Released on 25/06/2010

• Transformers: War for Cybertron: Review

  Back to the future

  Unlike 2007's Transformers: The Game and last year's Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, Transformers: War for Cybertron isn't a Michael Bay movie-based spin-off, but that doesn't mean it lacks blockbuster quality. In fact, it's arguably more action-packed and more fun to play than the two previous series entries.

  History lesson

  Unlike those titles, War for Cybertron is an origins story set before the Transformers characters' arrival on Earth. It takes players to their home planet of Cybertron and focuses on the epic civil war that spawned the brutal rivalry between the Autobots and Decepticons, using the Generation 1 (1984-1992) Transformers characters as its stars.

  Focuses on the epic civil war that spawned the brutal rivalry between the Autobots and Decepticons

  Your initial task upon visiting the frequently gorgeous metallic planet of Cybertron is to choose which side of the battle you want to experience first as the game features two distinct storylines. If you play the game chronologically, you'll find out how Decepticon ruler Megatron came to take control of the majority of the planet and experience the faction's unquenchable thirst for power. The Autobot levels, which continue the plot but can be played first, tell the story of how Optimus Prime took charge of the Autobots and attempted to bring peace to the planet.

  But War for Cybertron is much more than a nostalgic love letter to older Transformers fans and a history lesson for newer ones. It's also a well crafted third person shooter that sticks to what it does best - delivering relentless, action packed battles over the course of a ten hour campaign.

  Cybertron is well realised and the war you're engaged in is wholly immersive, with epic boss battles against the likes of Zeta Prime and Omega Supreme some of the highlights. At points it's also quite a challenging experience, throwing waves of enemies at you that are clever enough to react to the course of battle with strategic moves like flanking. Thankfully then, you have the option of taking friends into the conflict as the whole campaign's playable in an online co-op mode.

  Robots in disguise

  Transformers wouldn't be Transformers without robot shape-shifting, and each playable character (such as Megatron, Optimus, Warpath and Barricade) has two forms, robotic and vehicular, the latter tending to come in the shape of cars, tanks or aircraft.

  Transforming requires you to strategically balance your need for travel, defence and attack.

  Switching to vehicle form gives you access to different levels of speed and firepower, so transforming requires you to strategically balance your need for travel, defence and attack depending on the task at hand. While we're happy War for Cybertron doesn't make it necessary for players to constantly switch forms and therefore hasn't made it gimmicky, we actually think the feature may have been a little underused.

  Aside from co-op across the main campaign, War for Cybertron features a number of fun online multiplayer modes including Deathmatch and Team Deathmatch, a take on Capture The Flag called Code of Power, and a domination mode called Power Struggle where you have to keep control of a map for as long as possible. These modes let you to customise your Transformer after selecting from one of the Scout, Soldier, Leader and Scientist classes.

  Summer blockbuster

  Arguably the standout game type is Escalation, which has been inspired by Gears of War's Horde mode. Supporting up to four players the co-op game tasks you with stopping wave after wave of increasingly tough enemies for as long as you can. Played together with like-minded friends that can work together it's an absolute blast.

  By focusing on gameplay and story without falling into the potential trappings of a licensed-based title, Transformers: War for Cybertron succeeds where many other games have failed. A robust shooter with a good plot, great characters and strong visuals, it delivers in both the single and multiplayer departments.

  GAME's Verdict

  

  • Solid third person shooter action.
  • Some excellent boss fights.
  • Great co-op and multiplayer modes.

  

  • Big and beautiful, but not always brainy.
  • Transforming could play an even bigger role.
  • The next Transformers movie isn't based on this story.

  Review by: Tom 'Robot In Disguise' Ivan
  Version Tested: X360
  Review Published: 11.06.10

  Published: 11/06/2010

• Transformers: War for Cybertron: Review

  One shall stand, one shall fall.

  Lets be honest shall we? There has not been an outstanding Transformers game since Transformers Armada on PS2. The two recent film tie-ins were okay, but they didn manage to capture what makes the spark of the Transformers.

  War for Cybertron is going to change all that. Exploring the start of the Civil war between the heroic Autobots and the evil Decepticons, this means its pure robot-on-robot action. Humans need not apply! Add to this 3 player Coop throughout the entire campaign, 10 player online and Escalation mode (think Horde from Gears of War 2), this could go down as the most complete Transformers title to date!

  As with past Transformers games youl be able to play as both Decepticons and Autobots. Unlike previous games you won play the same story twice from different sides. There one story, the first half sees you as the Decepticons, as they tighten their grip on Cybertron, the second half puts you in the Autobot camp, as you try to fight back against the seemingly unstoppable Decepticon War machine.
  

  Prepare for termination.

  At the start of each level youl be given a choice of three Transformers to control taking into account their character type and alt mode. The controls throughout are well placed on the controller and the handling in each mode, vehicle and robot, is responsive and different. Bumblebee is quick and nippy compared to the bulky Optimus who is a bit slower and bulkier.

  Most of the levels within War for Cybertron are land based so youl be hopping in and out of vehicle mode as you traverse levels and wipe out your adversaries in a hail of Laser fire. But War for Cybertron mixes it up a bit as you take control of the Seekers and Aerialbots and head into the air. Again the controls are tight and youl find manoeuvring about as the airborne Transformers a breeze.

  The Transformers themselves look great in Robot and vehicle form. It took some time to get used to another re-imagining of Optimus, Megatron and co. but when you look close at their designs, they seem to combine certain elements of different Transformer eras. Optimus for example, his head is a heavy nod to G1, but his body to me combined the new animated series and War Within series designs. This is just my view, and it not a criticism, as those are possibly my three favourite Optimus designs.
  

  My audio receptors! What is that noise?!

  The sound in Transformers is a mixed bag. Peter Cullen takes his rightful place as Optimus and the transforming sound returns slightly tweaked but distinct. The laser cannons and explosions have real weight to them. However as good as the other voice actors are, it was disappointing that Frank Welker didn reprise his role as Megatron as he did in the movie tie-ins.

  The single player is a decent length and many will go through a couple of times to get all the Trophies/Achievements and also to complete on the different difficulty settings.

  But Transformers comes into its own when you take the fight online. 10 players online may seem a little underwhelming but when you get into a scrap youl soon see that 10 is more than enough players.
  

  Lighting our darkest hour

  All the levels have enclosed and open elements to them allowing for a varied and tactical experience. The Characters are separated into different classes, Scientist, Scout, Leader and Soldier. Each class has different skills available but can use most of the weapons available. The scientists are the jets and best used for long distance fighting or hit and run tactics used to disorientate your opponents. Soldiers as you expect are the brute force, taking a lot of punishment and dish out a lot of damage.

  As you use each class youl gain XP for that particular class. This XP goes towards gaining new character skins, new weapons and new perks to tilt the battle in your favour, think of it as a stripped down Modern Warfare 2 with huge robots!

  Transformers War For Cybertron has successfully made the Transformers Fan in me cry with delight, what we have here is a game that very nearly ticks all the boxes! It looks great, it plays brilliantly and there are no humans to be seen. Granted there are some minor niggles but these can be overlooked as they aren damning to the overall experience that Transformers War for Cybertron gives.

  

  Into orbit
  + The best Transformers game in years.
  + Online is amazing.
  + Solid solo campaign

  Down to earth
  - Needs more melee attacks.
  - Can only carry two weapons.
  - Waiting for the DLC.

• Transformers: War for Cybertron scores a sequel

  Transformers: War for Cybertron scores a sequel

  Good news, robots in disguise: there's a new Transformers: War for Cybertron game on the way, and it will be released in 2012. The news comes direct from Hasbro, which owns the Transformers license.

  It looks like the company was pretty pleased with the first War for Cybertron game, which scored great reviews for its blend of fast-paced action and frantic multiplayer. "This is the most highly-rated, critical success of any game that's had the Hasbro brand yet and we're looking forward to a sequel in 2012," said Hasbro's Mark Blecher.

  According to IGN, High Moon Studios will be developing the sequel, which bodes well, as it's the same studio that made the original. There should also be another Transformers movie tie-in game coming out next year, in time to connect with the third film in the blockbuster series.

  All in all, then, it's a pretty good time to be a robot. If you haven't checked out the first Transformers: War for Cybertron just yet, incidentally, it's available right now for the PC, PS3 and Xbox 360, and it takes Optimus Prime back to his roots in classic robot-battling style.
  

• New Release Round up: 25th June 2010

  This week's new GAME releases see you time shifting, demon slaying, spell casting, bone crunching and shape shifting.

  Time shifter

  
  Singularity (PS3, X360) puts you in the shoes of a US Air Force pilot sent on a mission to investigate a mysterious research base on an island off the coast of Siberia. You soon find yourself drawn into a Russian conspiracy as you fight to stop the ingularitywhich fractured time on the island from spreading to the wider world. To do so youl have to battle through a constantly shifting environment as time waves throw you back and forth between the Cold War era and the present day. Can you unravel the mystery behind this top-secret military project before time runs out?

  Demon slayer

  
  With a sword in one hand and a shield in the other, Demon's Souls (PS3) challenges you to slay an evil force that threatens to destroy the fictional kingdom of Boletaria. Youl venture across six worlds, ridding stone castles and dark caverns of the demons that lay within their walls, nurturing your stats as you go to build the combat and magic skills needed to defeat the more challenging bosses in this beautiful, immersive and challenging role playing game.

  Spell caster

  
  Based on the first four Harry potter books and films, LEGO Harry Potter: Years 1-4 (PS3, X360, Wii, DSi, DS Lite, PC, PSP) lets you experience Harry first four years at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Choosing from over 100 playable characters, youl get to make potions, cast spells, solve puzzles, fly on broomsticks and explore iconic environments in this humourous, family friendly title. You can even play through the game as a team thanks to a simple drop-in and drop-out co-op feature.

  Bone cruncher

  
  Fast-paced and gritty, Backbreaker (PS3, X360) aims to set a new standard for in-game animations in the American football genre. Developer NaturalMotion technology - also featured in Grand Theft Auto IV and Star Wars: The Force Unleashed - lets your console calculate each bone-crunching tackle on the fly, meaning every challenge is unique, realistic looking and feeling. Promising to put an end to canned animations, Backbreaker real-time technology aims to ensure the gameplay never becomes stale, leading to plenty of replay value.

  Shape shifter

  
  Transformers: War for Cybertron (PS3, X360, Wii, DSi, DS Lite, PC) is an origins story set before the Transformers characters arrival on Earth. Taking you to their home planet of Cybertron, it focuses on the epic civil war that spawned the brutal rivalry between the Autobots and Decepticons, allowing you to experience the action from both sides of the conflict. Playable characters include shape-shifting favourites such as Megatron and Optimus, and you can battle through the entire campaign with friends co-operatively online.
  

  Also out this week:

  • Ballerina (Wii)
  • Club Penguin: Herberts Revenge (DSi, DS Lite)
  • Daisy Lafuente Pilates (Wii)
  • Dementium 2 (DSi, DS Lite)
  • Disciples III: Renaissance (PC)
  • Games Aid Triple Pack (PS3)
  • Naughty Bear (PS3, X360)
  • Sonny With A Chance (DSi, DS Lite)
  • Sniper: Ghost Warrior (X360, PC)
  • Trinity Universe (PS3)

  Published: 25/06/2010

• Transformers: Fall of Cybertron to receive tie-in action figures

  Hasbro has revealed that it is producing a range of action figures to tie in with Activision's new sci-fi shooter Transformers: Fall of Cybertron.

  To celebrate the launch of the latest game based on its iconic toy franchise, Hasbro will be including Fall of Cybertron-inspired figures in the newest wave of Transformers Generations toys, due out this autumn.

  In addition to popular characters such as Optimus Prime, Jazz and Shockwave, the action figure range will also include the Decepticon team known as the Combaticons, consisting of Blast-Off, Vortex, Brawl, Swindle and their leader Onslaught.

  The five can be combined into a single fearsome entity known as Bruticus, one of many fan-favourite characters that will be making their debut in Fall of Cybertron when it launches later this year.

  A sequel to the acclaimed Transformers: War for Cybertron, the new Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC adventure from High Moon Studios promises enhanced multiplayer modes, greater customisation and an epic story detailing the Transformers' exodus from their dying homeworld.

  As well as the Combaticons and Bruticus, the game will mark the videogame debut of Dinobot Grimlock and his unstoppable T-rex form.

  Published: 14/02/2012

• Transformers: Fall of Cybertron 'will incorporate fan feedback'

  Developer High Moon Studios has assured Transformers fans that its upcoming shooter sequel Transformers: Fall of Cyberton has been designed with fan feedback in mind.

  Speaking to Eurogamer, game director Matt Tieger said the studio has accepted both praise and criticism from the fan community and members of the team itself when creating the follow-up to the hit Transformers: War for Cybertron.

  Fall of Cybertron will therefore seek to maintain the core gameplay feel and weapon systems that made the original a success, while adding in more gameplay variety, improved AI and imaginative new level designs.

  "We really knew how to make improvements," said Mr Tieger.

  Transformers: Fall of Cyberton is also set to please fans with an enhanced multiplayer mode and the addition of iconic characters such as Grimlock, Jazz, Metroplex and Bruticus.

  Coming to consoles this year, the game is set in the final days of the conflict between the heroic Autobots and evil Decepticons, charting the events that drive them to leave their homeworld for Earth.

  Published: 12/03/2012

• Transformers Prime videogames coming to Wii, 3DS and DS

  Optimus Prime and the Autobots will transform and roll out on Nintendo consoles this year with new games based on the popular Transformers Prime animated series.

  Coming to Wii, Nintendo 3DS and Nintendo DS, Activision's new Transformers Prime games will be action-packed adventures that recreate all the excitement of the CG-animated Cartoon Network show.

  Playing as Optimus Prime, Bumblebee, Arcee, Ratchet and Bulkhead, fans will engage in fierce robot battles against Megatron and the Decepticons, while exploring the world of the show and interacting with human friends Jack, Miko and Raf.

  The Wii and 3DS versions are currently being developed by Now Production, while Altron is handling the DS edition.

  Mark Blecher of Hasbro said: "The Transformers Prime animated series has resonated strongly with kids and fans and we're looking forward to delivering this new way to experience the adventure."

  The Autobots and Decepticons will also be going head-to-head this year in Transformers: Fall of Cybertron, the sequel to the hit Transformers: War for Cybertron for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3.

  Published: 19/03/2012

• Transformers: War For Cybertron - Review

  
  

  

  One shall stand, one shall fall.

  Lets be honest shall we? There has not been an outstanding Transformers game since Transformers Armada on PS2. The two recent film tie-ins were okay, but they didn manage to capture what makes the spark of the Transformers.

  War for Cybertron is going to change all that. Exploring the start of the Civil war between the heroic Autobots and the evil Decepticons, this means its pure robot-on-robot action. Humans need not apply! Add to this 3 player Coop throughout the entire campaign, 10 player online and Escalation mode (think Horde from Gears of War 2), this could go down as the most complete Transformers title to date!

  As with past Transformers games youl be able to play as both Decepticons and Autobots. Unlike previous games you won play the same story twice from different sides. There one story, the first half sees you as the Decepticons, as they tighten their grip on Cybertron, the second half puts you in the Autobot camp, as you try to fight back against the seemingly unstoppable Decepticon War machine.
  

  

  Prepare for termination.

  At the start of each level youl be given a choice of three Transformers to control taking into account their character type and alt mode. The controls throughout are well placed on the controller and the handling in each mode, vehicle and robot, is responsive and different. Bumblebee is quick and nippy compared to the bulky Optimus who is a bit slower and bulkier.

  Most of the levels within War for Cybertron are land based so youl be hopping in and out of vehicle mode as you traverse levels and wipe out your adversaries in a hail of Laser fire. But War for Cybertron mixes it up a bit as you take control of the Seekers and Aerialbots and head into the air. Again the controls are tight and youl find manoeuvring about as the airborne Transformers a breeze.

  The Transformers themselves look great in Robot and vehicle form. It took some time to get used to another re-imagining of Optimus, Megatron and co. but when you look close at their designs, they seem to combine certain elements of different Transformer eras. Optimus for example, his head is a heavy nod to G1, but his body to me combined the new animated series and War Within series designs. This is just my view, and it not a criticism, as those are possibly my three favourite Optimus designs.
  

  My audio receptors! What is that noise?!

  The sound in Transformers is a mixed bag. Peter Cullen takes his rightful place as Optimus and the transforming sound returns slightly tweaked but distinct. The laser cannons and explosions have real weight to them. However as good as the other voice actors are, it was disappointing that Frank Welker didn reprise his role as Megatron as he did in the movie tie-ins.

  The single player is a decent length and many will go through a couple of times to get all the Trophies/Achievements and also to complete on the different difficulty settings.

  But Transformers comes into its own when you take the fight online. 10 players online may seem a little underwhelming but when you get into a scrap youl soon see that 10 is more than enough players.
  

  Lighting our darkest hour

  

  All the levels have enclosed and open elements to them allowing for a varied and tactical experience. The Characters are separated into different classes, Scientist, Scout, Leader and Soldier. Each class has different skills available but can use most of the weapons available. The scientists are the jets and best used for long distance fighting or hit and run tactics used to disorientate your opponents. Soldiers as you expect are the brute force, taking a lot of punishment and dish out a lot of damage.

  As you use each class youl gain XP for that particular class. This XP goes towards gaining new character skins, new weapons and new perks to tilt the battle in your favour, think of it as a stripped down Modern Warfare 2 with huge robots!

  Transformers War For Cybertron has successfully made the Transformers Fan in me cry with delight, what we have here is a game that very nearly ticks all the boxes! It looks great, it plays brilliantly and there are no humans to be seen. Granted there are some minor niggles but these can be overlooked as they aren damning to the overall experience that Transformers War for Cybertron gives.

  GAME's Verdict:

  The Good
  

  • The best Transformers game in years.
    
  • Online is amazing.
    
  • Solid solo campaign

  The Bad
  

  • Needs more melee attacks.
    
  • Can only carry two weapons.
    
  • Waiting for the DLC.

  Published: 24/06/2010

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