This game is based on one of the other animated series adaptations "Transformers Cyberverse" which I thought was solid and so is the game based on it. But like that show or even certain obscure characters in the "Transformers" toy roster this game went a bit under the radar; however, like any of those obscure toy "Transformers" it's actually worth playing.
Story in the game is pretty goods makes the game feel like another episode from the animated series, despite it being rather basic but for any fan of the franchise it's what I most of the time expect; the good Autobots against the evil Decepticons fighting each other for control of Energon for control of Cybertron and Earth. That's it in a nutshell, but like any Transformers series we're here for robot action, the usual rock em sock em goodness.
This is a very different game for the Transformers games indeed, here they decided instead of the usual third person action route they decided to go another which is in the strategy genre. Surprisingly it actually turned out to be the right course and it's actually fitting when you think about it as "Transformers" is military sci-fi.
Animation from the game is solid as it's true to the animation from the "Cyberverse" series.
You have a solid roster of Autobot characters to play Bumblebee, Wheeljack, Arcee, and three of my favorites Grimlock, Windblade, and Optimus Prime. Along with a solid assortment of Deceptacons to fight from some new characters in the roster. But my favorites who are the ever the ever terrible trio Megatron, Starscream, and Shockwave.
Really like the voice acting in this as it consists of the vocal ensemble from the "Transformers Cyberverse" series. From Ryan Andes voicing "Shockwave" whom has that chilling cold evil Vulcan like tone. Thoguh he also voices "Grimlock" which is equally cool. But my favorites are the Jake Forchee as Optimus Prime and Marc Thompson as Megatron, both are really excellent they sound similar to their predecessors Peter Cullen and Frank Welker who voiced the characters, you'd almost think it really was both voice actors.
The action in the game is solid, it's not the fast-paced action like in the show and previous "Transformer" games, which could put some fans of the "Transformers" franchise off and anyone unfamiliar with the strategy genre because in strategy games it's not about taking immediate action but careful planning before you strike.
This game you can say is "X-Com" but with "Transformers" like in that game you lead a squad. Each of your squad mates have three assigned tokens which are spent depending on the distance you place your characters but also what kind of strikes you want to execute. Each of your character have a unique set of moves and all of them only work well but these moves have their limits which is why you must choose carefully; place and use the characters in the right places to resolve parts of the ongoing situation.
Your characters also have a super moves function where your characters have a particular function which doesn't just drain the live of you opponent/s but it also help you advance without having to spend any of the move/strike tokens. But there is a limitation to this function to as they run on a bar of energon, once it's spent you can no long use the super move unless you refill it which you can from unspent tokens and the energon cubes in the further levels of the game. There is also the usual RPG element of the shop when you collect enough spark points you can purchase new abilities for your characters.
Like in all strategy games I really love how as you get further the situation is always different. From the new opponents that drop in and have varied abilities and strength levels. Certain new features like a small hill to blow away to create a smoke screen which can blind and disable enemies along with Energon cubes to help fill/refill you Energon bar or can even be used as a weapon to take out any enemy in the wrong position of the cube. The environment and how small and big it is. All these things contribute to the strategy element as each of the new situations causes you to make some adjustments and figure out how to deal with the new situation.
I wouldn't mind if the franchise made another strategy-based game, it could be either a sequel to this game or based on any of the other "Transformers" series (another game based on the G1 Transformers series I'd love and would be fitting considering their huge roster). It could be a mix where we would still have the grid-based action but maybe in some places there could be some of that third person perspective action where you assigned to play as one of the Transformers and you have specific mission and objectives to carry out. But also, maybe being able to play out as not just the Autobots but the Deceptacons, you can either play as defenders or conquerors. Well for any "Transformers" fans and even strategy/regular video game enthusiasts it's thoughtful data to consider.
Overall, it's a solid game it might not be for everyone if you not into the strategy genre or even "Transformers" but it's definitely a good strategy game for beginners of the genre. But also, just another solid edition to anyone that's a fan of the "Transformers" franchise or like any Transformers toy at least worth trying.
Rating: 3 stars.
