Transformers: Fall of Cybertron Review
Transformers: FOC is a direct continuation of Transformers War for Cybertron.
Decepticons have one thing in mind, domination, but the autobots will not go down lightly. The final days of the battle are approaching leading to the destruction of the Transformers homeland. You will play on both sides of the fight in this huge war torn environment. The outcome is in your hands!
Transformers: FOC is set in a beautifully created Cybertron, a large planet with different shades of metals and rust in the older less explored areas Cybertron, and it looks great. It is quite amazing how no matter what the environment setting is in a game, if the developers have the skills and knowledge they can make it feel as real and natural as grass and trees are to humans.
Eerie at times due to the dark corners and strange noises lurking around the odd corner Cybertron can be unsettling. This unsettling feeling is well executed to make you aware that something bad is going, and as we know it is, a war!
You play as many characters from both sides of the pond, most famously Optimus Prime, Bumblebee and Jazz from the Autobots and shockwave, Starscream and Soundwave from the decepticons. All characters have their own unique ability that are used often during their chapter of the game.
Gameplay is pretty smooth for a 3rd person shooter which still isn’t that common nowadays. Shifting from one place to another, shooting and using the special abilities are all easy to execute and respond well.
The game itself is quite hard no matter what difficulty you choose. There is plenty of action and heated moments that will really test your skill, so make sure you take precautions. I was killed on many occasions through sheer stupidity. Thinking that I could take on many enemies without cover when I clearly couldn’t was a fast lesson learned and a warning to those that are yet to play the game.
As you travel through Cybertron you will find blueprints of weapons and also be able to upgrade equipment. You have a gun you like? Upgrade it, you want to e able to replenish ammo every time you use an upgrade station? Buy the ability. It’s these upgrades and abilities that really make the difference because without them you’re obviously putting more pressure on yourself and the future battles ahead. The game can get frustrating at times so don’t add to this by ignoring helpful abilities that are for sale.
The story is unravelled through colourful cut-scenes and excellent voice acting. You always know what’s going on and really do feel the progression or fall of the faction you’re playing the part of.
If you’re interested in multiplayer gaming you’re in luck. Transformers: FOC offers many different types of game modes including team deathmatch and capture the flag. Again the game is very smooth and I encountered no lag when playing, but for me it feels as I think Halo would feel if it were a 3rd person game. Everyone bounces around absorbing more bullets than they should. Just before dying they will transform into a vehicle and quickly burn off to replenish health. This is at times very frustrating and not my cup if tea. However, there were a lot of people playing the multiplayer so there must be something good about it.
You also have a very deep customization tool which will be very appealing to the hardcore fans.
Overall
The majority of gamers have a certain attitude towards video games based on films and that is that the game will be a low budget, quick cash-in piece of rubbish. So far we don’t really have any reason to argue against these thoughts because they are mostly, or appear to be just that, rubbish.
Transformers FOC shockingly doesn’t fit in with these expectations because it’s actually pretty good. No it isn’t perfect and there is a spark missing but overall it’s worth a play.
7/10
Review By Wicket2961
