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Transformers: Devastation caught us by surprise at E3 2015. We never figured Activision will produce such game with studios like Platinum Games (Bayonetta, Vanquish) and Hasbro Gaming, and despite the stigma suffered by licensed properties, I assure you that Transformers: Devastation It’s a very exceptional game.

Gameplay

The game is a Hack n Slash developed by Platinum Games, along with Hasbro Gaming and Activision. We must deal with the enemies in melee combat, thus also take part of vehicle and shooting sequences. In the game we use a group of Autobots. Each one with their own unique melee weapon and firearm. You can also transform into a vehicle, not only to move faster but to execute stronger attacks on combo sessions.

Combo system is a bit simpler than the rest of Platinum video games, in a good way. It’s easy to learn, but becomes complex during major combat. We have the typical set of light and heavy attack buttons to create different combo variations.

Combat becomes complex with special attacks. These can be executed at the end of each combo sequence. It’s basically a dash in vehicle form of the Autobot that we use. These attacks serve to retain the enemy and continue extending the combo as long as we can. Here is an example of a beat up to Starscream:

We can dodge attacks as the only defensive mechanism. We must do this by pressing the appropriate button in the given time. By avoiding attack, we enter on a time bullet for a few seconds, in which we can move faster while avoiding enemy damage. Dodge is not an easy task and takes time to master it.

However, sometimes dodging works most of the time. The problem comes when enemies attack us at the same time. There will be occasions on which you successfully dodge an enemy A and then attack enemy B in Bullet Time. Sometimes occurs that enemy B eventually hits you after Bullet Time. This was not the case in previous Platinum video games. We recommend Dodge and attack the same enemy. However, the AI of the enemies is really good and challenging. They will attack you in a relentlessly way.

Transformations are not just fast travel mechanics, they can also become important tools. We perform dash attacks pretty often in order to open gates and break barriers.

In addition, we can use firearms whether you’re a vehicle or an Autobot and combine them on combo sessions. In fact, Transformers Devastation looks that has an improved gameplay mechanic from the Platinum cult game, Anarchy Reigns (Max Anarchy in Japan), since the three mechanics are combined in a smooth way.

It must be said the introduction runs pretty natural and gives real fun for adult players and children. In fact the tutorial is actually the first mission, and it really did gave us plenty of fun.

Each character has a typical style of RPG stats that you might feel a bit unnecessary. Here we level up skill, strength, intelligence, and so on with earned money in campaign. The problem is these stats does not provide great improvement in battles, since the game is more based on player skill in combat. So I went with each character. As in the case of Sideswipe, which I did not notice any radical change in its strength during the time that I improved it. I had to send Grimlock in his help. In fact, it is a relief that you can change the characters at certain checkpoints, according to the situation.

On the contrary, we have weapons and T.E.C.H.’s. We gain the weapons during the campaigns. They may be from special characters like Megatron or Starscream. You can combine these to obtain better properties. We also develop T.E.C.H.’s with Wheeljack in a mini game. These two can give unique combat abilities whether if they’re melee or long distance.

As an example, Optimus Prime is the most balanced character of all four, but it is not that quick on dodging attacks as Bumblebee. However, you can make it faster with one of these T.E.C.H.’s.

Content

Transformers: Devastation is the best game based in the 80’s cartoon, which will captivate every fan of the saga. His story begins in an unknown period of the series, where Megatron planned to turn planet Earth into a new Cybertron. Action takes place with the Autobots, led by Optimus Prime, on another typical day to save the world from the Decepticons.

Story is being gradually introduced, as if it were an extended episode of the 80’s series. As we move, we find files that tell us the detail about its origin and how Megatron plans to Cyberform Earth. Dialogues and actions of the characters are identical to the original series and and they do not mess up the game’s rhythm in any moment, instead they generate interest, even for new players.

A curious fact for fans, there is some connection to the 1986 Transformers The Movie, as well as Cybertron’s Origins. And yeah, there is no relation with Michael Bay’s movies..

As said before, the game leads under a classic campaign with typical missions, each consisting of combat sequences, great boss battles and vehicle chases. The game can take about 8 to 10 hours to complete, depending on how play you it. Not to mention, there are plenty of side missions, you’ll earn concept art and unlock different firearms by doing them. Devastation would last about 20 hours of game or more with those missions. Not to mention the challenging battles that we must face.

Speaking of boss fights, these are pretty intense and will require your skill and reflexes. You will be surprised for each character that will come on stage and what they are able to. All this reminds us of the episodes of this great animated series, in which things got more complicated as far as we advance.

Sound

This is the best part of the game. We have the original and full dubbing from the eighties series, including voice actors like Peter Cullen (Optimus Prime), Frank Welker (Megatron) and Scott Whyte (Starscream). Yes, it’s a shame we do not have a Latin Spanish dub. However, we have Spanish subtitles which in fact arise with fidelity, mentioning concepts such as Energon and ion in the original format we know.

Characters sound very energetic and appealing. As listening to Optimus Prime, we know that he is a born leader with great wisdom and motivation transmitted to his comrades. Bumblebee is funny most of the time, while Wheeljack takes the know-it-all title of the group. Again, these are features of a television series for children. However, both generations will equally enjoy this game, and I dare to say that’s a difficult thing to do on today’s action adventure games.

The original soundtrack is an iconic element in Platinum Games that never disappoints. In this case we have a strong Heavy Metal tunes that go along with every intense fight sequence. In fact, every villain and hero has his own tune. We also have nice electronic songs in pause sessions and the main menus. And without further do, there are a couple of surprises to fans at the end of the campaign.

Graphics

Visuals doesn’t stand out much in general. But it is worth mentioning that Platinum took a good decision in design terms to make the game as –again- a cartoonish episode. The characters have an amazing design with detail and fidelity.

During the game sessions, we realized the task of testing the Xbox 360 and Xbox One versions. All of which are 100% playable in your schema and with few differences, except that the new generation runs at 1080p and 60 frames per second. But given the artistic direction taken, this advantage does not imply any impediment to enjoy the game in any platform on PC, Xbox 360, Playstation 3, Playstation 4 or Xbox One.

Level design would definitely be a downside. Despite having seven of them, the reality is that they were only 3 main areas in which we will travel again and again, with few variety in objects, daylight, obstacles and enemies. There are even small areas lacking any design.

Conclusion

Transformers: Devastation is easily one of the best adventures of the year. The game invites us to participate in the fights and action that fans remember from the 80’s animated series with surprising fidelity. Despite some problems with the level and playable, the game continues to be pure fun, which also invited old school to enjoy with their children. Also recommended for players who seek challenges in general.

The Good:

• Great action adventure game which embraces the 80’s animated series with full fidelity.
• Fluid gameplay between Autobot and vehicle mechanics.
• Fun with challenges for all ages.
• Excellent Sound Design, one of the best of the year.

The Bad:

• The RPG does contribute little in the battles.
• Poor level design.

Score:

• Gameplay: 7.5
• Content: 8.5
• Sound: 9
• Graphics: 7

Overall Score: 8