Transformers- War For Cybertron
Transformers - War For Cybertron
Not What You Think
Transformers - War For Cybertron (TF and WFC) is a third person shooter developed by High Moon and published by Activision for the Xbox 360 and PS3.

Normally I wouldn't have any interest in this title, but I saw it in action at my local Play N Trade and it looked like a helluva lot of fun. It definitely is.
This game isnt based on any TF fim. This is a stand alone precursor to the original animated series before the Autobots and Decepticons arrived on Earth. War breaks out on Cybertron as the Decepticons seek to take over the planet, led by Megatron in his quest for Dark Energon, which actually corrupts the planet. It also gives origin stories on some Transformers, notably Optimus Prime and Starscream. Some may not like the re-imagining of some of the robots, but the voice of Soundwave and Optimus remain which is cool. It's clear High Moon wanted to create an authentic TF experience and it succeeds wildly.
You can transform on the fly, from unleashing a jumping attack with your rocket launcher and trasform mid-air and landing as a tank. They really took the transforming part to such a degree, it's necessary to change forms at intervals in the game. It's a great way to get players to use their ability when they're not shooting the shit out of other robots.
The action is frantic and the shooting mechanics work well. A cover system wouldve been nice but I'm almost glad it isn't there, otherwise WFC could've been just another generic third person shooter. Melee attacks are encouraged too, I wish they were a little faster to execute and more accurate. One issue is you're going to run out of ammo constantly and forced to scavenge for items. This I thought could've been better executed, like Halo's Covenant over-heating weapons or something. This would've fit and been better than the layout of a traditional shooter with futuristic giant robots using bullets.

The graphics are generally great. Every TF has moving parts on their chassis (except the generic enemy soldiers), even as they're standing still. There are a few issues of screen tearing and slowdown when the action gets crazy. A lot of detail was placed in making the main robots as detailed as possible. Cybertron is a war-torn mechanical world, and it looks great. The environs are largely repetitive but, it's a mechanized world of metal, there wouldn't be swamps and forests on Cybertron.
The story works pretty well. It could've been better but it is complete and deemed canon. The best part about it is you can play through the story both as Autobot and Decepticon. This is required to get the complete story from both sides of the conflict.
The single player campaign sets you up with 3 or 4 other Autobots or Decepticons. They are generally useless (BUMBLEBEE) and they won't kill a lot of enemies, but they serve as punching bags to distract the enemies which is a help, especially some that can only be destroyed from behind. The fights are pretty large scale against numerous enemies. The shooting is tight and there's a slew of weapons at your disposal.
Megatron is badass and playing using him is a thrill, hearing the other Decepticons screaming their devote loyalty to him and his sarcastic and sadistic comments are great. Optimus and the Autobot jargon definitely give it an authentic feel. Why Soundwave is a truck but still has cassette-style Transformers of Rumble, Frenzy and Laserbeak I do not know.

There's a complete online coop but the lack of local coop is puzzling. There is a mode similar to Horde in Gears of War, but it's name escapes me right now. There are classes and a slew of robots for you to take control of.
I recommend the 360 version, it looks sharper and crisper. Im playing the PS3 version (it's the only one they had used) but I originally saw it on the Xbox and the difference is very noticeable. It could be because the PS3 version is only 720p and the 360 is 1080 (didn't we just debate this?), but I doubt it. The 360 version just looks better.
You don't need to have seen the recent TF movies to enjoy this game but it would help. Hell, I never even have because I HATE Shia LeBouf with a passion, that guy nauseates me to death and his acting is abysmal. If you were a fan of the TF show when you were a youngster like me, like TF, or have any familiarity with their universe, this game is for you.
8.5
Rated T For Teen - Violence
EDIT - There are versions of this game for Nintendo's Wii and DS called Cybertron Adventures, but they're toned down for violence and the gameplay is drastically altered for a younger audience. Both versions were negatively met by reputable gaming Updated/Accuracysites like IGN and Gamespot.
Last edited by Shazam!; 08-27-2010 at 12:52 PM.
Reason: Updated/Accuracy
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