
Transformers Dark of the Moon - Review
Developer:High Moon Studios (X360 and PS3) Behaviour Interactive (WII, 3DS, DS)
Publisher: Activision
Platforms: 360, PS3, WII, DS, 3DS
Genre: Third Person Shooter
Release Date: June 14, 2011
Rating: Teen
I’ve been a Transformers fan since I was a kid. I own every Transformers game that has come out. When I first saw this game was being released I had my doubts, but I knew that I would be buying this one because I cannot turn away from buying anything Transformers related. Anyways, let me get into the review of Transformers Dark of The Moon. LET’S ROLL OUT!
Presentation
Unlike the previous Transformers video games, this one actually leads up to the events of the upcoming movie, Transformers Dark of the Moon. Built on the same engine as the successful, Transformers War for Cybertron game that came out last year.
With Transformers Dark of the Moon, it’s easy to maneuver through the menu screen. The layout of the menus screen displays the Campaign selection, Playstation Network (multiplayer), Options, and Extras. I will say, the Playstation Network option, on the menu screen, would have made more sense to me to name it multiplayer. However before it lets you go into the multiplayer option, it will advise you to try the campaign first. This makes sense, since it allows the player to get a feeling for the controller layout and gameplay, beforehand. Even when you complete the game, it offers the same bit of information, when you click on the multiplayer option.
One of the new features they introduced into Transformers Dark of the Moon game is the Stealth Force, which provides you with advance weapons and movement abilities while in vehicle mode. With Stealth Force, you have two weapons that have unlimited ammo, armor that allows you to take less damage, ability to strafe, and also the ability to lock on to an enemy.
Graphics
Transformers Dark of the Moon has an impressive character detail of Optimus Prime, Ironhide, Bumblebee, Sideswipe, and newcomer, Mirage of the Autobots, and including the character detail of the Decepticons: Soundwave, Megatron, Starscream, and Shockwave. The animations between robots form to vehicle mode look very crisp with no freezing in the animations, even when transforming in the air. Its textures for each of the environments are very well detailed. One of the most creative levels is the area of Detroit, where you see buildings with giant holes in it where Decepticons came from. The detailing of this level gets down to including giant amounts of rubble scattered throughout the area of Detroit.
Sound/Music
Once again, Peter Cullen came back to reprise the role of Optimus Prime’s voice in Transformer Dark of the Moon video game. It’s unfortunate to say that Frank Welker wasn’t involved in this game, like he was with The Transformers Revenge of the Fallen video games where he voiced Megatron, like he did in the cartoon series. They did get the voice actors from War for Cybertron to play their roles for Megatron, Ratchet, Mirage, and Soundwave. The game fits the Transformers feel by even including that great sound when they transform between robot and vehicle mode.
Gameplay
The controls of Transformers Dark of the Moon are easy to get use to, with not a lot of time to learn the button configurations. When first getting into vehicle mode, it can be a little strange, because there is really two modes in the vehicle. As previously mentioned, High Moon Studios added this new feature, called Stealth Factor, where it allows for two more weapons in vehicle mode, along with a targeting ability to hit your enemies. Then being able to drive in vehicle mode, you hold down the L2/LT in order to drive faster and use boost. Then each of the characters has their very own unique ability.
Each character has their own unique ability for Mirage; he has a cloaking ability that enables, you to sneak up behind people, without being noticed by nearby enemies. It also allows you to get double hit damage when you connect with an enemy, while cloak is activated. Then we have Soundwave's special ability, which is an ultrasonic blast that disables force fields and has a sonic cannon that can be charged to kill enemies with one to two shots depending on the enemy. Then as a secondary weapon is a blaster rifle.
For the multiplayer mode, you choose from Team Deathmatch, Deathmatch, and Conquest. You have the choice between 4 different classes, which are warrior, hunter, scout, and commander. With each class, you are able to select a particular character and weapon set for each one, or if you happen to not like the characters available, you may select a custom rig. That allows you to configure custom colors; along with this, you are able to change it for Decepticons as well. With Conquest, you collect 3 energon cubes. The first team that hits the limit you win. The mode that seems the most fun for me has been Team Deathmatch. Lots of different pick-ups for your armor and weapon pickups that make your weapon more powerful.
Lasting Appeal
The single player campaign will offer you an estimated 8 to 10 hours of gameplay. The part that will take up most of the time is finding all the Transformer symbols that you need. There is a total of 27 symbols to collect throughout the game. Some are in plain sight, while the others are hidden in between different pieces of the map. If you value achieving Trophies/Achievements, then you will surely be replaying levels, just to hit the high scores you need for those particular characters.
As for the multiplayer experience, you can find yourself getting involved in it. You choose from four classes, scout, hunter, warrior, and commander. Then you have the ability to change out character weapon choices, per weapon class. If you do not want to use the preset Transformers, you can actually create your own color schemes, with a rig of the Transformer of your choosing. The hours you can spend with friends on this game online, will always keep you occupied.
Conclusion
Overall, if you’re a fan of Transformers, I definitely recommend this game. The single player may be a bit short, you will get your sense of enjoyment when completing the game. There are levels where you are teased with certain Transformers, that are not necessarily playable in the game. If they added this ability, then it would have added more gameplay hours to invest into the single-player mode. I recommend to round up some of your friends that enjoy Transformer based games or third person shooter games, and have fun killing one another in the multiplayer online. I will say I was disappointed with the amount of missions you take on, but overall it is a great game to add to any Transformer fan's collection.
Score
7/10







Message