Transformers transformed the world
when they hit the scene in the 80s. Shirts, action figures, and probably
anything you can think of had a Transformers logo on it. It was a huge deal and
it still is because of the movies that have been recently released. The newest
movie, Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, was just released in theaters, and
now the game with the same title has also hit the shelves for the Nintendo Wii.
Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen
seems to stick to the story of the movie for the most part and all the
transformer action and enemies blowing up is still there in this new
Transformers title. The game is mostly conducted in missions where the player
has a certain objective and will play through the level until the objective is
completed. One good thing about the missions is the player gets to play as the
Autobots and Decepticons. So, when you are feeling a little tired of being the
good guys, the game throws in the Decepticon story missions to balance things
out.
Let there be no mistake, though,
Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen on the Wii is nothing like its Xbox 360 and
PlayStation 3 brethren. Developers seemed to have changed it a little to work
for the Wii, but the changes were probably a mistake. The controls for a vehicle
or to manage the actual robot are very strange and hard to get used to it. When
you are playing close-range combat, it is very difficult to actually get the Wii-mote
to comply with what you want it to do. It is quite frustrating and takes a lot
away from the game. The Transformers’ guns are also rather hard to aim and shoot
with. This is partly due to 3D characters in a fairly narrow and almost 2D
environment. These combinations create many problems where you can’t see enemies
and it is hard to aim and them and shoot.
Another thing you will be
disappointed to see, which is the great thing about the PS3 and Xbox 360
versions, is the lack of instant transformations from vehicle to robot anytime
you want. Yes, transformation is available in this title but only at certain
times during the story mode. You can’t switch back and forth like you can in the
other versions, and it is disappointing. In a Transformers game in this day and
age, it needs to have instant transformations. The transformers are also lacking
in originality. Yes, they have different power-up moves, but their guns are
essentially the same. This wasn’t that horrible, but if you compare to the other
version of this title, it was kind of disappointing.
Other than the controls and lack of
transforming, it is an Ok game. Combat gets boring quickly, but the action is
there. You always have enemies everywhere at every turn, which is nice. The
graphics are average for the Wii with sometimes slower-than-normal cut scenes.
The best thing about the game would probably be the audio and voice acting. For
some reason, there is something magical about Transformers talking. This reason
alone may keep you from turning off the game in frustration with the combat and
controls.
Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen
kept pretty close to the story of the movie, but didn’t have a lot else going
for it as a game. The iffy combat, strange controls and lack of transforming
really made this new Transformers title quite disappointing. If you are a
Transformers fan, you could take a look at it. If you aren’t, you may want to
just keep your other options open.
Gameplay: 5.0
Although levels are usually pretty big, the combat gets boring very quickly with
the same repetitious combat.
Graphics: 6.5
The graphics in this Transformers title were passable. There were some slow cut
scenes and explosions, but other than that, it was wholly average.
Sound: 7.5
The best aspect of this game was the voice acting. Hearing huge robots talk is a
magical experience.
Difficulty: Easy/Medium
Concept: 5.5
The concept just isn’t there. It took all
the good things about the PS3 and Xbox 360 versions and removed them from the
Wii version.
Overall: 5.5
Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen could have been an amazing game, but control
problems – among other missteps – ruined this game.
