[preview]TFW2005 was in attendance at the Activision Preview Event for the Transformers Revenge of the Fallen video game in Las Vegas on May 19th, 2009. We were able to play the game on all platforms and check out the multiplayer levels as well. To see our thoughts and feelings, plus check out some new screen caps and videos of the game, continue reading the full story.[/preview]Activision Game Preview – Tuesday May 19th 2009
The Activision Game Event held in Las Vegas on Tuesday the 19th previewed the upcoming Transformers Revenge of the Fallen Video Game. Attendees were able to get a hands on interaction with the game on all the different platforms it will be available in. The 360 and PS3 versions will be their own this time, utilizing the power of said systems to the fullest. For the other platforms, alternate games were produced, each with their own engine, style, and focus. PSP will have it’s own top down arcade style shooter. The DS will have a massively upgraded version in the same style as the “Autobots and Decepticons” titles from last round. And the Wii gets its own game this time as well, with a PS2 Transformers Armada style offering.
Let it be known that Activision is pulling out all the stops with this game. One of the key points drilled home to us by associate producer Adrian Murphy was the fact that they listened to the fans, both gaming and Transformer fan alike – to get this game right. And from first impressions, it seems they did.
Transforming now has a purpose. In order to perform certain moves, you must launch out of your alternate mode to do so. It is also more fluid in the game play. Instead of pressing a button, waiting, the pressing the button again to transform back – it’s done by holding one of the top trigger buttons in. Held in – alt mode, release, back to robot mode. It seems like so simple a thing when typed out here, but it really worked well while playing. Being in alt mode is a conscious decision for the player.
Multiplayer – The game will have an in depth multiplayer aspect to it. You can form teams with various characters from each side, maximizing strengths and strategy based on who you choose. Each character has a set of Tech Specs so to speak, so Long Haul (giant dump truck) has firepower but is low on speed, where as “Seeker” (G1 Skywarp homage) can fly and zoom pretty quick. Pairing these guys up among others who are stronger in other areas will maximize your ability to get things done while kicking Autobot ass. In the multiplayer level we tested, the goal was to capture Allspark shards and get them to a checkpoint, before being blasted by the opposing team.
My stint at the Multiplayer was brief, 1 because I generally suck, 2 because I was on a 360 controller I hadn’t learned yet (and I’m a big fan of tutorial levels), 3 I had several beers in me, and 4 I was a jet and didn’t turn on reverse axis. So that and the beer really had be flipped around in WTF I was doing. Once I got the hang of things, the round ended. But, it was fun, as I was constantly capturing, running to a checkpoint, and there were players and things popping in all over the place. Really felt like you needed to be doing something now. I got absolutely devastated by Megatron. And even though it was me getting my ass handed to me, knowing I just got pwned by Megs was cool. One cool move I actually got off revolved around me transforming to jet mode, swooping down while firing, quickly going to robot mode, blast off a special, back to jet mode, fly off. Kinda like the moment in the first movie with Starscream, Ratchet, Ironhide in the city. But me in video game form :). I can see some TFW2005 clans forming up on this beast real easy, so get ready.
Single player – Mission based. You can choose your campaign at the start, Autobot or Decepticon. So the game has at least 2 solid play-throughs. Adding to that, you can choose your character at the start of each mission, so technically you could play through the game with each character on each side, furthering replay value. Objectives pop up on the screen; you scour throughout the city using your radar going point to point. Controls felt good. GUNS. You have short range blasters, special blasts, and of course melee attacks. Using your weapon too much can and will cause overheating. This isn’t just hold down the 0 button and run. Everything was fluid, going back and forth to alt mode made sense. Transforming to vehicle mode, building up some speed, then boosting out into a jump to reach farther rooftops and points is necessary, furthering the need for vehicle modes. Throughout the game, you will interact with other team members in each level, using your specific characters ability to help them do things. Ratchet is a healer, Prime’s a brawler, Bumblebee is a scout, you get the point. I’m a big single player mode type guy, not a big fan of any multiplayer, online stuff (so far, this game may change things) – so seeing the single player mode have some life in it was a treat.
DLC – Coming. They stated that depending on the success of the game, DLC will be big and plenty. Characters, skins, and a whole lot more. They have things in the works and ready to go, so expect at least a token offering for round one, and if the fans want it, more down the road. They are willing and prepared to support this long term, it won’t just be a flash in the pan summer game blitz then done.
Voice Talent – many folks from the movie reprised their roles. As we’ve seen before this event, Frank Welker will be doing Soundwave. Soundwave wasn’t seen in the initial line up, but he is someone who communicates to you while using Starscream, since he can’t be giving objectives and intel to himself. Will he be in the game eventually – who knows (DLC anyone)?
Transformers Fan Wank – Tis in there. The developers are also fans. We hear that a lot lately, who would have thought there were so many closet TF fans out there? 🙂 But, after speaking with these guys I do believe it. The creative director Chris Tremmel actually said his favorite TF is now Battle Unicorn, which removes any doubt for me. Or does it? 🙂 The first round of wanky stuff is the 3 multiplayer-exclusive characters – Protectobot based off of the Protectobots in general, Airelbot – based off the Airelbots Fireflight skin, and Seeker – based off G1 Skywarp. They want to and plan to incorporate representations of all the sub-factions in Transformers lore, so here’s hoping we get some Dinobot action as DLC down the road! I’d love to smash up a city as Grimlock, that’s for sure.
Alternate versions:PSP – Top down arcade style shooter. Very Smash TV, Contra style. I was very surprised about how much I liked this game. This IS hold down the 0 button and run, done well. Transforming isn’t an option most of the time, but there are specials you can pick up along the way which will give you a super move involving your alt mode. For pick up and play style games, this is good stuff. And the fact it’s all Transformer-y made it that much better for me. Those 30 somethings who fell out of gaming hardcore, but still dig TF and an occasional time wasting session, this is for you.
NDS – The original Autobots/Decepticons release for the 2007 movie did very well, and there are still thousands of players connecting and playing online today. So this round of DS games takes that and builds on it exponentially. More levels, more customizing of characters, larger environments, and of course multiplayer. If you dug the first round of DS games, this is your Christmas wish.
Wii – This was designed specifically for the Wii, and will most likely be ported to the PS2. This game is done by the folks who did Transformers Armada for PS2. It features a co-op mode which allows players to work through a level together. A little easier and less involved than the PS3/360 version, so good for the kiddies or those that dig Wii styled games.
Overall the games for the secondary platforms perform well at what they do and are above and beyond a normal movie-game release. All have love and attention put into them that TF fans will appreciate and gamers will dig.
We would like to thank Activision for inviting us out to Vegas to play the game first hand. It was a fun time, and well worth it. Bottom line, this is the best Transformers game to date. Make sure to check it out when it hits the street on June 23rd 2009.
[INDENT][INDENT]Here is some additional info on the game:
Multiplayer Modes:Deathmatch – Each Transformer for himself. Destroy as many other players as you can in the time allotted. The player with the most points (not kills) at the end of the round wins.
Team Deathmatch – Autobots versus Decepticons! Eliminate as many members of the opposing faction as possible within the allotted time. The team with the highest combined kill count wins.
One Shall Stand – This is a team leader mode, where one Autobot will be Optimus Prime and one Decepticon will be Megatron. The object is to kill the opposing leader.
- If you are not the team leader, you will continue to respawn as long as your leader is alive. Protect your leader and attack the opposing leader!
- If you are the leader, you will not respawn! But you can see the position of the enemy leader at all times, so guide your teammates.
- If a leader dies, that team has 60 seconds to defeat the opposing leader, or they lose.
- The player who kills the enemy leader will become his team’s new leader the next round.
Control Points – Players split into teams. Fight for control by taking over all five of the control points on the map.
- Capture the 5 control points in order.
- The middle points start neutral and must be captured first.
- Color-coded beacons indicate which points should be captured or defended.
- Control points are also indicated on the radar.
- Once a point is captured, it cannot be re-taken for 10 seconds
Battle for the Shards – This is a ‘capture the flag’ mode where both teams race to acquire the parts of the AllSpark. There are AllSpark Shards spread across the level. You grab them and take them back to your base. You can only walk with the Shards. If you transform, or get killed, you drop the Shard.
Full Playable Character list:
Autobots:
- OPTIMUS PRIME
- IRONHIDE
- BREAKAWAY
- BUMBLEBEE
- RATCHET
- [character based off of] AERIALBOT (Multiplayer-exclusive)
- [character based off of] PROTECTOBOT (Multiplayer-exclusive)
Decepticons:
- STARSCREAM
- SIDEWAYS
- GRINDOR
- LONG HAUL
- MEGATRON
- [character based off of Skywarp] SEEKER (Multiplayer-exclusive)
Check out these links for more Transformers Game images and news:
Sideswipe80
You getting for PS3? If so add me. PSN is Enop80.
Soundwave84
man this looks fucking awesome going to buy it
Galaxy Convoy
Well, having team based modes in this, only 12 TFs total(6 per side) ain't gonna leave much room for variety. Seeing the same 12 over and over is gonna get old quick.
Gears
I had the chance to play the game for about 30 minutes today at Botcon. I was playing as Long Haul in a cool tutorial segment where you learn all the moves and attacks. Then the real fun started when we played 8 man multiplayer, 4 Autobots vs. 4 Decepticons. I was a Seeker in Skywarp colors and it was a blast flying around the environments and swooping down on the Autobot team and attacking. This game blew me away and I'll definitely buy it when it comes out. Also I saw a Game staffer playing the Devastator battle and all I could say was holy sh*t!
Opticron Primal
^This.
Like I said in the other thread, I'd rather play a good game with a few characters then a poor game with everyone on the roster.
Recall
huge lol at all the people saying we need another billion transformers. 12 is a decent figure fuck the armada game had 3 characters and that didn't hamper the fun. Seriously some people can't just enjoy what they have
Coolhand
Really looking forward to getting my hands on this-looks like it'll be a lot of fun.
LightningZERO
That's all the playable character? Sucks…
-Superion-
1UP's Hands-On Preview of ROTF
REDLINE
there WILL be there's just a question of who or what and how much.
Brandon
Wouldn't be surprised to see more characters show up through DLC.
jazzimusprime27
Will anybody get the Wii version? I don't want to get it for the Wii only to find out that in multiplayer mode nobody will be playing.
REDLINE
DLC = DownLoadable Content. in other words, for a coupla dollars you can download additional characters, possibly levels or multiplayer maps, things like that.
AutobotSkids
Flying Autobot? WIN!!
I hope the game is still in production and they can add the following
Skids
Mudflap
Sideswipe
One Arcee Bot
Jolt
Demolishor
Scrapper
Mixmaster
Barricade
Speaking of Barricade, WHERE IS THE GUY?? He was cool in the Movie, and got among the second most screen time of any con, BB Vs Barricade, Starscream's call, and Highway chase.
This time around, sounds like he gets one cut scene and says one or two lines.
Anyone know what DLC means? If it means unlockables, they'd better have tons. I'm picking up the game definately, but I'm not satisfied with the playable character list. It needs all of thee above too.
Galaxy Convoy
I really wish the 360 and PS3 versions had a feature like this, if only for online play. How awesome would it be to play online with your own custom Transformer?
Now, I have a few questions:
1)GUNS – you hit upon it briefly Tony, but give it to us straight. Are the guns actually useful this time around? Will they actually damage and blow up another TF?
2a)About the mulitplayer exclusive TFs – Are "Arielbot", "Protectobot", and "Seeker" their final names? Or is that gonna change when the game nears launch?
2b)Is that really the final roster of TFs that will be available for play in multiplayer? Or as I suspect, just the ones they made available for you to play?
All in all, though, the ROTF game is shaping up to be much better than the first one. I think I'm sold on it.
Toxicon
I think this info is kind of important.
Autobot_Wall-E
At least they have ONE flying Autobot. I was getting worried this would be somewhat fixed. I ADORED the DS game which I bought after being disappointed with the Wii movie 1 game. It was just so great. It appears the player created robot is making a comeback (didn't he die?!) I hope that they really did enhance the robot customization.
I only have a Wii, PSP, and DS as of yet. I want to get a PS3/XBOX 360 version, but I don't want to have to pay money to download the twins, Sideswipe, and Soundwave I hope that the movie characters end up as unlockable. Why would they make Long Haul playable and not Mixmaster, Rampage, or Scrapper? All three look like they are perfect to run around and own/pwn people with (especially Mixmaster with his gas grenades and whatever). And Soundwave although he probably doesn't come to Earth. And lastly, just like in the first game with Scorpinok running around and gunning down the army I want a Ravage level (retrieving the AllSpark shard?)
I could care less if we don't get to play as Jolt or random protoform bots (or Ransack :/)
rattrap007
we need to work on this then arrange teams of us and compete against teams from other boards. Have TFW team 1 vs Allspark Team 1 one time while two other teams fight and have a mini tourney.
Cheetor1
sideswipe
dude where is sideswipe he needs to be playable!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
TigerClaw
I wonder why they didn't include Jetfire as a playable Autobot character, It seems strange that they would include many other bots instead of the ones featured in the movie.