Transformers: War for Cybertron (Xbox 360, 2010)

When I first heard that there was going to be a new Transformers game, all that could come to mind was the epic failures that have pretended to be Transformers games over the last few years. If Activision hadn't released a demo for the game, I would have never thought of buying it. Anyone who knows my standards for buying a $60 dollar game knows that the required elements are a solid campaign that allows cooperative play, solid multiplayer, and a decent horde mode. High moon studios really hit the mark.

The campaign is a story of the origin of the conflict between Megatron and Optimus Prime. A pre-generation one story that feels like a lot like playing Gears of War. Three player co-op seems odd (quite literally, and I guess prime too), but it makes sense as you play through the campaign. The campaign begins with Megatron's rise to power, and the second half of the campaign is the Autobot pushback. Optimus is not yet a prime at the beginning of the story, but as the story progresses, Optimus rises to the status of a prime; the last prime. The only complaint that I have is that some of the story elements don't just feel like GOW, they are direct rips from GOW.

Multiplayer is a mash-up, close-quarters kind of game. Transforming isn't an afterthought, it actually makes sense. I've never been a fan of objective-based games, but the objective game modes have exceeded all expectations. For those players who hate the camp and snipe type of games, this game is a joy to play. Camping doesn't work. Those who like the challenges and class customization of the Call of Duty series will find satisfaction in unlocking skills and abilities along the way through 25 levels for each of 4 classes, and a "prime mode" which resembles Call of Duty's "prestige mode." The only drawback to multiplayer is the lack of host migration. If your host has a bad connection, the only thing you can do about it is quit.

Escalation takes the best of Nazi Zombies and adds features that hardcore zombies players wished they had. Ammo for purchase and points sharing round out a solid formula. The only thing that is lacking in escalation is achievements. Unless your team sets some high goal, you are likely to pull the plug after round 15. It feels kind of like Firefight in ODST; once the achievement is earned, it doesn't beg you to continue.

Rating: 8/10

Transformers: War for Cybertron is actually very good. Fantastic, even. High Moon has taken a fun, fast, third person shooter foundation, crafted a well thought out transformation mechanic on top of it, and designed combat situations around that. The end result is a shooter that has an identity all its own.
Set millenia before the original cartoon series that fans have taken to calling G1, Transformers: War for Cybertron tells the story of the final days of the Autobot's and Decepticon's civil war on the surface of their homeworld, Cybertron. Officially sanctioned as canon by Hasbro, War for Cybertron fills in some gaps in fans' understanding of Transformers lore, explaining things like Starscream's defection from the Autobots, Optimus's succession to the position of Prime, and more.
Both the single player and co-opt mods are great as well as the on-line multi-player. Worth the retail price or just under.

Really entertaining!

For those who have always dreamed of a good Transformers game, this is about time. A 3rd person full-action-shooter, looks like Lost Planet or Gears Of War (without cover system). But they're Transformers! and that's one of the great features of this game, the posibility to transform at ANY TIME in the game just by pushing a button.

Story tells how Megatron became a real bad-ass guy, how he met Starscream and why he joined Megatron; what happened to make Optimus Prime emerge as a leader and how he made his team of autobot freedom defenders (with Ironhide, Bumblebee, etc). Nice plot indeed.

Cybertron looks really well, totally metalized, futuristic and robotic. Fantastic sound and good music (Transformer sounds are based on the ones you hear in the movies).
Good graphics, nice weapon variety, non-limit action, shoots and explosions everywhere, brutal (but basic) melee atacks, great story, long single player campaign, and a multiplayer mode that allows you to customize your transformer.
An energonic experience you shouldn't lose!

Graphics: 8/10 (really good graphics using Unreal Engine, but not as great as they could be if they had released or used a newer graphic engine)

Sound: 9/10 (great and very original sound work)

AI: 7/10 (not really a brilliant AI, but its ok)

Difficult: 8/10 (normal mode is good, some levels are a bit difficult and hard mode is not impossible at all)

Multiplayer/cooperative mode: 9/10 (it lacks of local cooperative, but online is awesome)

Game RATE: 8

War for Cybertron is a suprising treasure. In the mist and fog of crappy franchise cash ins, this is a real gem.

The GOOD:

Great Story mode - Story mode is done well and allows up to four players in four different roles. Makes for great fun.

Multiplayer - The multiplayer is the real reason to join in. The transformers play like a 3rd person shooter with suprising precise controls and customization on the scale of call of duty.

The Transformers - I was never really a fan of transformers, but the personalities and the differing vehicles to control make this hard not to pick and choose favorites. Be it plane, truck, speedster or tank, these guys are just too likeable.

The Bad:

There isn't much to fault here. The places in cybertron are pretty neat to see, but sometimes get a bit repettitive. But besides that...there just isnt much to hate about the game.

4.5 - 5

Pick it up. Its worth it.

I bought this game based on its critical acclaim and my expectations of finding a GOOD transformers game. Luckily, for me I found the best title. It has a gripping action-packed story with Gears of War-epic set pieces. The gameplay is sharp, and addictive. It's a little bit on the short side, but the collectibles keep you coming back for more! I could not recommend a better licensed shooter!