The key to the single player game is replayability, with each level containing hidden objectives, and a ranking system based on completion time certain characters become unlocked with progression through the game, which allows the player to go back and try an already-completed level with a new approach for a better score.īoth the PS3 and Xbox 360 versions were on display, with little noticeable difference between them. Taking place in a similar free-roaming cityscape as the mulitplayer, the single player world feels a little unpopulated, even drab – but the bite-sized chunks of hard-hitting action go down well. The basic objectives of these levels are relatively simple, and involve bashing enemy robots, escorting injured ally robots, or facing huge boss robots. These locales are spread across the world, and mirror the course of the film, including sojourns in Shanghai, Cairo and the States. The missions themselves are short and to the point, with none of the three stages previewed taking more than 8 minutes to complete. The single player game, which is split into two separate campaigns for the two factions, is based around a hub-like setup, where missions are assigned, briefed and selected. Initially thinking heavier characters and brute force would suffice, our Decepticons team was easily brushed aside by a few well-placed (if sneaky) Autobot snipers. With a quick play of Control Points, in which each team must capture and defend 5 points scattered across the map, it became evident how complex strategy and team play are integral to the game. Revenge Of The Fallen features the most playable Transformers yet achieved in a video game adaptation (including Starscream, Long Haul, Grindor, Ratchet and Breakaway), and the depth in their creation makes the choice far from arbitrary, and more like what you’d find in a class-based game like Team Fortress 2. The transformation gameplay mechanic is smooth and adds an extra dimension to the proceedings, allowing quick getaways on the fly, as well as more advanced tactics, like using boosts for higher jumping, and powerful transformation melee attacks.Ĭrucially, this adds an extra layer of distinction and balance in the game’s roster of characters, making the selection process all the more engrossing. When either the left or right trigger are pressed, the character either transitions into aiming their ranged weapon, or transforms into their vehicle form (which, depending on character, ranges from a speedy Chevrolet Camaro to a heavy-duty combat helicopter). In true third-person action style, the left and right sticks control the character and camera respectively, with the face buttons governing jumping, melee attacks, climbing and the chosen character’s special attack. The basic controls, which are based around three distinct states, are initially overwhelming, but soon show their intuitive qualities. With that in mind, we were escorted to another room to try out the game. With our nerd-radars piqued, Otero laid out Luxoflux’s three point strategy for Revenge Of The Fallen, saying that they wanted to focus on player choice, multiplayer, and the central gameplay mechanic of transformation, trying to appeal to fans with a varied cast of playable Transformer characters, but also appealing to a general audience with distinctive gameplay and online action (for more on this, see our interview with Otero here). Quick to flash the geek credentials, Otero characterised the studio as a bunch of grown men who still play with their toys, and regaled the group with an anecdote regarding one team member refurbishing his apartment with storage for his ample Transformers collection in mind. The assembled journos were treated to a short introductory presentation from Joby Otero, Chief Creative Officer at Luxoflux, the developers behind the Xbox 360 and PS3 version.
We recently had the chance to go to a hands-on preview event for the Xbox 360, PS3 and Wii versions of this multi-platform transform ’em up, behind the inauspicious black door of Soho House in Central London. Transformers: Revenge Of The Fallen: The Game may suffer from movie-tie-in-double-colon-itis, but it seems that the title might buck sceptical expectations and offer something quite impressive.