There is a fact in the gaming world that most games based on films are quite mediocre but every now and then a game will break that mould. Unfortunately Transformers: Dark of the Moon is not that game and mirrors the new movie well, for all the wrong reasons.

If you have not seen the latest Transformers movie, it's quite a disturbing film that contains an overtly ridiculous plot with in your face action that is often too hard to see and then elements of a Victoria's Secret catalogue, thanks to Rosie Huntington-Whitely, not that we're complaining about that. Just like the movie which the game is based, the Autobots must stop the Decepticons and the story is progressed through text boxes as opposed to voice acting which does make the title a little budget.

With that said, Transformers: Dark of the Moon isn't a bad game per se but rather it's more an unimaginative game and doesn't offer the iPad or iPhone/iPod Touch anything new. In essence, it's basically a third person button masher as you control Optimus Prime and Bumblebee to stop the nefarious actions of the the Decepticons. As the game is based on the movie, you will explore familiar areas from the film such as Chernobyl to Chicago as you attempt to beat the absolutely living daylights out of your enemies.

However, before engaging in the main gameplay mode, there is a tutorial that you must first complete which does teach you the basics of navigating your Transformers in this virtual world, including combat. As the game is a top down view, the game uses a virtual thumb stick to control your Autobots which at times is a little fiddle some as the accuracy sometimes goes a little afoul.

This generally becomes an issue when you are surrounded by Decepticons as you are valiantly trying to move. You also have access to a variety of weapons that range from the Photon Burst Rifle to the Fusion Cannon that does give some incentive to finish the title as the more powerful weapons are a treat to use.

Even though the control system is a little fiddle some, the highlight of Transformers: Dark of the Moon are the vehicles which you can transform into. If you're playing Bumblebee, you have access to the yellow car the Chevy, whereas Optimus has the huge butt kicking truck.  Combat is also quite repetitive as you engage in similar looking Decepticons and due to the virtual stick, aiming is sometimes a hit and miss affair. To spice up the combat, there a variety of boss battles and just when things get exciting, the game ends.

Graphically, the title doesn't look that bad on the iPad and iPhone/iPod 4, although the texture details are a little basic as are the environments. The standout features are definitely the Transformers, especially the way they transform and the weapon effects. There are some cutscenes thrown into the mix to complete the way too many text boxes. Sound effects are quite decent and the musical score sits quietly in the background. It is a shame that there is no voice acting in the title which would have spiced things up.

In conclusion, the iPad version of Transformers: Dark of the Moon HD is the superior version as it is easier to control as opposed to the quite small screen on the iPhone/iPod Touch. Even so, both games needed tweaking in terms of controls and some more polishing. It may not be the best EA game but it sure isn't the worst either. Unfortunately it's one of those mediocre movie games with standard graphics and gameplay.