Transformers: Devastation Review

We live in a world where most video game adaptations or games set in the worlds of TV shows or movies are usually pretty poorly done. That being said though, at times, along comes a game that gives us gamers a little breath of fresh air, especially if it’s based on something we are very fond of. Transformers: Devastation, was one of those games that really brings old school life to a series that has been loved since the 1980s. Developers, PlatinumGames, deliver a Transformers game that feels as If it’s straight from the G1 cartoon.

Transformers: Devastation is an over the top, fast paced, hack and slash style action game, that sees players take the role of one of 5 playable Autobots. Optimus Prime, Bumblebee, Sideswipe, Wheeljack and Grimlock. You are able to pick which Autobot you want to play a mission as at the start and you’re able to switch during a mission by returning to the ARK. Each playable character has their own fighting style and abilities, including extremely fast paced combos. You’re also given the ability to switch from vehicle to robot mode with a push of a button, combining both modes into a single combo is always satisfying. While a majority of the missions are linear, you fight hordes of Decepticons, Constructicons, and Insecticons as you try and stop Megatron from destroying the world. Megatron has found a way to harness plasma energy to cyberform Earth, and the Autobots must stop him before it’s too late.

The game also includes a vast array of weapons you can choose to equip throughout the game, these include bladed weapons and guns, each having their own bonuses and levels, many of these are unlocked after defeating bosses. Speaking of bosses, if you’re a fan of boss fights in a game, then this title may be right up your alley! There are many fights throughout the game to keep you entertained, and these are against some fan favorite enemies, such as, Soundwave, Starscream, Bombshell, Devastator, and many more! During later portions of the game, most of the combat is battling bosses, some of these battles can be rather challenging as well.

I mentioned before that this game has a very old school vibe to it, and rightfully so. The art style of the game, which may be offputting to some, is very similar to that of the 80’s cartoon, just with a more 3Dish and polished look. Another thing I absolutely loved about this game was the sound.

Being a fan of the original cartoon growing up, this game really brought back a lot of childhood memories of watching the reruns of episodes. The sound of the Autobots and Decepticons transforming were straight from the show, the soundtrack throughout the entire game were fast paced 80’s style metal. Saving the best for last, and this was one of the selling factors of the game for me originally, was the return of many familiar voices from the TV show. From the very moment you start the game and press start you hear Peter Cullen (Optimus Prime,) announcing the game’s title which also gave off that old school arcade game style. Cullen wasn’t the only familiar voice that returned to reprise their roles, Dan Gilvezan (Bumblebee,) Frank Welker (Megatron, Soundwave,) Gregg Berger (Grimlock, Long Haul,) and Michael Bell (Sideswipe, Scrapper). For those that didn’t return, they kept as true to the original voices as possible. Between the original voice casting, the Generation One design of the Transformers, the art design, this game was made specifically with the fans of the original series in mind.

Transformers: Devastation did many things right to feel like an older arcade beat em up kind of game. The combo system worked wonderfully, it’s a blast to be beating up Megatron with your sword, fist, or guns, and then switch to your car form to ram into him at full speed all in one combo. At times, the camera controls can feel a bit tedious with how fast your character is moving on the screen, there is one chase scene where you have to shoot a Decepticon as he flies around the city, while you’re also driving at high speed, avoiding obstacles while also trying to aim high enough up to see the fleeing enemy. This was probably the least enjoyable mission, just due to the fact that it was more of a chore to do all of these actions.

With being an arcade style beat em up game, there is plenty of button mashing at times and some of these moments may feel repetitive, but if you work in your other combos, along with combat while in-car form, it helps relieve some of the repeated actions.

If you are a fan of Transformers, more so a fan of the original cartoon, comics, or even just the action figures, I highly suggest picking up this game and reliving some memories! Even if you’re not a huge Transformers fan, you can still enjoy this game, maybe this game could help introduce you to the world of Transformers and be a great start for a new generation of fans!

REVIEW CODE: A complimentary Microsoft Xbox One code was provided to Brash Games for this review. Please send all review code enquiries to editor@brashgames.co.uk.