Transformers (2004 video game)

Infobox VG
title = Transformers


developer = Melbourne House (PS2) Midway Games (Unpublished PC Version)
distributor = Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment (Uncredited)
publisher = Atari
designer =
engine =
released = vgrelease|PAL Region|PAL|May 7, 2004
vgrelease|North America|NA|May 11, 2004
genre = Third-person shooter
modes = Single player
ratings = ESRB: Teen (T)
PEGI: 7+
platforms = PlayStation 2, PC (Unpublished PC Version by Midway Games)
media =
requirements =
input =

"Transformers" is a PlayStation 2 video game based on the "" animated series. Originally entitled "Transformers Armada: Prelude to Energon", the title was shortened before release.

The game diverges from the anime and comic in terms of storyline. In the opening sequence Megatron, in a final assault against the Autobot Headquarters on Cybertron, surprises Optimus Prime with his "Decepticlones", a massive mindless drone army. With numbers on his side, Megatron is able to overcome the resistance and fight Optimus Prime one-on-one.

Megatron is about to kill Optimus Prime, and in an homage to the , he says: "I would have waited an eternity for this. It's over, Prime". When a Mini-Con beacon activates on Earth. Megatron, well-aware of what this means, heads to Earth to claim the Mini-Cons.

The Autobots Optimus Prime, , and arrive on Earth as well to rescue the Mini-Cons, knowing that their combined power is the only way to overcome Megatron's new army.

Cast

* Gary Chalk: Optimus Prime
* Darran Norris: Red Alert, Cyclonus
* Dublin James: Hot Shot
* David Kaye: Megatron
* Matt Hetherington: Starscream
* Matthew King: Unicron

Reception

The game garnered decent reviews. The game's graphics, large free-roaming levels and challenging boss battles garnered most of the praise. However, the awkward button layout, limited character selection and lack of a map was off-putting to many players. Many critics expressed disappointment that the game was based on the current (at the time of release) "Armada" franchise rather than the "Generation 1" property. Regardless, the game sold well, even being placed on GameStop's "Most Wanted" trade-in list where it gained a high trade-in value. It is considered by fans to be the best Transformers game made.

Throw Back

There are several references to Generation 1 in the game, including the core chamber in Unicron (Final Boss) which closely resembles the one from . Later levels also feature remixed versions of the Transformers theme music (though without lyrics) as background music.Another similarity is the choice of lines for the characters, like Starscream's "I'll rip out your optics" (although this line was spoken by Megatron in the 1986 movie) and Optimus's quotes when selected as the playable character such as "Till all are one!" and "Transform, and roll out." these are just a few quotes and similarities to Transformers G1.

Additional information

The worldwide debut of the Transformers Playstation 2 demo occurred at TransformersCon on March 12-13, 2004.

In September 2005, Atari released a Directors Cut of the game exclusively in the EU. The only difference between this and the original was a bonus DVD containing a "Making Of Documentary". A playable demo was included on the disc for Driv3r.

External links

* [http://www.atari.com/transformers/ Official website]
*moby game|id=/transformers|name="Transformers"
* [http://www.thetransformers.net/review.asp?MenuID=434 TheTransformers.net] Screenshots, interviews and general game details.
* [http://seibertron.com/atari/index.php Atari section at SEIBERTRON.com]
* [http://www.transformertoys.co.uk/ Transformers @ The Moon] - Largest Transformers toy gallery on the web and a huge Transformers resource, founded in 1999