Transformers: Devastation Reviews
A solid, if unspectacular, hack-n-slash game that honors the subject material and respects its fans.
After the failings of our last Transformers outing; Rise of the Dark Spark, it was only natural for Activision to be a little low-key with this latest instalment. But while you won't find an in-depth story or gameplay, Platinum Games have brought back the fun factor with Transformers: Devastation with added nostalgia to boot.
I'm not going to lie, Transformers Devastation was so much fun that it might as well have tattooed a smile on my face. From the moment the 80s themed main menu appeared to the sustained wails of the guitar solos over the ending credits, I was grinning like a Cheshire Cat. A couple of niggles in the game stopped me scoring it higher (the camera frustrations and the length are the two key things for me), but at it's core it's a very impressive game. It looks like the TV show, it sounds like the TV show (albeit one relayed via a Kerrang compilation), and it plays like Platinum's best. A fast paced, riotous action game that grabs hold of your nostalgia and refuses to let go until you're done, it's worthy of your time if you have even the slightest affinity for either these types of games or the Transformers license. It's just a shame there isn't more of it.
Transformer's Devastation is a fun beat 'em up that properly utilizes nostalgia to enhance the experience. It's hampered by a mediocre-to-boring story and repetitive environments, though.
Transformers Devastation is a great game if you like loot, tweaking stats, high velocity chase sequences, and brawling battles. The game is chock full of features and extras that show the source material was revered by the developers. Games like this deserve the extra time you will sink into it to complete the trophies/achievements. Building up your Autobot your way is empowering and a great compliment to what The Transformers are all about.
What Transformers Devastation lacks in content and depth, it more than makes up for in pure entertainment with a slick presentation, wonderful fan-service, and hectic gameplay that should please any Transformers fan.
Transformers: Devastation is a fully realised and unbelievably accurate adaptation of the autobots. It feels exhilarating to dart about the world and even better to destroy it.
Transformers: Devastation may not be a perfect game, but its nostalgia factor is significant enough to make it a must-buy for old school fans of the franchise.
It's not perfect and it has certain flaws, yet this is still an undeniable blast from start to finish and will invite gamers to come back for seconds because Platinum Games' action stamp is just pitch perfect. Hopefully the partnership between these teams will continue and consistently deliver such wonderful action games for years to come.
Transformers Devastation is not quite Platinum's A-game material, but it's more than we could've ever possibly expected from a franchise tie-in. A tad anemic and weighed down with extraneous systems, but a damn fine experience nonetheless.
To further extend replayability after the first few chapters your roster of playable Autobots expands to encompass Optimus Prime, Bumblebee, Sideswipe, Wheeljack, and Grimlock
I'd have to go back to the PS2 days to find a 'Transformers' game that was as faithful and fun as 'Transformers: Devastation,' and I think 'Devastation' has the edge in both categories. 'Devastation' is a wonderful counter-point to both the checklist openworld games and the endless parade of indies that are flooding the consoles. Not since I first watched the 20th Anniversary Movie DVD has my Transformers nostalgia been so engaged. The game is a must for fans.
While the combat is undoubtedly satisfying and rewarding, the sense of repetition, the last-gen visuals, and the brevity of the adventure feel more matched for a budget price. We suggest waiting for a sale and a nostalgic craving for Saturday morning cartoons. That's when you have our full permission to transform and roll out!
Transformers: Devastation is an experience for those who already love the franchise and the idea of big robots punching each other, and in many ways it feels like an attempt to show that if one ignores the modern movie series, the Autobots versus Decepticons series can be both fun and well-suited to the video game treatment.
It's not devastating, just disappointing for what it appeared to be and what it could have been.
Controller in hand I can stand up to them with the courage and obstinance of a ten-year-old, drunk on the energy pouring into my consoles from I know not where. I'm pretty sure my kids will deal with it eventually, one way or another.
Otherwise, Transformers: Devastation is a pure form of fun and entertainment, and there are simply not enough games like this out there. I hope this is the commercial success it deserves to be, and Activision spins its rights to the franchise this way into the future.
Transformers: Devastation's fast-paced, action-packed gameplay is really appealing to both fans of the franchise and others who just want to have some fun.
Review in Persian | Read full review
A typical Platinum game, that does justice to the Transformers licence.