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Transformers Preview for PlayStation 2 (PS2)
Posted on Friday, April 23, 2004 @ 12:33:15 am E.S.TTransformers may often be regarded as one of the largest series to ever enthrall the minds of both younger and older gamers. Being so, it’s no surprise the series is still alive and kicking, ready to make its next generation debut on the PS2. Transformers will be available for PS2 this Spring, and will mark the return of Transformers to the video game world, a full six years after Beast Wars: Transformers was released for the Playstation in 1998.
Transformer’s premise is quite simple. You take control of one of three Autobots, including the famed Optimus Prime, Hot Shot and Red Alert. In a desperate attempt to turn the tides of war with a villainous group of Transformers (robots who change between a human-like and vehicular form) known as the Decepticons, you must find and collect "Mini-Cons." Essentially, Mini-Cons are small, lost robots from the planet Earth which unlock special abilities for your Transformer such as Energon’s heat vision, rocket launchers, etc. To accomplish this you’ll need to switch between being a killer robot and a normal-looking vehicle. In the game, you’ll have a maximum of four Mini-Cons equipped at a time, each to its respective shoulder button (L1, L2, R1, R2). Mini-Cons will be stored at your HQ, which you will visit before and during missions by transporting there from a warp gate within the level. You’ll be able to return to HQ, switch Mini-Cons, and return to the level without losing any progress.
Who doesn't love giant robots?
Graphically, Transformers is shaping up quite nicely. From what could be seen in the demo, most things were vibrant and life-like, with a few known drawbacks. As of now frame rate problems seem are imminent, sometimes making for a nearly unplayable situation, although as the final touches are added to the game this problem may be resolved. Another visual problem occurred with movement. Often it seems that the environment around you turns to a blur while running and looking around. While this may not be a problem per say, it certainly could be bothersome at times. However, given its defects, Transformers is still coming to be quite a graphically pleasing title; with some polish, it could come to be one of today’s better-looking games for the PS2.
Staying true to the Transformers series, there is some great audio to be found here. One of the first things you'll notice is the amazing voice acting. The voices of Megatron, Optimus Prime and many of the other Transformers help to keep the "Transformers" mood intact. While this may be the power-player in the game's audio, the lasers, rockets and the other sounds of combat are also done very nicely and along with the help of the in-game music, the audio sets the mood of the game.
Surprisingly, one of the strongest showings in Transformers is currently the gameplay. With an easy to pick up control scheme and a solid gameplay engine, Transformers is a great game for anyone to play without having to worry about a learning curve. This should be a major selling point when considering the youth audience who will likely have the highest interest in the game.
Here's an interesting scene.
And while some might assume that this game is strictly geared towards the youth audience, this is a misconception. With fast cars, killer robots and big explosions Transformers can appeal to almost any gamer. The game features immense battles against countless enemies, often including Decepticon reinforcements being flown in before you can finally declare victory. Taking control of the Autobots, you’ll face enemy vehicles, as well. With the over 40 promised power-ups, as well as what was seen in the demo, the large-scale battles should stay fresh throughout the game, leaving you with numerous options on how to go about eliminating the enemy. The fast paced, explosive gameplay combined with a simple control scheme and gameplay engine make for a good balance between simplicity and fast-paced exciting battles, making for a game with the potential to appeal to a wide variety of gamers.
Transformers, as it is, is already a pretty smooth and balanced game. With some polish, it could definitely turn out to be one of the major sleeper hits to roll around this year. A wide audience and solid gameplay should definitely earn Transformers some recognition come May 11th.
Preview By: Kent Mackowiak - 7393 Reads
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