Glorious robot brutality in 'Transformers: Devastation'

 

Before Michael Bay transformed it into a soulless money-making machine, “The Transformers” was a colorful, action-packed ‘80s cartoon so masterfully crafted it’s destined to stand the test of time.

 

Okay, let’s be realistic here. The original series wasn’t as flawless as nostalgia would have us believe. The animation quality was spotty at best, and it manufactured episodes so heinous even devout “Transformers” fans have relegated them to darkest recesses of their minds. Seriously, does anyone want to be reminded that Starscream once went back in time for an Arthurian misadventure? Or that Seaspray fell in love with a mermaid?

 

Despite these problems, the show did exhibit bouts of genius. It gave us memorable characters such as Soundwave, Grimlock, and of course, the immortal Optimus Prime. And it would serve as the blueprint for one of the most fascinating science fiction mythologies of our time.

 

For these reasons, “Transformers: Generation 1” deserves the adoration. At a glance, “Transformers: Devastation” is undoubtedly a tribute to the television program that started it all. But is that all it is? Or is there – pardon the pun – more to it than meets the eye?

 

 

 

 

Doing the ‘80s proud

 

In a plot that could’ve been lifted from an unaired “Generation 1” episode, Megatron finds a way to transform Earth into a new Cybertron. Unfortunately for mankind, “Cyberforming” the planet is tantamount to killing all organic life on it.

 

As expected, Optimus Prime isn’t having any of that. So he rounds up a cadre of elite Autobot soldiers, and rolls out to save the day.

 

What ensues is a battle involving the franchise’s A-list personalities, in a game that’s just glowing with “Generation 1” authenticity. Megatron is once more a cantankerous old dude wearing a chrome bucket over his head. Starscream is a sniveling backstabber. The good guys speak with lilting, overly optimistic enthusiasm, and the dialogue is so campy it’ll make the adult in you cringe (yes, that’s a compliment). And if the characters’ voices sound familiar to longtime fans, that’s because many of the original voice actors reprise their timeless roles for the game. Did we mention the gorgeous cell-shading makes the whole thing look like the cartoon?

 

To top it all off, Vince DiCola, who was largely responsible for “The Transformers: The Movie’s” soundtrack, provides many of the game’s hard rocking tunes.

 

The presentation is spectacular, especially to “Generation 1” diehards; but it’s the game’s fast, hard-hitting action that makes “Transformers: Devastation” a joy even to those raised on the franchise’s more recent incarnations.

 

 

 

 

Bashing robots in the face is the right of all sentient beings

 

If you’ve played PlatinumGames’ “Bayonetta” series, then you’ll already know what you’re in for; “Transformers: Devastation” is a pure action game that combines third-person shooting and melee combat. While the former is serviceable, it’s in the latter where the game shines.

 

You control any of the five Autobots: Optimus Prime, Bumblebee, Sideswipe, Wheeljack, and Grimlock. With each of them, you can dish out the pain using an assortment of close range attacks. Strikes can be chained to form combos, after which you can instantly transform into your vehicle mode and smash into the enemy for a devastating finish.

 

Expect a lot of mid-air collisions, as certain attacks launch your enemies into the air. You can seamlessly switch between robot and vehicle mode, so if you think you’re in trouble, turn into a car and flee combat; you can always do an about turn, then ram into your enemies at full tilt. Precise dodging also temporarily slows down time, giving you the opportunity to initiate another deadly string of strikes. It’s possible to extend your combos ad infinitum, making for some truly high-octane brawling.

 

While the differences between the five bots aren’t drastic, each is distinctive enough to make every experience feel fresh. Bumblebee may not have Prime’s massive trailer to pound enemies flat with, but his superior speed and mobility make him a fine pick. Each warrior also has a unique ability, such as Grimlock’s grapple and Wheeljack’s energy shield, and an ultimate attack that deals tremendous area damage.

 

 

 

 

Aside from your fists, you can also rip into your foes using swords and hammers, while distant targets can be taken down with blasters. Most weapons you’ll acquire as loot drops. The synthesis system allows you to upgrade them, increasing their power and bestowing upon them special attributes such as elemental damage. By developing T.E.C.H., you can also enhance your characters’ stats.

 

With so many moves, items, and customization options at your disposal, you’ll find that there’s room for a lot of creativity. This is necessary, as not all enemy encounters are the same. At one point, you’ll be fending off a trio of ground soldiers. At another, you’ll be facing a combination of flying seekers and huge, tank-like brutes.

 

The game’s highlights, however, are the boss battles, which often have you defending yourself against titans like Devastator, or the upper echelons of the Decepticon hierarchy such as Soundwave and Starscream. These villains hit like the instruments of destruction that they are, but they’ll also shock you with the number of tricks up their proverbial sleeves. As visceral as the rest of the game is, these special confrontations will require as much precision and strategy as raw, brute force.

 

 

Blandimus Prime

 

Perhaps it’s because of its overemphasis on combat that “Transformers: Devastation” falls short of excellence in regards to level design.

 

Aside from cracking robot skulls, you’ll spend the majority of the game speeding around a city dodging traps, busting open item caches, and unearthing secrets. Sounds fun? Sure… until it all starts looking the same. Environments and textures become bland through repetition, and the entire adventure itself suffers from some uninspired quests and scenarios. You’ll also be fighting in large, open arenas devoid of interesting features a lot. So if you’re expecting fantastic set pieces like those in “Transformers: Fall of Cybertron,” you’ll be in for a disappointment.

 

Several optional side missions are of the annoying timed variety, in which you have to kill a set number of enemies before the clock hits zero. If you’re a completionist, you can do all of these to pad out what is essentially a game that can be finished in around six hours. Yes, it’s that short, and there really isn’t much to do afterwards except replay the game on higher difficulties. To the game’s credit, the different difficulty levels do mess around with the enemy combinations – not to mention you’ll have tons of loot to tinker around with – so each successive playthrough will rarely be the exact same experience as the previous ones.

 

 

 

The Touch

 

“Transformers: Devastation” is as close to “Generation 1” as a “Transformers” game can get.

 

True, its environments lack diversity, the level design isn’t daring enough, and the mission objectives could have been more inventive. But this is a case of the pros outweighing the cons. The frenetic, fluid combat is a standout. The retro visuals and classic voice acting are oozing with charm. These factors combine to create an experience that’s both a nostalgic rush, and an adrenaline-pumping explosion of robot-on-robot brutality exemplifying today’s best action games.

 

 

Rating – 7.5/10

Platforms: Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, Xbox One

 

 

— TJD, GMA News