Transformers: Dark of the Moon Review for PlayStation 3 (PS3)

System: PS3, Xbox 360, Wii, DS, 3DS
Dev: High Moon Studios
Pub: Activision
Release: June 14, 2011
Players: 1-10 online
Screen Resolution: 480p-1080p

As a result of these three different control styles, real thought has been put into the game's level design. I actually have to say that the developers worked hard on making you choose the right form for the right task. But it's a shame that the tasks really don't mix it up much. Most of the time, you just have to reach a certain area or kill a certain enemy/enemies. It gets repetitive quickly, which is unfortunate because the game is actually quite short. You can beat it in a little over seven hours if you try hard enough.

Transformers: Dark of the Moon Screenshot

Once you are done with the single-player campaign, you can move on to multiplayer, which allows you to choose between four different classes of Transformer for games of Deathmatch, Team Deathmatch, and a control point mode called Conquest. Unfortunately, these are the only game types you can choose from. You can unlock new perks and abilities by leveling up and gaining experience, but—I can't believe I'm saying this—they actually unlock far too quickly. A few hours of play will be enough to unlock every ability for every class in the game. After that, you are stuck with a meager choice of three gameplay modes that don't do much to extend the playable life of the game.

At least the graphics aren't that bad. Environments are actually quite pretty to look at, and watching all the moving parts of the Transformers is actually a bit of a treat.

The audio is decent as well. Optimus Prime has the same voice actor he always had, which makes the kid in me smile. Sound effects are also powerful, and if you have a good speaker system they really do a good job of making the battle seem real.

Transformers: Dark of the Moon isn't the worst game out there. It's a rental, plain and simple, and there's nothing wrong with that. Heck, if you're a Transformers fan, renting this game will let you know a tiny bit about the plot of the upcoming movie. So I suggest you hit up a local Blockbuster, grab yourself some beer, and play through the campaign with some of your fellow Transformers fans before the movie comes out. That's easily the best way to get your money's worth.

By Angelo M. D’Argenio
CCC Contributing Writer

RATING OUT OF 5

RATING DESCRIPTION

3.5

Graphics
The game looks pretty generic at points, but the Transformers models and transforming animations are actually quite fun to look at.

3.3

Control
The game's three control schemes work well, though the controls feel loose in vehicle mode.

3.3

Music / Sound FX / Voice Acting
The music is unremarkable, but the classic voice of Optimus Prime is hard to beat.

3.5

Play Value
It's a short campaign with a multiplayer mode that doesn't extend the life of the game very much. I'd call it a rental.

3.4

Overall Rating - Fair
Not an average. See Rating legend below for a final score breakdown.

Review Rating Legend
0.1 - 1.9 = Avoid	2.5 - 2.9 = Average	3.5 - 3.9 = Good	4.5 - 4.9 = Must Buy
2.0 - 2.4 = Poor	3.0 - 3.4 = Fair	4.0 - 4.4 = Great	5.0 = The Best

Game Features:

Engage in epic vehicular combat

Experience the gripping battles and heart-pumping moments that occur before Michael Bay's upcoming blockbuster film: Transformers: Dark of the Moon.

Unravel Megatron's plan to unleash the ultimate Decepticon assassin: Shockwave.

Play both sides as the iconic Autobot and Decepticon Transformers characters

Wage War online

Level up your character - Earn XP in every match and unlock new character skills and abilities.