8.0
Transformers: The Fall Of Cybertron Demo Impressions
Back in 2010, High Moon Studios caught my attention with quite arguably the best Transformers game that I’ve ever had the pleasure to play – a game designed for the fans that really captured the whole Transformers spirit. They managed to create Cybertron faithfully and add a fairly intelligent story to the mix. Built by fans for the fans – this game rocked my world.
It did have its little niggles though, but now in just a few weeks we have the sequel; looking to take things further, iron out the niggly bits and give us fans more! This week I got to play the demo; two of the single player levels and try out the multiplayer once more. The first thing that caught me was the first cinematic that plays; some great music showing the Autobots and Decepticons scrapping like never before! Megatron taking down Autobot after Autobot, Optimus making his way through wave after wave of Decepticons. A sly smile appeared over my face as Metroplex was activated… then the start screen appeared.
The demo includes two levels; one where you play as good old Bumblebee, the other you get to play as the rather cool Decepticon Vortex. I opted to be the good guy to begin with. The level starts with a cut scene; Optimus and Bumblebee are walking to the bridge of the Ark (yes the original Ark from the G1 cartoons). Having decided to leave Cybertron, the Autobots are making a bold attempt to escape Megatron and the bloodthirsty Decepticons. The voice work is sublime and there seems to be a definite improvement to the overall look of the game. Escaping was never going to be simple though – within minutes the Decpeticons attack and Bumblebee is thrown into battle! The controls have remained the same as the previous game – something I’m glad about; tapping the left stick to transform felt quite natural and still does.
Running around as Bumblebee taking out the Decepticons bought a massive grin to my face. This game looks like it could just be as fun as the original, especially for fans. The game moves quite smoothly and the demo left me wanting more, especially at the end when you see the Dinobots in action… yes the Dinobots are here in all their glory. Grimlock, Swoop and Snarl will be in the final game, waiting for you to get hands-on with their individual styles.
Hungry for more, I ventured onto the Decepticon level, showcasing the flight style levels with you controlling Vortex. Again you are presented with a cut scene, this time exhibiting Star Scream voicing one of his diabolical plans to bring the Autobots some more misery. Soon you have taken to the skies of Cybertron in Vortex’s helicopter state. Controlling Vortex feels a little different to the previous game’s flight sections, with the helicopter mode making things feel fresh. It’s more of the same: shoot the Autobots, complete the objective, just have funs!
With the single player tease out of the way, it was time to jump into the multiplayer. In the demo there’s one map to try – Array. In the middle of the map is a communication tower with plenty of airspace for dog fights, and tunnels to race along. I have to say I loved every minute of it. Not much has changed from the original, which isn’t a bad thing. With five different classes to pick from, everything is here to ensure if there’s enough people then a great battle can be fought.
First impressions count for a lot; I enjoyed the little teaser for this game. Nothing much seems to have changed from the first -the story is my main focus though. If they pull this off this could really be the best Transformers game ever. Bringing in the Dinobots was a bold move and it’ll be interesting to see what part they play as the story unfolds…especially as they didn’t originally appear until the Autobots had landed on Earth! I love the style and I hope there’s more than meets the eye once the game lands later this month.
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