Review - Transformers Devastation | COME GET SOME, DECEPTI-CREEP!

Remember when we were kids, we picked up our Transformers toys, and made them battle out in the most coolest ways possible? Like making Optimus ram Decepticons in his truck mode, proceeded to uppercut Megatron straight to his chin, and then pummel him with a flurry of punches and kicks?

No? It’s probably me then.. BUT ANYWAY..

Transformers Devastation is pretty much all that, and then some. The game is developed by Platinum Games (known for their hit titles such as Bayonetta, Vanquish and Metal Gear Rising), and is an unexpected gem for 2015. Most would agree that little expectation were given to the title, but all of that changed when it was actually played.

Nostalgia Galore
Something big’s happening and Decepticon leader, Megatron, has a grand plan of terraforming Earth into a bio-mechanical planet for producing Energon - the Transformer race’s source of.. well.. energy. The Autobots, led by Optimus Prime, are determined to stop the Decepticons’ plan  from happening.

Sure.. the good-versus-evil plot isn’t award winning in any way, but for an old-school fan like me, playing through the game’s story felt like watching an all-new Generation 1 Transformers episode rendered in beautiful cell-shaded graphics. Heck, I didn’t even mind the campy dialogue and voice acting, because they totally nailed the feel of the original TV series. Speaking of voice acting, most of the original cast return to reprise their Transformers roles for the game. Kudos to Scott Whyte for nailing Starscream’s voice in the likeliness of the late Chris Latta.

Heavy Metal Fight
The various ways of combat in Devastation is what makes the game so enjoyable. For instance, you’re able to string together light and heavy attacks into hard hitting combos, and then finishing it off with a vehicle mode attack. Thanks to Platinum Games’ history of excellent combat mechanics, expect a variety of chained and stylish combos as you pummel Decepticons into scrap metal. Don’t expect it to be easy; in most cases, Decepticons will fight in teams, and have attacks that ignore the damage dealt towards them, but fret not - these attacks can be dodged with precise timing. Dodging successfully grants you a brief slow-mo moment to execute your comeback. Some enemies require certain tactics during confrontation: Snipers and flying enemies are dealt with ranged weapons, while the latter can be finished off with melee combos once fallen to the ground.

Boss fights also add tons of variety in combat tactics. Devastator is hard hitting but slow, so utilise the dodges. Our first encounter with Megatron saw him defending himself with a kinetic shield, and the only way to break his defence is by performing a Rush Attack. This is done by transforming into vehicle mode, rushing him at maximum speed, and then delivering a furious uppercut, which sends him flying - vulnerable to your generous combos that you have in store.

If that didn't convince you to pick up the damn game and play it, I don't know what will.

Hell, watch me geek the hell out in my playthrough of the game:

Roll out!

Devastation has an incredible cast of characters, with five playable Autobots: Optimus Prime, Bumblebee, Sideswipe, Wheeljack and Grimlock - each with their own unique move sets and campy dialogue. Another neat feature is the ability to customise your Autobot’s weapons by collecting parts during missions to upgrade or replace existing ones. The main game itself is considerately short, but optional challenge missions are available and separate from story mode for your enjoyment, and if you want to spend more time with it.

It has the touch
Unfortunately, Stan Bush’s memorable song, “The Touch”, from Transformers: The Movie is not featured, but that doesn’t stop Devastation from being one of the best Transformers game ever made. My only complaints were some camera issues, the lack of a Decepticon campaign, the small roster of playable Autobots, and no co-op play. This game screams out the need for co-op play! But oh well.. maybe in the sequel, which I’m crossing my circuits to hopefully see another one by Platinum Games. Transformers Devastation is definitely a great game developed with the love of the original TV series close at heart.