We do hope that none of you have forgotten about Transformers Universe. Development for this upcoming MOBA Game (Multiplayer Online Battle Arena) is happening quietly and some of our 2005 Boards members may even be eligible for Beta Testing.
Breaking the silence, the Music Composer for Transformers Universe; James Hannigan has told Forbes some tidbits about what he did and what the game is like:
More importantly, are you a Transformers fan, at all?Giant, battling transforming alien robots… what’s not to like? Most recently, I watched the original animated movie again and caught ‘Robots in Disguise’ along with season one of ‘Prime’. Very enjoyable and interesting to see how things have evolved over the years in the world of Transformers.
How would you describe the sound of Transformers Universe?
Some of the music is not a million miles away from the stylistic framework established for Transformers in general, but there’s also a move towards being a little harsher and grittier at times. Steve Lord, the Audio Director on Transformers Universe, wanted some tracks to have a grinding, almost mechanistic and robotic feel to them. But there’s quite a bit of orchestral music in there, too. We recorded a 72-piece orchestra for some of the early music going into the game, and there’ll be more orchestral production in the near future as composing and recording for Transformers Universe is an ongoing process. One of the interesting and refreshing things about this game is how episodic it is with new content getting planned for it all the time.
If you had to pick one track to represent the soundtrack, which would it be and why?
It’s difficult to single out any one track but I’d say that collectively the various themes will define the sound and set the tone for the game. I particularly like the Autobot Theme, which tries to capture an air of nobility and heroism, coupled with awesome firepower!
James Hannigan is an award-winning British film, television and video game composer who has composed music for various entries in the Harry Potter, The Lord of the Rings, Command & Conquer and Red Alert series’ of games. You can listen to some of his work by clicking on the YouTube links above.
Grimwing
I'm just saying its needlessly hardware intensive to continue to make online rpgs that way. When a scaled down system effectively does the same job. But I guess it does take a lot of the adventure out of it. Imagine being visit Mcaddams old Oil House to refuel and update on game news , quest in the manganese mountains, The lost light, the underbase, Shockwave's labs , Garrus-9, the former ark launch site. All kinds of epic locations from the brands history.
Ultrawave
Everything you listed just made me wish it really was that way.
I'd rather drive/fly across landscapes to find a battle and meet with friends instead of just joining a lobby. I would gladly hunt down a certain enemy in jet mode, then come crashing down as a robot and attack it.
Imagine that for a minute.
A beautiful landscape and cities that you can roam, fly or drive around in as much as you want without restrictions, some decent enemies to kill and quests with good rewards, sprinkle that with a little bit of Autobot v. Decepticon PVP (or maybe even Decepticon v. Decepticon PVP, kinda doubt the Autobots would just turn on each other). You can quest solo or with your friends.
Now try telling me your top down fighter styled game will be better than that.
Grimwing
Still there are plenty of things not to like about free roaming MMOs as well.
Getting lost or having to cross a great in game distance to find a worthwhile battle, having to meet up with friends in specific places when you could just meet in a lobby.
I think in some ways its a growth. Even if its mostly to the benefit of the game server load.
Looking forward to playing it. Arena multiplayer Combat is a proven formula for a transformers video game.
bookwormdalek
No problem
SilverOptimus
James' work on Command & Conquer is just epic! Just listen to this sound track:
20. The End Of All Things – YouTube
And My Bad; I totally forgot Universe is no longer an MMO. Corrected. Thanks for pointing it out.
bookwormdalek
HA! The article lists it as an MMO! Great Laugh!
Ultrawave
I lost interest in this game when we found out it was League of Legends style instead of the free roaming/ go on quests style of MMO.
I'll gladly listen to the soundtrack though.
Onslaught24
Composer James Hannigan Talks Arcade Cabinets, 'Transformers Universe' and Composing for MMOs – Forbes
^ this is just what he said about the TFU soundtrack
btw, he's also Dead Space 3's composer so if you're a Dead Space fan, i suggest having a look-see