9.0

Transformers Fall of Cybertron

Transformers Fall of Cybertron is the ultimate Transformers game. It plays extremely well, the graphics are amazing, the story rocks, Peter Cullen voices Optimus Prime, Metroplex the largest Autobot ever is your sidekick and finally... you can even play as Grimlock, the Dinobot! Yes my friends, Transformers Fall of Cybertron has a lot going for it that is not only oozing with Transformers lore but developers High Moon Studios should be in charge of the next movie because of how good this game is. I kid you not.

The game itself is a direct sequel to High Moon Studios previous game, Transformers: War for Cybertron which has seen Cybertron turned into a wasteland thanks to the civil war between the Autobots and the Decepticons. The war has also caused the source of life to these transforming robots to be extremely scarce as Optimus Prime (voiced by Peter Cullen) is leading the Autobots foray to leave this planet in search of peace and more Energon. At its core, Transformers Fall of Cybertron is a third person shooter which not only allows players to transform into vehicles from cars to helicopters but even robot dinosaurs. Each character also has a special ability like the Jazz's grappling hook which becomes quite useful in the game.

The first chapter of the game has the Autobots leaving their dying world of via the Ark, a huge spaceship. Unfortunately the Decepticons are hot on their trail which causes this epic conflict in space. In the first chapter, you control Bumblebee as he attempts to assist Optimus Prime in propelling the invasion of the Decepticons. Without spoiling this brilliant Transformer storyline, one of the Autobots sacrifices his life to save Optimus Prime which then becomes the catalyst of the main storyline which commences 6 days early.

I love how High Moon Studios have created this elaborate plot and by the final chapter of the game, chapter 13, everything magically falls into place. The last campaign of the game can be described as nothing more than epic which has you swapping between Autobots and Decepticons before the climatic ending. Like the previous game, players get to experience all facets of the Transformers as they control a variety of Autobots and Decepticons. My favourites were Optimus Prime, Starscream (flying around as a jet) and the T-Rex Grimlock who although is slow packs a true walloping. Add in Cliffjumper, Megatron and Starscream and these are just some of the Transformers you control.

At times, Transformers Fall of Cybertron reminds me of Gears of War due to the intensity of the battlefield and the way how Optimus Prime walks while communicating... Marcus Fenix anyone? He even has the ability to call in an airstrike, just like Fenix. However the similarities end there as the cover system is quite limited but thankfully your Transformers have a few tricks up their mechanical sleeves. Even though you control more than one Transformer throughout the entire campaign, the control system feels perfect from the get go. Whether your firing your gun, transforming into a vehicle or jumping from the air, it's quite a flawless gaming experience which is made even better by your special abilities. As mentioned, each character gets a special ability such as stealth (invisibility) or Jazz's grappling hook that must be used in conjunction with your current chapter to succeed. However fighting is the main crux of this game.

Fighting can be done through a variety of ways that include melee attacks, transforming into your vehicle and using your standard weapon or picking up one of the dozens of guns littered through the gaming environment. To confuse the gamer, sometimes the environments change (ala Dark City) as the world of Cybertron is a living mechanical entity which makes for some trippy gaming. Fire fights can be small skirmishes or all our wars which keeps you on your toes.

Ammunition, depending on your difficulty level can become quite sparse in the game for weaponry but when you transform into a vehicle, you do get added ammunition that can sometimes save your life. If you do die, you generally respawn at the last checkpoint. Weapons can even be upgraded and power-ups purchased from kiosks littered through the world of Cybertron which definitely enhance the overall gameplay such as better firepower or more health. I also love how the weapons you find integrate into the body of your Transformer. All in all, the single-player campaign is a truly thrilling and fun experience that will be enjoyed by all Transformers fans and even those who have limited knowledge about the franchise. It is a great game. 

Once you have finished the campaign mode which takes around 8 hours (depending on how many times you die), gamers can take this title online. You can even create your own Transformers and there are a handful of character classes to exploit. The only unfortunate aspect of multiplayer was co-op campaign was removed from the game but even so, the main gameplay feels more fleshed out and considerably better than the previous title.

Nonetheless, you will be entertained in the online game modes such as Escalation which is like hoard and allows up to four players to take on unending hoards of enemies. Other modes include more traditional outings such as team deathmatch or capture the flag with lots of fun to be found online. High Moon Studios have definitely improved the online multiplayer mode.

Graphics/Audio

One thing that I did like about this latest Transformers game is that when the battles commence, it's quite easy to see who the Autobots are and who the Decepticons are. This was one thing that became a little messy in the previous but High Moon Studios have rectified this. The star of the graphics however are the amazing Transformers that are not only detailed but transform into a variety of cool sci-fi looking vehicles. Background graphics are amazing, especially the scene where Metroplex is stomping around Cybertron or the ever changing environments of this dying planet. Textures are quite detailed, cinematics merge with the gameplay (including some player interactivity) and the special effects of the weaponry is nothing more than stunning. This game also has the most realistic smoke effect that I've had the pleasure of seeing in any title.

Audio is equally impressive from the majestic orchestral soundtrack to the perfect voice acting lead by Peter Cullen as Optimus Prime and a swag of other actors such as Nolan North (Cliffjumper) or Sam Riegel (Starscream) who really lend cred to their Transformers. This is one game that makes great use of surround sound, especially when the battles heat up or when you are listening to one of Optimus Prime's majestic pet talks. Sound effects are great as well, especially the familiar sound of Transformers transforming. With the almost flawless gameplay, the good graphics and audio create this extremely memorable gaming experience.

Final Level

Transformers Fall of Cybertron presents gamers with one of the best single-player campaigns to date with more Transformer lore and love than you can poke a stick at. It's a carefully scripted campaign that even manages to pull at your heartstrings as the world of Cybertron falls apart. More importantly, the gameplay is virtually flawless on the XBox 360 that boasts a sturdy control system and enough excitement to keep you glued to your TV for around 8 hours. Even when you have finished the game, you might want to play it again on a higher difficulty or jump straight into the online mode for Escalation or the other competitive modes.

Welcome to the best Transformers game!