Transformers: Devastation

Scratch beneath the surface and there's a deep game that gives out as much as you're willing to put in. [Christmas 2015, p.79]

Sophisticated combo-based combat delivers a fast and furious barrage of action, but the gear and perks systems left me wondering why they were there at all in a game all about over-the-top boss fights and robot dinosaur beatdowns.

A typical Platinum game, that does justice to the Transformers licence.

It's not original, it's obviously a bit rushed, and it's very short, but it's also the best Transfomers game around, far from the confused style of the Michael Bay movies, and finally faithful to the original animated series. The fact that it reuses a lot of mechanics from Platinum Action games, simplifying them, helps a lot when it comes to quality and excitement.

Everyone who watched the 80's Transformers cartoons will surely appreciate Platinum Games' new game, but once the nostalgia effect wears down some issues like a short story and too repetitive gameplay will emerge. Thanks to its nice graphics and tight gameplay it's however a suggested buy, maybe at a budget price.

Transformers: Devastation is a fun and fast experience that will appeal to both those who love the series and to gamers who are determined to play everything that Platinum Games creates.

Transformers: Devastation is a fantastic trip down memory lane for fans of the Generation One cartoon. As a video game, the combat is extremely satisfying, if not a tad repetitious.

Transformers Devastation is a delight that dazzled fans of the legendary Hasbro toys thanks to the undeniable talent of Platinum Games.

Platinum has made a great debut in the series, packing over-the-top action with a presentation that stays true to the form of the 80's cartoon.

It’s a rewarding experience for anyone who can get into the groove, but the combat and the franchise are the game’s two biggest selling points. If neither appeals, there won’t be all that much to enjoy here.

The replay value is high if you’re a diehard Transformers fan, or merely a fan of Platinum’s established brand of lighting-fast combat. If you’re neither of these things, the $50 price tag may seem high for the content that’s on offer. That doesn’t change the fact that Transformers: Devastation is the best Transformers game I’ve ever played.

Like a robot in disguise, Transformers: Devastation is a really good game that could have been potentially great. Sadly, there isn't more than meets the eye to Platinum's effort, but what is included is superb. It's just too bad there isn't a little bit more of it.

Platinum Games has been a bit of an inconsistent developer. The studio has delivered a number of high-octane action games, but then it releases lackluster licensed products like The Legend of Korra. Going into Transformer: Devastation, I wasn’t sure which side of Platinum I was dealing with. Thankfully, Devastation’s polished combat, gameplay variety, and affection for the classic brand make it a game that the studio can take pride in.

Though a dedicated fan of the original series, I do feel the $49.99 price tag is about ten dollars too steep for the amount of content the game provides. However, the heart-pounding rush of playing iconic Autobots in their classic form is real, and very hard to resist for a fan, either old or new.