Transformers: War for Cybertron Review for PC

System: PC, X360, PS3, Wii, DS	Review Rating Legend
Dev: High Moon Studios	1.0 - 1.9 = Avoid	4.0 - 4.4 = Great
Pub: Activision	2.0 - 2.4 = Poor	4.5 - 4.9 = Must Buy
Release: June 22, 2010	2.5 - 2.9 = Average	5.0 = The Best
Players: 1-multi	3.0 - 3.4 = Fair
ESRB Rating: Teen	3.5 - 3.9 = Good

Outside of the main story, players also have a Gears of War 2, Horde mode-style feature to look forward to. This cooperative mode, called Escalation, has players survive as long as they can against ever-more-difficult waves of enemies. Additionally, a rather robust competitive multiplayer component is on hand. Somewhat disappointingly, the competitive multiplayer side, like the campaign, does very little to move the third-person shooter genre forward, however.

Transformers: War for Cybertron screenshot

Still, multiple classes with sub-specialties, the ability to unlock new attributes through experience, and customizing and mixing and matching load-outs and characteristics makes for a rewarding time despite a lack of endeavor. Add to the persistent character improvement classic game modes such as Deathmatch, Team Deathmatch, zonal control game types (control multiple power nodes or just one node), and objective-oriented modes (six ways to play in all) keep the competitive portion of the game fresh and interesting.

In terms of presentation and design, the development team at High Moon Studios did a great job of giving players lots of well designed Transformers to play as and against. The setting of Cybertron, though very linear in layout, is often breathtaking to behold; I was impressed by how clear their vision for the legendary robot planet was. Visually, this game looks great on HD consoles and PC. Sound design is also quite good. The voice acting and mix of voice sounds bring the characters to life, and the classic transformation effects, weapon sounds, and ambient noise add significantly to the feel of the title. Controls are very straightforward, though not brilliant. Regardless, transforming in and out of vehicle form is done at a touch of a button, and keeping the heat on your enemies with your varied arsenal is pretty easily done. The only real complaints I have concerning controls is that some weapons take a bit too long to fire and reload; in a game this action-packed and frantic, this becomes a frustrating issue.

Transformers: War for Cybertron is exactly what I thought it would be: a well made homage to the Transformers IP that fails to innovate but succeeds, nonetheless. True Transformers fans should really consider this title, as it tells the origin story of their favorite sentient mechas. However, if you’re not necessarily a fan and straightforward third-person shooter mechanics aren’t your bag, you may just want to pass on this one.

By Jonathan Marx
CCC Freelance Writer

RATING OUT OF 5

RATING DESCRIPTION

4.2

Graphics
The game looks super-crisp, and I especially liked the interpretation of Cybertron put forward by the developers.

3.8

Control
Controls aren’t extremely precise and are a bit slow to react to inputs, but their generally very proficient at facilitating gameplay.

4.0

Music / Sound FX / Voice Acting
The ambient noises, sound effects, and voice acting combine to bring the War for Cybertron to life.

3.7

Play Value
Extensive single-player and co-op options as well as a deep online multiplayer experience means there’s a lot of bang for the buck. However, the simple third-person shooter gameplay can get repetitive.

3.8

Overall Rating - Good
Not an average. See Rating legend above for a final score breakdown.

Game Features:

Two distinct campaigns, one epic story: Play both the Autobots and Decepticons campaigns. Battle as your favorite Transformers character in this third-person high-action shooter.

Wage war online: The deep multiplayer game modes thrust you into a global battle. Team up with your friends and battle waves of enemies in Escalation Mode.

Create your own Transformers character: Choose your character class, vehicle, weapons, attributes, skills, and upgrades. Level up and customize your character to fit your playing style.

Three-player drop-in/drop-out online co-op: Team up with your friends and fight through epic campaigns. Change form from robot to vehicle at any time. Instantly convert from robot to car, jet, tank, or truck and attack your enemies from any angle.