Transformers Animated: The Game Review - DS

5

Gameplay: 4
Graphics: 6
Audio: 4
Innovation: 3

Introduction

As I sit here to write up this review, two days of gameplay (with the game finished) under my belt, I ponder. What am I pondering, you ask? Well, I'm pondering what direction I should go in with this review. Do I shamelessly send it to the depths of gaming hell, or do I think of the children and merely say "Well, it could be worse.". The fact that this game is subtitled with "The Game" should really tell you all you need to know.

Gameplay

Truth be told, what could one expect from a game like this? It's a kids game for a kids show. Plain and simple. Players play in a group of 3 Autobots, switching between all three to solve a variety of the exact same puzzles. It's broken up with a bit of dull combat with mindless enemy drones, on-rails driving sections, and the occasional boss fight. That's it. Oh how the cynics of the gaming world must be scoffing into their piles of Zeldas and Gears of Wars. For the most part, they'd be justified in ignoring this on the shelf and handing over their hard-earned cash for a more worthy title. Yet, beyond the haze of corporate licensing, there is a hint, albeit small, of something that garnered the attention of the developers for a sliver of a moment. While it didn't result in the fruition of a brilliant game, it at least gives the kids their first taste of the art-form that we sometimes take for granted.

From what I can tell, Transformers Animated: The Game transplants the world and characters of the TV show straight into game form. Small clips of the Autobots transforming pepper the game, and the famous theme song hits you as soon as you boot the game up. The story is unimportant: all you need to know is that the story that prevailed in the 80s lives on today, with the never-ending battle between the Autobots and the Decepticons. The game also features full vocal acting, so if, for some reason, you're enamored with the new voices of the Transformers, then I'm sure multiple orgasms will follow upon starting it up.

The game is presented in a 2.5D style, not too dissimilar to that of New Super Mario Bros. The characters are clear and easy to identify and possess different skills. Combining the skills of all three playable Autobots will enable you to reach the end of each level. There really is nothing else to say about it. I could sit here and trash the mechanics of the game. How there is absolutely no automation for any of the three characters, which forces you to bring each individual to the end. Or how the puzzles never vary from the standard "unlock this bit using one or two characters to proceed" routine. Or how the game manages to feel completely empty and sparse at all times. Or how it's very, very short.

Well, I won't. Not this time anyway. For I can see the ...