That Vortex is amazing, his chopper mode looks like some sort of pond skating insect - a couple of design questions though:

1. WHY does he have rotorblades when Cybertron has no air to displace?

2. WHY does Grimlock have a rectangular sword - how are you supposed to stab anything with that?

 

Am I the only one that thinks Vortex looks a lot like Dead End in WFC?  

Thanks for all the info, it's great to see they've improved so many things.

 

^Actually, judging by all of the fire on Cybertron, it must have some kind of atmosphere.

 

Cybertron has an atmosphere. We watched Trypitcon burn through it has he came crashing through it once in the teaser movie and again in the story. Aside from that, we watched seeker after seeker zip this way and that on Cybertron too, so Vortex with blades should be a non-issue, though it would have been cool if he didn’t look so much like a helicopter though (but I guess you can’t make everyone happy).

Cybertron has an atmosphere. We watched Trypitcon burn through it has he came crashing through it once in the teaser movie and again in the story. Aside from that, we watched seeker after seeker zip this way and that on Cybertron too, so Vortex with blades should be a non-issue, though it would have been cool if he didn’t look so much like a helicopter though (but I guess you can’t make everyone happy).

I haven’t seen Grimlock’s sword yet, but if it’s sharp, I can’t see why it couldn’t cut through anything. Besides, its alien 

EDIT:

Thank you, Kouri! You've made my day. Someone give this member a news credit!

So is Shockwave, Grimlock and Starscream on Earth? I see what looks like blue sky and clouds in the background...

 

By the way, for those who didn't get the article: The mode you see there for Vortex is his main vehicle mode, but it's also like a mechtech mode for him for firepower and maneuverability. When it comes time for speed, his rotor blades fold back and jet thrusters apparently pop out.

From what I can tell, Shock, Grim, and Screamer are still on Cybertron. You're probably seeing the blue sky because the devs wanted more variety in the scenery than just everything being the same shade of gunmetal.

 

That sounds very similar to M.A.S.K Switchblade, and probably means his helicopter mode will handle the same way as a Jet.

 

There's air on Cybertron.

If you are to go by the cartoon (which I know isn't cannon to everyone), it was "terraformed" by the quintesons and made into a factory. They are organic. Also, when Spike and/or Carly visited on many episodes, they didn't wear air masks.

I would say the better question would be, why use propellers when you can just use boosters. Maybe a stylistic choice of the bot... "The better to slice you with."

 

Great, those pictures have made me double pregnant. I DON'T EVEN KNOW WHAT THAT MEANS!

FUCK NO! I played multiplayer FAR more than I did escalation and yearn for as deep a character creator as a man can dream! I don't want to play as Optimus, I want to fight along side him.

 

I don't know about Vortex, but Bruticus makes good use of those rotor blades. They double as a shield and melee weapon. Think a mix between Blackout's rotary saw and Dinobot's rotating tail shield.

Speaking of atmosphere...



Also, the article states two things about the lack of story co-op. First, they get to differentiate the character playstyles a bit instead of making three identical bots that can all make it through the same level. It works the other way - Levels can be made more unique because they only have to make use of one individual's special abilities.

The second thing is that all the time spent making the partner AI workable can be spent improving enemy AI. We'll take Decepticon Guardians for an example.



No, those aren't three different AI bots. The AI bots will feature separate transformations to accommodate different situations. Just on general guard duty? Keep to an all-around Patrol mode while you keep an eye on things. Hear some odd footsteps? Switch to a more agile Investigate mode with a larger viewing lens. Enemy spotted! Armor flips forward to prevent OHKO and chase after the intruder, guns a blazing!

Moreover, enemy AI is better at dodging and retaliating. Lost sight of the enemy? All units, converge on last known position. By the by, have an Autobot Flyer.



The only other thing that comes to mind~ Optimus isn't the only one with an updated look.





The concept are for Starscream and Shockwave were the same drawings from War for Cybertron, so I'm reasoning their looks went unaltered. I think the guys at High Moon are looking for story reasons to updated armor plating, rather than just running around and updating everyone. The captions imply there's some significance to Megatron's spikier exterior.

 

Nice! Thanks for the pics!

While I'm still a bit disappointed by no co-op campaign I think I won't miss it as much as I think (as long as HMS is true to what they're promising for the single player campaign)

Maybe multiplayer will have a mode that will include some kind of mission based objectives (crossing fingers). If not, escalation better return. Some of the most fun I have on WFC is working together as a team vs. the AI.

 

Okay I wasn't all that in love with the new Megatron design but that tank mode TOTALLY gets my motor running!

 

Ooh, it's nice to see a larger picture of Megatron in robot mode, but even nicer to see his new alternate mode too. Is he a flying tank or jet?

 

Any one going to the NYC Comic con, can you ask Matt Tieger why there is no PC Version?

 

I'm guessing the lack of PC release was Activision's call. My understanding is that there isn't much money to be made in PC ports. It's not like the Unreal Development kit doesn't support it. You essentially program once and then check which platforms you want to release on before hitting the "compile" button. I don't think Activision wants High Moon wasting time debugging the PC version when they know they don't want to spend the money supporting it, especially with PC's high piracy rates.

Long story short, as much as I'd like to see this on PC, Activision doesn't think it's worth the money.

Some clearer shots of Cliffjumper~






And here's Jazz's high-flying adventures. Nice variance in backdrops~





By the by, while Grimlock can practically stomp on Insecticons, Jazz has a bit more trouble with 'em...



Speaking of Grim, have some artwork. I'm digging that one Pretender/Classics chest orb.





And probably the last image I'll put up~ I think we've got our first look at the Nemesis? I'm curious if that's the Ark behind it...

 

I'm loving the more varied backgrounds.

Wow, Fall 2012 is a long time away........

 

The backgrounds all look identical, just different tints. Not what I'd call "varied."

Grimlock looks cool.

Of course there's air.

Sentinel Prime had a square-shaped sword and it didn't seem to mind.

 

I really don't like that new Megatron design.

 

That's a sweet lookin' ship. Will Trypticon be called the Nemesis or just Trypticon? that ship is totally sporting his colors. The top reminds me of his head.

 

Speaking of locations, the maps are supposed to be much larger this time around.



Iacon still lies in ruins, blanketed by a layer of soot and ash.





Wheras Kaon has become a thriving city. The energon practically flows out its walls.





Shockwave's lair is riddled with Insecticon pods. It's practically a hive...



And we get a good look at the Sea of Rust. When rust storms aren't kicking up, you'll be crawling over the gargantuan remains of Cybertronians past...





A "large transport" is apparently used to haul energon to the newly-constructed Ark.



And Space Bridges don't seem as neatly contained as in generations past.

 

@Megatron: do want.

Edit: I am saving practically every picture I can get. I am loving all of this. Fall 2012 is so far away. And I thought waiting for the Prime toys was bad.