Transformers: War For Cybertron

Much to the delight of Transformers fans all over, High Moon Studios has released Transformers: War for Cybertron. A third person shooter which features characters from the Transformers universe, as seen on television, in comics, and at movie theaters. The story is set about one thousand years prior to the Transformers fiction most are familiar with. Back then the gigantic robots still called techno-planet Cybertron home. The game’s narrative, developed in collaboration with toy maker Hasbro provides brand new details related to the origin this series’ most well known characters.



The game has two campaigns, one for each faction. The story of the Decepticon campaign is a prelude of sorts, setting up the Autobot campaign's story which follows. Both campaigns can be played in single-player or may also be played cooperatively via online, with drop in or drop out accessibility throughout. Each campaign chapter features three playable Transformers. If less than three players are available, the game's AI will control the remaining two. The cooperative and competitive campaign modes are limited to online play.


What Worked:

• One of the key features in Transformers: TWFC is the ability to quickly morph from robot to vehicle and back with the press of a button. This allows a great deal of flexibility in how one might approach playing. For instance, if an enemy sniper is out of range in other shooters, you must find a way to maneuver closer for a better vantage point without getting shot. In Transformers: TWFC however you can simply transform into a jet, rocket across the stage, transform again, and introduce him to the business end of your shotgun.
   
• I enjoy a good challenge as much as the next guy, and Transformers: TWFC delivers, I often had to try multiple times at overcoming an encounter. Most times it would turn out, my approach was just in need of some consideration. Thinking through these roadblocks gave me a sense of growth and satisfaction generally uncommon in shooters.
   
• Just like I remember, mostly - Bridging the many iterations of Transformers created over the years is no small task, but I think High Moon Studios accomplished it with all of the care and attention to detail, only possible if developed in a studio full of Transformers fans. While every character which appears in the game may not be universally recognized, there is certainly enough fan love in Transformers: TWFC to be spread around.  
   
• The planet Cybertron plays as important a role in the game as the Transformers themselves. In ruins, thanks to the ongoing war, Cybertron shows signs of death and destruction all over while at the same time showing glimpses of it’s past majesty.

What Didn’t:

• As mentioned in my opening, the game includes two campaigns the first featuring the Evil Decepticons, and the second featuring the heroic Autobots. Yet despite this apparent difference in moral alignment, during both campaigns you’ll be fighting the same handful of robot archetypes. While it was fun mowing down nameless waves of robots during the first campaign as a Decepticon, facing the very same enemies all over again as an Autobot was monotonous.
   
• While playing shooters I’m generally frugal with my ammunition, often aiming for head-shots which are a one hit kill. Or using melee attacks which use no ammo at all. In Transformers: TWFC however, I continually found myself running out of ammo. I’m guessing this might have been an artificial barrier put in place to encourage more weapon use while in vehicle form, since vehicles have a separate ammo supply. Even if this were true, aside from the Transformers license itself, the game’s mass appeal comes from shooting other robots, and that’s pretty hard to do without bullets.
   
• The multiplayer in Transformers: The War for Cybertron is fast, frenetic and probably not for the faint of heart. Thanks to the mode’s experience and upgrade system, which rewards experienced players access to a variety of weapons and perks unavailable to new players. I fear players just picking up the game may have a rough time working their way up the ranks.

Transformers: War for Cybertron provides players a competent shooter with a variety of multiplayer options and modes. Fans of the series will find a lot to enjoy, giving only minimal attention to the game’s technical issues, and soaking up the many references & 'Easter Eggs' found throughout the game. Those who’re only moderately familiar with the Transformers, may have a hard time getting past the game’s shortcomings and may crave a more refined shooter.