GAME
Transformers

Format: PS2
Atari
£39.99

3 546430 111178
Age Restrictions: 7+
Available
07 May 2004


What was all the rage in the '80s is back and better than ever!
Transformers is a fast paced, third person action shooter featuring countless enemies, immense battles and intense boss fights. Enter the world of Transformers and become one of three Autobot's and explore numerous 3D environments, on foot or convert to vehicle mode for high-speed manoeuvring, while you battle Decepticon forces with an arsenal of weapons including cluster rockets, homing missiles and vortex cannons...

Transformers is a fast-paced third-person action/combat game which puts the player in control of Optimus Prime, Hot Shot and Red Alert across 8 different environments on Earth and Cybertron. Features include 40 different kinds of mini-con upgrades, 20 assorted types of weapons, and the ability to transform from vehicle to robot form. The game is also only available for the PlayStation 2.

Is a pretty simple idea. Choose a Transformer, run/drive around numerous locations taking out the evil Decepticons as and when you meet them. Along the way pick up mini-cons, which are used to improve your weapons, defence and transformation. Save points are scattered along your route, and at these you can also change your Transformer, as well as altering your mini-con attachments.

Everyone who is currently in their mid-thirties will remember that Transformers were one of the coolest things of the '80s. A robot and a vehicle in one toy??!! Excellent! But revisiting your childhood can be a mistake. What was cool then is not necessarily cool now (that's why things change). And is a franchise from over 20 years ago really going to appeal to today's younger generation?

Thankfully this game is cool and revisiting something you loved when you were younger doesn't always have to be a disappointment. You get the chance to take control of one of three Transformers (Optimus Prime, Hot Shot and Red Alert) which transform into a truck, sports car and a 4x4 respectively. It's a shame that more of the classic Transformers weren't included, but the three should keep you happy for the duration of this game.

Oops! Whoever configured the default controls was drunk! It's not easy remembering that the jump and fire buttons are not were they normally are in similar games, also the accelerate button for the vehicles is strangely placed. But it doesn't take too long to get used to the bizarre configuration.

The graphics are well above average for this type of game. The scenery is breathtaking in places, and the animation of the robots is pretty impressive - especially when they explode and bits of them fly all over the place.

The change of scenery helps to stop this becoming dull too quickly. Enjoy the first level while you can... the following levels get increasingly difficult until you are faced with almost unbeatable odds - those Decepticons are devious little monkeys.

Who said your childhood is best left in the past? Bring it on!

Nick Smithson

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