Transformers: Autobots

""One shall Stand, One Shall fall""

Transformers: Autobots, the other version for the DS. This version is actually very good, better than I expected it to be. Owning the Wii version, I thought the Autobots version would be boring, but it is actually in par with the Decepticon version.

For this review, I will be doing a new layout. Just keeping it simple, because I don't want to ruin too much. My Decepticon review is done in the same format.

Storyline:

Just like the Decepticon version, you start out as a no name Autobot, a newbie as some will call it. Again, you get to name your custom Autobot and then you are briefed by a familiar Autobot and your training begins. Both games have the same story, Decepticons want to find the Allspark for evil, while you being the Autobots need to find it before they do and keep it away from the Decepticons.

It follows the movie so if you have seen it, some missions or parts in the game will be familiar to you. It actually sort of fills in some of the missing holes in the movie which is a great plus to this game. Now, unlike the Decepticon version, instead of destroying everything in your path, you are to destroy the least. Autobots have to protect the human race so you will find yourself going around fighting many Decepticons.

Game play:

Starting out as a prototype, you are in need of a vehicle form. These can be cars, trucks, and even helicopters and planes. You are given a scan option which is activated by touching the screen. Touching the Autobot symbol lets you transform. Throughout the game, if you see a vehicle parked or is moving, you can scan it and then change into those forms. There are some parts in the game that forces you to use a certain form though so don't scared if you can't change.

One thing that the two versions share are the stages. You start out in the same place and basically the roles are reversed. Instead of trying to destroy things, you have to stop things from being destroyed. However, both versions have the four icons in the upper right hand corner. This is your threat bar. Each icon is considered a level of threat. The higher it goes, the more stuff will try to kill you. This can be choppers, police cars and even tanks. Best way to get the threat level down is to try not to destroy cars or transform and drive away avoiding anything in your way.

You are given missions and submissions to keep you occupied and some can be simply driving to a point or fighting off Decepticons. Every time you succeed in either, you are given experience and you can gain levels for your custom Autobot. Each time you gain a level, you can learn a new move that you couldn't learn before.

Controls:

Both versions have the best controls compared to the Wii version. Your shoulder buttons are your camera and by pressing both resets the camera straight. You have your jump, your attack and fire weapon. The touchscreen is used to transform and scan. Your character responds greatly and fighting isn't so bad compared to the Wii version. You don't have your camera going crazy leaving your frustrated and annoyed. One thing I dislike is the fact you can't block unlike the Wii version. (taken from my Decepticon review)

Music:

Sadly, this game uses the same music as the Decepticon version. Your typical gameboy music with a beat and while it isn't worth mentioning, it's there and it isn't annoying at least.

Flaws:

Only one and I this version isn't so bad. When your threat level is high, you will be overwhelmed with enemies on the screen killing you pretty fast. They also don't give you a lot of healing items either. Only way to get healing items are destroying your enemies but sometimes they drop nothing and you are killed. What happens when you die? You start the whole mission over again. Also, the inability to block is really dull.

Replay Value:

Bored with the single player game? Well go at it with three other people! Yes the highlight of the DS versions is that they have multi player options. Fight it out with other Autobots or Decepticons, join online clans and participate in the daily challenges that determines which side wins. Now, I am a loyal Decepticon fan, are you?

In Closing:

If you own a DS and if you loved the movie or just like Transformers in general, buy this game. If you like the Autobots, that is another reason to get this game. For the price, this game is fair. You are given a lot of content and is well worth your money. When you are done with this version, invest on the Decepticons, their version is a little more difficult since your threat level will always be high.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 07/10/07