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The Transformers franchise holds a special place in the hearts of many. While Michael Bay’s explosive films brought the robots in disguise to a new generation, for others, the 80s cartoon series remains the definitive experience. This nostalgia factor is a powerful force for any Transformers product, setting high expectations for developers looking to capture the magic of the original series. PlatinumGames, known for high-octane action titles like Bayonetta and Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance, takes the helm with TRANSFORMERS: Devastation, a game that surprisingly delivers on the energetic spirit of the classic cartoon.

A Symphony of Steel and Speed

alt text demonstrating combat between robotsDeparting from the third-person shooter gameplay of previous Transformers titles, PlatinumGames infuses Devastation with its signature fast-paced, hack-and-slash combat. The result is a thrilling experience where once clunky robots become agile combatants, engaging in fluid, visually impressive brawls that turn metal into scrap. The combat system, at its core, is simple: light attacks, heavy attacks, ranged weaponry, and the iconic transformation into vehicle form. However, the depth emerges in the execution.

Devastation delivers a potent and versatile combat experience. Battles against diverse enemies become frenetic displays of skill as the game showcases incredibly smooth animations, a hallmark of PlatinumGames and Eastern hack-and-slash titles. Witnessing hundreds of tons of Energon-powered metal clashing and transforming mid-air is a spectacle in itself. Mastering the combat involves more than just button mashing; chaining combos, canceling attacks, dodging, and utilizing the temporary slow-motion mechanic are crucial for survival.

alt text showing different playable transformers charactersFive playable Autobots, each with unique nuances, further enhance the gameplay. While not as drastically different as the characters in Devil May Cry 4: Special Edition, each Autobot offers a distinct playstyle. Optimus Prime excels with heavy weaponry and area-of-effect attacks, while Bumblebee’s agility and speed allow for nimble maneuvering. Sideswipe offers a balanced approach with twin swords, teleportation, and rocket barrages. Wheeljack, while less proficient in melee, dominates aerial combat and boasts devastating grenade attacks. Grimlock, a fan-favorite, presents a challenging but rewarding experience with his powerful Dinobot form.

Preparing for battle takes place aboard the Ark, where players equip weapons and Tech upgrades. Weapons can be synthesized to create specialized variants with elemental properties, while Tech upgrades provide passive bonuses, ranging from increased cache collection to enhanced HP and knockback resistance. The randomized nature of Tech acquisition adds an element of chance, encouraging experimentation and resource management.

A Visual and Auditory Throwback

alt text showing upgrade menu within the gameInstead of the complex designs of the Bayformers or the darker aesthetic of Transformers Prime, Devastation embraces the vibrant, colorful look of the G1 era, updated with a sleek cel-shaded art style and fluid animations. The soundtrack is a constant, energetic pulse of rock-infused electronic music, perfectly capturing the high-octane spirit of the game. From the cheesy menu music to the intense battle themes, the soundtrack is a relentless adrenaline pump, echoing the classic Transformers vibe.

Repetition and Brevity Hold Back Greatness

alt text showing gameplay screenshot of a level environmentDespite its energetic gameplay and nostalgic charm, Devastation suffers from a short campaign, clocking in at around five hours on the Warrior difficulty. The Challenge mode offers little reprieve, rehashing campaign levels with scoring and time limits. While the combat system is engaging, the lack of substantial content may leave players wanting more, especially considering the $50 price tag.

alt text showing environment from another angle, highlighting the repetitive designThe short playtime perhaps inadvertently masks a more significant flaw: repetitive level design. While the game features a large city environment with free-roaming elements, these features feel largely superficial. Players are often funneled down predetermined paths, and exploration is rarely incentivized beyond collecting easily visible caches. The “free-roaming” aspect feels tacked on and half-baked. The city environments themselves suffer from copy-pasted assets and unimaginative layouts, further diminishing the overall experience.

Conclusion: A Nostalgic Blast, but Fleeting

TRANSFORMERS: Devastation successfully captures the energy and spirit of the G1 cartoon with its fast-paced combat and vibrant visuals. While the repetitive level design and short playtime hold it back from true greatness, it remains a fun, nostalgic experience for fans craving a classic Transformers adventure.