to play.

Thank you for reading my review of Transformers

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 05/20/04