Transformers (PS2)

The graphics are VERY nice. The environments are extremely detailed, the character models are great, and the cinematics can make you think "Why couldn't the cartoon of Armada looked this good?" No complaints at all on this level except that the gorgeous cinemas were not long enough.

The sound is nothing special, but but it does the job well. They at least were faithful enough to have the Armada voice actors do the voice-overs, but it still seems lacking, as in there isn't enough voice acting, as already the stated, the cinemas are too short to allow much talking.

The gameplay in this game is superb. You can run and gun at enemies, transform and run them down, and in some cases, hiding behind a rock and popping out when your weapons recharge isn't such a bad idea. There are many mini-cons and data-cons, the latter unlocking things such as Art, Toy Galleries, TV Spots, and some other stuff. Each level is ingeniously crafted and takes some exploration to find everything. A special note of how incredible this is would be in a later level of the game where a Starship crashes and lands on the edge of a cliff. You go inside, and after that level, it falls off the cliff, leaving the ship sideways. The way in which the level was turned sideways was remarkable, you could easily recognize things from the previous level, and you had to use them differently to boot. You will need to use gliding or hi-jump in some areas to reach inaccessible areas, which adds to replay since you have to find even these two items to be able to use them, though they aren't out of the way or anything, for they must be used in some areas of the game. The mini-con feature is very well done, being able to equip such a variety is very nice and the added bonuses you get for having 2,3, or 4 of one team on you at once are very helpful against some bosses. And speaking of bosses, each boss fight is very entertaining, and for one boss you fight twice, he isn't the exact same, he has a new move or two which adds some challenge as well. My only gripe, which took the gameplay down to 9, is that the mini-cons cannot be connected in some combinations. There is a 10 bar limit for your 4 connection slots, and each mini-con takes up anywhere from 1 to 4 bars, which means having more than 2 powerful mini-cons equipped is a no-no. Other than that, this game is excellent, the first wonderful game for PS2 in a few months if you ask me.

The game suffers abit with the extra features it provides. There just aren't enough to keep non-hardcore fans interested for very long. There are only 3 playable characters, and at the time of this review, nobody is 100% sure if there are any extra ones, and it is very unlikely there are. The extras aren't completely bad in that you can actually watch the short (but very sweet) cinemas in the Movie Theatre, and whats even more, you can watch them with each of the 3 playable characters in them, you just have to beat the game with that character.

This game is a must-buy for Transformers fans, and those who are not particularly fond of the series should give it a shot. It is a very fun game that features great graphics, good sound, and excellent gameplay. Now, stop reading my review and go play this game!

So I couldn't resist the PS2 game, but was prepared - like so many things - for it to be a let down. Far from it, this game is truly superb.

Firstly, it looks amazing. Definitely one of the best looking PS2 games I've ever seen. Running through the Amazon as the sun filters through the trees, or watching the snow fall in Antarctica and then spotting a Decepticon carrier flying low and unloading troops... really beautiful at times.

Secondly, the gameplay is great. The AI is not perfect, but enemies radio in for support when you attack, and end of level enemies are surprisingly fast and tough.

Thirdly, the longevity. There's easy, medium and hard settings to play on. But there's also another level to things. You can revisit levels you have completed in the hope that new powerups you have gained will allow you to reach parts of it you couldn't previously.

But most important of all - IT'S COOL. Being Optimus prime, blasting decepticons, then transforming into a truck and ploughing through them? It doesn't get much better than that!

This is a must have game for Transformer fans who have waited patiently for the last 20 odd years for a decent game to come out on any sort of computer or console.

I was very, very excited when the game arrived and at the age of 24 I have been told that I am sad. I don't agree, this is possibly one of the most in depth and well thought out games I have ever played and the idea of picking up little mini transformers (mini cons) that all have different uses and can be used as different weapons is brilliant.

It is more based towards Transformers Armada than the classic Transformers but that makes no difference. My wife will just have to remain a Transformers widow for a while longer, while I finish the game.

Good luck

Autobots - Roll out.