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review :: transformers

Transformers

Reviewed on: Wii
Available on: , PC, Playstation 2, Playstation 3, Wii, Xbox 360, Playstation Portable

Who can go past a game that makes the "krchuckurch" transformation sound? Is it more than meets the eye?

Players: 1 Player
Genre:
Release: 2007-07-04
Developer: Traveller’s Tales
Distributor: Activision

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Transform and Roll Out!!!

Remember the days of sitting in front of the television at 7:00 in the morning and switching on the telly for a bit of Cheeze TV? Memorable cartoons like Pokemon, X-men and Sailor Moon graced our screens but none matched the endless battles between Megatron and Optimus Prime.

Fast forward about 15 years later and we have a revised franchise, reborn by a real life action flick complemented with some very slick special effects. Like every other big budget movie this year, out spits a complimentary video game. If you're expecting gameplay like the PS2's Melbourne House developed 2004 hit you may be disappointed.

Transformers The Game, for Wii, Xbox 360, PS2 and PS3, is not heavily shooter based. In fact I played most of the 360 version without ever shooting. Throwing any object you can find, on the other hand, would be mighty satisfying if I didn’t have to tap the throw button 5 times before it would pick the damn lamp post up! Missions are set out for you in such a way that you a) Go to a location and b) destroy something at said location. End mission.



Bumblebee locks onto a target


There are two campaigns for the game; Autobots and Decepticons both giving you access to the main transformers of the movie. On the DS the Autobots and Decepticons are separate $69.95 cartridges (which I hear are far superior to their home console counterparts). I found the Decepticons to be the better path to play simply because of the array of transformed machinery. Helicopters and jet fighters have more fun then blondes. Well maybe not, but at least its better then the assortment of cars and a truck. They are missing my fave Decepticon from the movie though, Devakstor who was the all awesome tank transformer. Maybe he would’ve been too overpowered? Tanks definitely have more fun than blondes.

Wii vs Xbox 360



Wii version
  • Camera angle blows. Instead of hitting a button to centre the camera behind your shoulders, or using the + and - buttons for turning it left and right, you have to point the Wiimote to the sides of the screen to move it along.
  • Motion control combat. Since you use the Wiimote to jointly waggle an attack and control the camera angle, the camera can start a little epileptic fit obstructing your view. Also no real combos or special attacks that can be pulled off for eye candy. Thankfully the default controls give you option of using both the Nunchuk and Wiimote to fight so that if you do run into a spot of trouble you can move the nunchuck to punch, kick and throw whilst you try to fix the camera position with the Wiimote.
  • Save and loading times aren't too long.
  • Graphics are moderately impressive for Wii standards and there is no multiplayer or online functionality.

Xbox 360 version
  • Its got better graphics. Shadows and environments look fantastic in HD.
  • Camera angle blows [too]. It can get shaky and once you’re pinned in a corner you just have to close your eyes, button mash and hope that you stay alive.
  • Easily obtainable achievements.




For better or for worse: Xbox 360 definitely. The Wii functionality is nothing new and the HD graphics can make your experience enjoyable.


The game's saving grace would have to be the sheer volume of unlockables. Countless art work, videos & trailers make it worth collecting all the energon cubes and getting the 5 star rating (stars = Autobot and Decepticon insignias) in game objectives.

Oh if you're a G1 fan there are some little surprises for you in the game that will really make playing through to the end worthwhile. One word of advice, if you plan to watch the movie and play the game, do the movie first. Otherwise the game can potentially spoil most of the plot when you're sitting in the cinema.



Optimus is in his Prime ... geddit? huh!


Definitely a good effort for a licensed game, plus who can go past a game that makes the "krchuckurch" transformation sound? It is true when they say 'more than meets the eye'.

Final Verdict

Try before you buy. Unfortunately a demo is not available of this game on Live. That’s where those 7 day return policies can really help you out. If you don’t go in expecting too much from this game you will be pleasantly satisfied, especially if the sound of an Autobot or Decepticon transforming makes you all tingly in those special places.

Pros
Good graphics, even for Wii standards. Two different game choices. Nostalgia for the 80’s kids.
Cons
Camera, basic combat system and no multiplayer or online.

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