Ever since I was a kid I have loved robots. That love affair started with shows like “Voltron” and “Transformers.” Over the past few years there have been a few “Transformer” games but they were stylized and very cinematic.
“Transformers: Devastation” is very different. It is a tribute to the original series from the ’80s. “Transformers: Devastation” was created by Platinum Games and they are known for over-the-top action games like “Bayonetta” and “Devil May Cry.” Now they have brought their pedigree to Robots in Disguise.
If you were to look at “Transformers: Devastation” you’ll see it looks exactly like the ’80s TV series — everything is bright and colorful and has a great cell-shaded design. The voices and sound effects are from the show and the action is more exciting than watching an episode. You can change from vehicle and robot form at will during fights which really ratchets up the movement on screen. The gameplay and controls are the best that there have been in a “Transformers” game.
“Transformers: Devastation” takes place on Earth, and the Decepticons have a plan to take over the world and steal all the Energon. The Autobots have to work together and build up their strength to stop the invasion. All the popular characters on both sides are here. The Decepticons are lead by Megatron, Star Scream and Devastator and of course the Autobots have Optimus, Bumblebee and even Dinobots.
The story is about Megatron trying to turn Earth into another Cybertron. You step into the role of five of the different Autobots. Each of them plays very differently which spices up the gameplay in fun ways. Optimus is a real fighter and Bumblebee is speedy, Grimlock is slow but powerful. There is a character that would appeal to any play style. The action is frantic and flashy with tons of huge combos and explosions. Platinum games are known for combat. They make beautiful looking combos without really complicated controls. When you perform a dodge the action pauses a bit so you can continue your combo, once you rack up some hits you get a huge finishing move. The enemy variation is really good which makes it so you have to experiment with all the different moves if you want to survive. Platinum mixes up the action, with some in between missions. There are many over-the-top action scenes like racing, highway chases, and even some 2D side scrolling missions.
Overall I loved “Transformers: Devastation” the amount of fan service and nostalgia ooze from every part of this game. The action and fighting is great and I can’t believe how much it looks like the ’80s show. Platinum games are truly the masters of creating over-the-top action and “Transformers: Devastation” is one of the best games from the developer especially if you are a Transformers fan.
