Transformers: Rise of the Dark Spark

 PlayStation 4
Metascore
43

Generally unfavorable reviews - based on 32 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 0 out of 32
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 32
  3. Negative: 23 out of 32
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  1. Digitally Downloaded
    Jul 9, 2014
    60
    There's fun to be had in Transformers: Rise of the Dark Spark, but it's a dialed-in action shooter game, which is a mistake since there was never a chance that this game would compete with the big budget games in the genre, such as Destiny, Call of Duty, or Titanfall.
  2. Playstation Official Magazine Australia
    Aug 25, 2014
    55
    A hard sell even for die-hard Transformers fans, Rise of the Dark Spark brings nothing new to the table. [September 2014, p72]
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  3. Kill Screen
    Jul 8, 2014
    55
    Being a robot that can transform into different shapes and use cartoony weapons to blow up other robots is fun, and maybe story is unnecessary for this kind of play.
  5. The Digital Fix
    Jul 28, 2014
    50
    Although it feels like more than a mere movie tie-in, Transformers: Rise of the Dark Spark still isn’t a good enough game to stand on its own.
  6. Eurogamer Portugal
    Jul 21, 2014
    50
    It’s not really good game or a really bad one, it stays somewhere in the middle.
  7. EGM
    Jul 8, 2014
    50
    Some solid action can’t cover up the fact that Rise of the Dark Spark feels horribly rushed, with massive splotches of shoddy design and a poor plot evident from the opening cinematic to the end credits.
  8. God is a Geek
    Jul 7, 2014
    50
    Rise of the Dark Spark is a step back from Fall of Cybertron, and that’s an utter travesty.
  9. Game Informer
    Jul 2, 2014
    50
    If Activision cares to know, fans are indeed hungry for a new Transformers game – just not one that shamelessly tries to make us trade our hard-earned cash for junk.
  10. GamesRadar+
    Jul 1, 2014
    50
    While far from the worst Transformers game, Rise of the Dark Spark's interesting ideas are eclipsed by bland action and frustrating design.

Awards & Rankings

80
#80 Most Discussed PS4 Game of 2014
90
#90 Most Shared PS4 Game of 2014

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
4.2

Generally unfavorable reviews- based on 107 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 28 out of 107
  2. Mixed: 21 out of 107
  3. Negative: 58 out of 107
  1. Kalaban
    Jun 24, 2014
    7
    All i can really say is wow, really???? Graphics wise the game is horrendous. The definition in the environment is so substandard i was tryingAll i can really say is wow, really???? Graphics wise the game is horrendous. The definition in the environment is so substandard i was trying to find ways to convince myself it is a game worth playing. Graphically, it is so unfinished i cried inside. I loved the Transformers cybertron games and was really looking forward to seeing what they would do, and disappointment is what i felt. Sure, you have 40 playable characters, plenty of chances to open up lockboxes to up your arsenal and transformer collection. I'm not going to point out the lack of pvp multiplayer that had been available in previous titles. The content and storyline isn't the issue here at all. I was looking forward to ps4 graphic quality, and was handed a ps2 game at best. Handling and control while in vehicle mode is laughable. It reminds me of those old television shows where there is a vehicle and a big screen in the background. A 7 is being GENEROUS.Only because i am a gen1 transformers fan. Finding the positives, it's a transformers game, unlocking all content, and leveling will provide plenty of gametime. There are plenty of weapons to choose from, and a "build your own loadout feature' in escalation mode. As i stated before, i was forcing myself to find the positives within this one, and that isn't a good thing....… Full Review »
  2. CrusaderForever
    Jun 24, 2014
    9
    My son and I started playing TRotDS for the PS4 today. I must say that our fears have been put to rest. The game is more of the same but IMy son and I started playing TRotDS for the PS4 today. I must say that our fears have been put to rest. The game is more of the same but I am so happy about that. Edge of Reality didn't ruin what Highmoon Studios created. This is reminiscent of what WB Montreal did for Batman with Arkham Origins. They took what Rocksteady created and made a great 3rd game. Edge of Reality needs to be commended for this great effort.

    You get to be different characters in the SP than you did in the previous games. The graphics are also better as the character models are more HD with better textures and shinier than WoC/FoC. The story is great so far and the voice work is fantastic. Going to play some Vita Remote Play later tonight as the options show the controls for VRP.

    There are many unlocks as well in the form of boxes. For example, Bronze Box or Iron Box that you unlock from the Pause Menu. I have been unlocking items and power ups through challenges like crazy. For instance, challenge Roach Motel for killing a certain number of Insecticons! It looks like I am unlocking MP characters by completing the SP challenges which is awesome! I haven't played MP or Escalation yet, but will do that after I beat the SP. I am loving that Escalation gives you the ability to create turrets!

    All in all I am having a lot of fun with the game. The PS4 version controls great and has great graphics and sound. I couldn't be happier. I hope this sells well so we get another Transformers game. So far I haven't given the game a 10 because it is very familiar. I would have liked some new weapons as the weapons are exactly the same as WoC/FoC so I docked the game a point for this fact. All though any game with the Combaticons should get a 10! :)    … Full Review »
  3. baconbuck
    Jun 27, 2014
    10
    This game is GREAT! If you would give it a chance on it's own, instead of comparing it to past games all the time the world would be a greaterThis game is GREAT! If you would give it a chance on it's own, instead of comparing it to past games all the time the world would be a greater place. I am an adult gamer. I've played games most of my life without multiplayer. The co-op isn't bad at all. If you want a death match and have people cheat, camp, and shoot you at respawn, then go play call of duty!… Full Review »
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