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 | | | | | Transformers Game Hands On May 2009 |
| Posted on 05-27-2009 at 09:01 PM by Tony_Bacala | TFW2005 was in attendance at the Activision Preview Event for the Transformers Revenge of the Fallen video game in Las Vegas on May 19th, 2009. We were able to play the game on all platforms and check out the multiplayer levels as well. To see our thoughts and feelings, plus check out some new screen caps and videos of the game, continue reading the full story. Activision Game Preview - Tuesday May 19th 2009
The Activision Game Event held in Las Vegas on Tuesday the 19th previewed the upcoming Transformers Revenge of the Fallen Video Game. Attendees were able to get a hands on interaction with the game on all the different platforms it will be available in. The 360 and PS3 versions will be their own this time, utilizing the power of said systems to the fullest. For the other platforms, alternate games were produced, each with their own engine, style, and focus. PSP will have it's own top down arcade style shooter. The DS will have a massively upgraded version in the same style as the "Autobots and Decepticons" titles from last round. And the Wii gets its own game this time as well, with a PS2 Transformers Armada style offering.
Let it be known that Activision is pulling out all the stops with this game. One of the key points drilled home to us by associate producer Adrian Murphy was the fact that they listened to the fans, both gaming and Transformer fan alike - to get this game right. And from first impressions, it seems they did.
Transforming now has a purpose. In order to perform certain moves, you must launch out of your alternate mode to do so. It is also more fluid in the game play. Instead of pressing a button, waiting, the pressing the button again to transform back - it's done by holding one of the top trigger buttons in. Held in - alt mode, release, back to robot mode. It seems like so simple a thing when typed out here, but it really worked well while playing. Being in alt mode is a conscious decision for the player.
Multiplayer - The game will have an in depth multiplayer aspect to it. You can form teams with various characters from each side, maximizing strengths and strategy based on who you choose. Each character has a set of Tech Specs so to speak, so Long Haul (giant dump truck) has firepower but is low on speed, where as "Seeker" (G1 Skywarp homage) can fly and zoom pretty quick. Pairing these guys up among others who are stronger in other areas will maximize your ability to get things done while kicking Autobot ass. In the multiplayer level we tested, the goal was to capture Allspark shards and get them to a checkpoint, before being blasted by the opposing team.
My stint at the Multiplayer was brief, 1 because I generally suck, 2 because I was on a 360 controller I hadn't learned yet (and I’m a big fan of tutorial levels), 3 I had several beers in me, and 4 I was a jet and didn't turn on reverse axis. So that and the beer really had be flipped around in WTF I was doing. Once I got the hang of things, the round ended. But, it was fun, as I was constantly capturing, running to a checkpoint, and there were players and things popping in all over the place. Really felt like you needed to be doing something now. I got absolutely devastated by Megatron. And even though it was me getting my ass handed to me, knowing I just got pwned by Megs was cool. One cool move I actually got off revolved around me transforming to jet mode, swooping down while firing, quickly going to robot mode, blast off a special, back to jet mode, fly off. Kinda like the moment in the first movie with Starscream, Ratchet, Ironhide in the city. But me in video game form  . I can see some TFW2005 clans forming up on this beast real easy, so get ready.
Single player - Mission based. You can choose your campaign at the start, Autobot or Decepticon. So the game has at least 2 solid play-throughs. Adding to that, you can choose your character at the start of each mission, so technically you could play through the game with each character on each side, furthering replay value. Objectives pop up on the screen; you scour throughout the city using your radar going point to point. Controls felt good. GUNS. You have short range blasters, special blasts, and of course melee attacks. Using your weapon too much can and will cause overheating. This isn't just hold down the 0 button and run. Everything was fluid, going back and forth to alt mode made sense. Transforming to vehicle mode, building up some speed, then boosting out into a jump to reach farther rooftops and points is necessary, furthering the need for vehicle modes. Throughout the game, you will interact with other team members in each level, using your specific characters ability to help them do things. Ratchet is a healer, Prime's a brawler, Bumblebee is a scout, you get the point. I'm a big single player mode type guy, not a big fan of any multiplayer, online stuff (so far, this game may change things) - so seeing the single player mode have some life in it was a treat.
DLC - Coming. They stated that depending on the success of the game, DLC will be big and plenty. Characters, skins, and a whole lot more. They have things in the works and ready to go, so expect at least a token offering for round one, and if the fans want it, more down the road. They are willing and prepared to support this long term, it won't just be a flash in the pan summer game blitz then done.
Voice Talent - many folks from the movie reprised their roles. As we've seen before this event, Frank Welker will be doing Soundwave. Soundwave wasn't seen in the initial line up, but he is someone who communicates to you while using Starscream, since he can't be giving objectives and intel to himself. Will he be in the game eventually - who knows (DLC anyone)?
Transformers Fan Wank - Tis in there. The developers are also fans. We hear that a lot lately, who would have thought there were so many closet TF fans out there? But, after speaking with these guys I do believe it. The creative director Chris Tremmel actually said his favorite TF is now Battle Unicorn, which removes any doubt for me. Or does it? The first round of wanky stuff is the 3 multiplayer-exclusive characters - Protectobot based off of the Protectobots in general, Airelbot - based off the Airelbots Fireflight skin, and Seeker - based off G1 Skywarp. They want to and plan to incorporate representations of all the sub-factions in Transformers lore, so here's hoping we get some Dinobot action as DLC down the road! I'd love to smash up a city as Grimlock, that's for sure.
Alternate versions:
PSP - Top down arcade style shooter. Very Smash TV, Contra style. I was very surprised about how much I liked this game. This IS hold down the 0 button and run, done well. Transforming isn't an option most of the time, but there are specials you can pick up along the way which will give you a super move involving your alt mode. For pick up and play style games, this is good stuff. And the fact it's all Transformer-y made it that much better for me. Those 30 somethings who fell out of gaming hardcore, but still dig TF and an occasional time wasting session, this is for you.
NDS - The original Autobots/Decepticons release for the 2007 movie did very well, and there are still thousands of players connecting and playing online today. So this round of DS games takes that and builds on it exponentially. More levels, more customizing of characters, larger environments, and of course multiplayer. If you dug the first round of DS games, this is your Christmas wish.
Wii - This was designed specifically for the Wii, and will most likely be ported to the PS2. This game is done by the folks who did Transformers Armada for PS2. It features a co-op mode which allows players to work through a level together. A little easier and less involved than the PS3/360 version, so good for the kiddies or those that dig Wii styled games.
Overall the games for the secondary platforms perform well at what they do and are above and beyond a normal movie-game release. All have love and attention put into them that TF fans will appreciate and gamers will dig.
We would like to thank Activision for inviting us out to Vegas to play the game first hand. It was a fun time, and well worth it. Bottom line, this is the best Transformers game to date. Make sure to check it out when it hits the street on June 23rd 2009.
Here is some additional info on the game:
Multiplayer Modes:
Deathmatch – Each Transformer for himself. Destroy as many other players as you can in the time allotted. The player with the most points (not kills) at the end of the round wins.
Team Deathmatch – Autobots versus Decepticons! Eliminate as many members of the opposing faction as possible within the allotted time. The team with the highest combined kill count wins.
One Shall Stand – This is a team leader mode, where one Autobot will be Optimus Prime and one Decepticon will be Megatron. The object is to kill the opposing leader. - If you are not the team leader, you will continue to respawn as long as your leader is alive. Protect your leader and attack the opposing leader!
- If you are the leader, you will not respawn! But you can see the position of the enemy leader at all times, so guide your teammates.
- If a leader dies, that team has 60 seconds to defeat the opposing leader, or they lose.
- The player who kills the enemy leader will become his team’s new leader the next round.
Control Points – Players split into teams. Fight for control by taking over all five of the control points on the map. - Capture the 5 control points in order.
- The middle points start neutral and must be captured first.
- Color-coded beacons indicate which points should be captured or defended.
- Control points are also indicated on the radar.
- Once a point is captured, it cannot be re-taken for 10 seconds
Battle for the Shards – This is a ‘capture the flag’ mode where both teams race to acquire the parts of the AllSpark. There are AllSpark Shards spread across the level. You grab them and take them back to your base. You can only walk with the Shards. If you transform, or get killed, you drop the Shard.
Full Playable Character list:
Autobots:- OPTIMUS PRIME
- IRONHIDE
- BREAKAWAY
- BUMBLEBEE
- RATCHET
- [character based off of] AERIALBOT (Multiplayer-exclusive)
- [character based off of] PROTECTOBOT (Multiplayer-exclusive)
Decepticons:- STARSCREAM
- SIDEWAYS
- GRINDOR
- LONG HAUL
- MEGATRON
- [character based off of Skywarp] SEEKER (Multiplayer-exclusive)
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Additional Images | | | | Start_up:
Cant wait to play it.  megatronski:
Im hoping for a demo. noa.
sjkozy:
a little bummed about no Sideswipe action, but this game is looking fantastic! can't wait for release day.
kylash327:
so you can jump and transform?!
Opticron Primal:
I'm sold.
BigBadBoombox:
OMG total Nerdgasm! I've been debating on preordering this at gamestop or amazon. Gamestop offers a gold megatron/optimus skin, fanwank for lucky draw i guess or the g1 colors ironhide... either way i'm heading out tommorow to preorder one way or another!
ActionMasterZod:
Sounds promising.
Been thinking about getting a 360 for a few games.
I just might now!
Starscreamer95:
Shit, I thought they'd be a Bigger Ammount of Playable Bots. Disapointing...
Kando:
This is looking very promising.
Dran0n:
Looks pretty cool.
Toxicon:
^Protectobot.
Tony, is that the definite list of playable characters? Or are there unlockable characters too? That seems like too small a list.
sarnian1979:
Until I know you can play as Sideswipe, some more constructicons and the Twins, I shall not buy. Apart from that it looks frickin' awesome.
Shadow25:
The multiplayer should be a blast, and I like the more tactical focus instead of the first's standard shoot/beat/run setup. There are two things that bug me though:
1) The graphics- right now these seem like a step back from the original. The models are blurry, blocky, and lacking detail. The first game had many flaws but I thought that it nailed the designs of the bots. Devastator here seems kind of cartoonish and misproportioned, and Prime looks undetailed.
2) The characters- With the exception of Sideways and Long Haul (I'm counting Grindor as Blackout) there are no new ROTF characters in this game, at least right now (Breakaway isn't in the film either). There are so many great new characters, like Arcee, Jetfire, Sideswipe, Skids, Mudflap, Soundwave, and the Fallen, and none are noted as playable so far. I hop we get lots of DLC, because the robot lineup is underwhelming.
PS- The Protectobot design would be a good fit for movie Prowl.
Orion_Prime48:
yep must plan now! itd be even mor awesome if they make some DL content for Sideswipe and other characters
and with the complete failure that was the first psp game ill wait to rent it first
World Prime:
So that is the FULL character list, INCLUDING unlockable characters, or not? Be clear for once!
I have an idea on how to have the Arcees in the game. Start off as one of the three, with a life bar about 1/3 as big as an average character, and when you get killed, you go to the next Arcee bike (Chromia or the unnamed one). That way you can play as all three and still have a normal play time. Also, maybe if you get a powerup or go a certain amount of time as the first bike without dying you can combine with the other two bikes. There's also team-attack opportunities here.
What do you guys think? Sound like fun? I really hope there's more characters in the game, and I'm looking forward to lots of DLC.
reave:
Devastator looks AWESOME!!
Please let him destroy a city in the movie, please let him destroy a city in the movie, please let him destroy a city in the movie, please let him destroy a city in the movie, please let him destroy a city in the movie, please let him destroy a city in the movie, please let him destroy a city in the movie, please let him destroy a city in the movie, please let him destroy a city in the movie.......
Toxicon:
When the achievements were leaked for this game, one of them stated that there were 15 default playable characters (in story mode, so not counting the multiplayer-exclusives). The list here only has 10 regular characters. There's a few they're not telling us. 
My guesses for the last 5 default characters would be:
-Skids
-Mudflap
-Sideswipe
-Mixmaster
-Soundwave
And then, hopefully the unlockable characters.
myhobby:
so, how is the wii (ps2) version on rails?
it IS 3d environments right?
could you transform at any time?
any other tidbits from your time playing it?
Renidragon:
Looks cool. Any word of a PC release? Or are they skipping it this time around?
Angelwave: Quote:
Originally Posted by Renidragon  Looks cool. Any word of a PC release? Or are they skipping it this time around? | Apparently the PC version should be dropping at the same time too. Though I do wonder if it will be sold for $20 again at Target this time.
Prowl:
Damn this looks really good. I am cautiously optimistic. I'm not worried about the number of Characters. The G1 PS2 game had like a million characters and sucked, and the Armada game had 3 characters and kicked all manner of ass. I'd rather them have a polished game with less characters.
Radioactive Ravage:
I hope you can access more characters, especially a gew that are new in the actual movie.
Mechafire:
I'm trying not to get my hopes up...
NeilD83:
Hopefully the game will include secret character unlockables as you play the game like Mudflap, Skids, Sideswipe, Jetfire etc.
or new characters can be uploaded through the 360 updates
jazz4ever:
looks sooo much better than the first one
Surge:
Please let the twins be playable, please let the twins be playable, please OH PLEASE let the twins be PLAYABLE!!! Oh, and Jetfire and Soundwave. I swear, after reading your review and seeing so many gameplay videos/trailers on YouTube, I will DEFINITELY be buying myself an Xbox 360 on my birthday along with a wireless network adapter, wireless router, Xbox Live Gold card, and of course...Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen - The Game. It will be one HELL of a birthday; can't wait to play Deathmatch against you guys!  Paxtin:
I'm going to have to throw down a gameplay complaint that I already have with this game: Quote: |
Instead of pressing a button, waiting, the pressing the button again to transform back - it's done by holding one of the top trigger buttons in. Held in - alt mode, release, back to robot mode.
| This seems like it'd get real old real quick. After playing the game for awhile, I could see it being a paint in the ass- not to mention the finger.-having to hold down a button to stay in alt-mode. Especially with flying characters.
I can see why they thought it'd be a good idea for the quick paced multi-player game, but I would really hope they have an option in where you can change it to a on/off type of button scheme.
Teletran:
will guns actually matter this time, or will everyone have those stupid shields again?
Ephland:
I want to know how much access these dudes had to the character models used by ILM.
poorboy8u:
Anyone else think devastator looks TOO big?
Dark Prime:
I agree, there needs to be more characters from the start, especially soundwave, the twins, and sideswipe. I wonder how hard it would be to bring in some of the characters from teh first game?
Sideswipe1125: Quote:
Originally Posted by NeilD83 Hopefully the game will include secret character unlockables as you play the game like Mudflap, Skids, Sideswipe, Jetfire etc.
or new characters can be uploaded through the 360 updates | I couldn't agree with you more. I can see them waiting to see the reaction to the game and then having a lot of DLC and unlockables also. I really hope some of the unlockables and DLC are G1 characters like Prime and Megatron in the first game and not just skins like Jazz and Starscream (not sure about Starscream). If not then i'm fine with just skins.
SlayerDarkCross:
Yeah include the twins they will be great cannon fodder!.
Also wondered what would happen to a compact when it is being attacked by an F-22 Raptor.
Optimatron:
Gameplay yay. 
Amount of Playable characters offered.....nay 
I hope they are planning on releasing those extra characters pretty soon after launch. Not putting in Sideswipe is a dumb move in my book.
blackout501st:
is anyone else a little scared that blackout could really be grindor? we dont have very many shots of footage of him. and if im correct, i dont think we have seen a toy for him outside of robot heroes. but we have seen one for grindor and "black zarak" scorponok. and that is the name for him in the game. i really hope it is blackout and not grindor. it probably is blackout. and im probably just over reacting. but i still am a little worried..
and im a little worried about the playable characters list they gave us. i hope that that isnt all the starting charicters we get. hopfully there will be some unlockable ones. im hoping for soundwave and sideswipe the most. mixmaster and rampage would be good too. maby arcee and her sisters. if they combine. but if not thats ok.
AND JETFIRE!!!! CANT FORGET JETFIRE!!!!!!
Paxtin: Quote:
Originally Posted by poorboy8u Anyone else think devastator looks TOO big? | Actually yeah, I noticed that too. Seems like the scale is kinda off, if just a bit.
Uh oh, mass shifting!
Apriorion:
As long as it doesn't have the trio of Impossible Swingy-Arm Guys with special guest star Invincible Ironhide, I'll be happy.
Oh, and that stupid nauseating up-and-down camera, too. That shit makes me sick.
NOCV:
I want a G1 and Animated character pack.
I'm a little annoyed by the Skywarp tribute. I mean, why not just name the character Skywarp in multiplayer?
I want to know how the character selection will work in multiplayer. Can there only be one of each character played on each team, or can you have multiple people playing as the same character? It'd be totally lame to have to fight with people just to play as who you want to play as, but it'd also be funny to play against a whole team of Megatrons.
Speaking of which, can't we get a screenshot of Megatron here?
Sideswipe80:
Tony did say if Sideswipe was unlockable?
Embryoyo:
Game is starting to sound really awesome. Though I still don't know about it. I will rent it first just to see how it is, and if it ends up being really great I'll buy it. I just don't want to throw $60 out the window for a crap game.  Ultramax Primus:
The game sounds awesome and the cinematics look amazing . But so did the 2007 game before it was released to the public . Once released it was discovered that the gameplay sucked among other things .
I'm not falling for the same trick twice, I'll rent the game first. If it good I'll buy it.
Beastbot X:
Sweet! Can't wait to play it, particularly TFW2005 clan-style in multiplayer.
QUESTION FOR THE PERSON(S) WHO PLAYED IT:
In your opinion, is the PS2 version substantially different from the PS3/360 version? As in, if I think the DS version is different enough to purchase both the DS games and the PS3 games, would the PS2 game be worth purchasing as well?
jonatron26:
cant wait to kick decepticon tailgate w/ sideswipe
Blackout:
Damn... 
Damn...
TigerClaw:
Looks like the Multiplayer is gonna be a lot of fun. SilverDragon:
This should be fun, although I will wait for a few reviews when it comes out so I don't get sold on the pretty graphics and awesome sounding gameplay alone.
thygriever:
nice preview tho i feel it's a bit biased but who knows! maybe it's that good. Playable bots are disappointing, thought there'd be more. But dlc so maybe more to come. I love the One Shall Stand trailer. My favorite so far |
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