Transformers: Devastation Reviews

<img decoding="async" data-attachment-id="21550" data-permalink="https://press-start.com.au/reviews/2015/10/12/review-transformers-devastation/attachment/b_story-3/" data-orig-file="https://press-start.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/B_STORY.jpg" data-orig-size="2000,160" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}" data-image-title="B_STORY" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://press-start.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/B_STORY-300x24.jpg" data-large-file="https://press-start.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/B_STORY-600x48.jpg" class="size-full wp-image-21550 aligncenter" src="https://press-start.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/B_STORY.jpg" alt="B_STORY" width="2000" height="160" srcset="https://press-start.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/B_STORY.jpg 2000w, https://press-start.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/B_STORY-300x24.jpg 300w, https://press-start.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/B_STORY-600x48.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px" />Transformers Devastation’s storyline may feel very familiar for many players that grew up watching the show back in the day. This isn’t because the story is lifted directly from the series itself, but the fact that the writers at Platinum Games have created a narrative that might as well be part of it in the grand scale. There story isn’t really that deep, but its simplicity works well considering the style of narrative Platinum Games has pursued with the game, which is to bring players back to the old days of cartoon storytelling in the Transformers universe, which is quite effective for what it is.<img decoding="async" data-attachment-id="21556" data-permalink="https://press-start.com.au/reviews/2015/10/12/review-transformers-devastation/attachment/still_0004_layer-2/" data-orig-file="https://press-start.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/STILL_0004_Layer-2.jpg" data-orig-size="1500,400" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}" data-image-title="STILL_0004_Layer 2" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://press-start.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/STILL_0004_Layer-2-300x80.jpg" data-large-file="https://press-start.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/STILL_0004_Layer-2-600x160.jpg" class="size-full wp-image-21556 aligncenter" src="https://press-start.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/STILL_0004_Layer-2.jpg" alt="STILL_0004_Layer 2" width="1500" height="400" srcset="https://press-start.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/STILL_0004_Layer-2.jpg 1500w, https://press-start.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/STILL_0004_Layer-2-300x80.jpg 300w, https://press-start.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/STILL_0004_Layer-2-600x160.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" />This is basically all you’re going to need to know in retrospect, Devastation is the Saturday night cartoon you used to watch all over again, and fans will probably love it for it. The downside for non-fans however would be that the gameplay does often lack context due to this style of narrative, which can be bothersome if you’re not in it for the IP itself. <img decoding="async" data-attachment-id="21549" data-permalink="https://press-start.com.au/reviews/2015/10/12/review-transformers-devastation/attachment/b_presentation-4/" data-orig-file="https://press-start.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/B_PRESENTATION.jpg" data-orig-size="2000,160" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}" data-image-title="B_PRESENTATION" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://press-start.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/B_PRESENTATION-300x24.jpg" data-large-file="https://press-start.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/B_PRESENTATION-600x48.jpg" class="size-full wp-image-21549 aligncenter" src="https://press-start.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/B_PRESENTATION.jpg" alt="B_PRESENTATION" width="2000" height="160" srcset="https://press-start.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/B_PRESENTATION.jpg 2000w, https://press-start.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/B_PRESENTATION-300x24.jpg 300w, https://press-start.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/B_PRESENTATION-600x48.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px" />Devastation is one of the most stylized Transformers titles we’ve gotten so far, and whilst it may not speak to all fans out there, the G1-inspired graphics do lend the game a lot of character that goes along well with the story and action that is heavily inspired by this era of the franchise as well. It’s easy to imagine that a lot of people may miss the more gritty realistic look of the Cybertron games, but Transformers Devastation tries to hit marks elsewhere, which creates both pros and cons when it comes to the design and technical presentation.<img decoding="async" data-attachment-id="21557" data-permalink="https://press-start.com.au/reviews/2015/10/12/review-transformers-devastation/attachment/still_0005_layer-1/" data-orig-file="https://press-start.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/STILL_0005_Layer-1.jpg" data-orig-size="1500,400" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}" data-image-title="STILL_0005_Layer 1" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://press-start.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/STILL_0005_Layer-1-300x80.jpg" data-large-file="https://press-start.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/STILL_0005_Layer-1-600x160.jpg" class="size-full wp-image-21557 aligncenter" src="https://press-start.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/STILL_0005_Layer-1.jpg" alt="STILL_0005_Layer 1" width="1500" height="400" srcset="https://press-start.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/STILL_0005_Layer-1.jpg 1500w, https://press-start.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/STILL_0005_Layer-1-300x80.jpg 300w, https://press-start.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/STILL_0005_Layer-1-600x160.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" />When it comes to character design the game has gotten it’s source material down as well as it probably could have. The animated feel of the first generation series is effectively applied to the characters, which when accompanied by the classic voice work will lend you a great sense of nostalgia, though its effects may not be as powerful or lasting once you look past the surface.

I'm happy Transformers Devastation exists and thoroughly enjoyed the time I spent with it, but it's not quite the game I imagined as an idealistic child. And it's four hours long.

Transformers Devastation is the definition of a fan-service game. An excellent combat system layered over sights and sounds that take children of the '80s back to their youth creates a memorable experience for Transformers fans. The only sad thing is that it never really goes deeper than that.

Besides working your way through the pretty short campaign (it took me four hours), there are a few side-missions you can find while exploring the maps. They’re usually nothing more than “kill these guys in the time limit” but there are a few that do things differently like position the game in a top-down view (which isn’t fun). You’ll also unlock challenges which include even more “kill these dudes” missions. As fun as the campaign was I really wished more thought was put into the side content to offer some depth and variety.

Transformers Devastation is the most epic Transformers game.

Overall Transformers Devastation is surprisingly good. If you’re a Gen 1 Transformers fan and you’re feeling nostalgic you’ll have an absolute blast. The melee combat is excellent (although if you don’t experiment with different attacks you might have less fun), the five different Autobot characters are all unique, and it’s generally good fun overall. However the Transforming is underused, the shooting is awful, a lot of the non-combat game stuff like upgrades, items, menus and PC o...

I hope you like the sound of Transformers, transforming. That iconic soundbite of techno-nonsense that sounds like a digitized baby babbling features heavily through Transformers: Devastation. That, and, obviously giant space robots doing battle across the Earth over the fate of other robot stuff.

Transformers: Devastation isn't just a good Transformers game, it's a good game period. More depth and environments would benefit the game tremendously, but as it stands right now, it's one title for both Transformers and Platinum fans alike.

Transformers: Devastation wears its namesake well, and Platinum Games has managed to produce not only the finest video game the Transformers franchise has ever seen, but also iterated on their own signature design in a way that feels every bit as fresh as the unassailable masterpiece they already created with Bayonetta 2. Sure it’s short and it carries some awkward baggage with it, but Devastation went from a planned trade-in to a definitive keeper for me in a matter of hours – and that’s something that only the very best of this genre has managed without testing my patience to the absolute breaking point. If you love Transformers it’s a must play, but even if you don’t you should probably check it out.

Platinum Games' take on Transformers is an interesting and welcome change of pace for the property. The developer's brand of polished, fast-paced, flowing combat feels right at home in the Transformers universe. For fans of the original cartoon series, this is a can't miss title even if its beauty is only skin-deep.

How much you get from Transformers: Devastation will depend entirely on how fondly you remember the original cartoon. Non-fans will find an competent, if short, beat ’em up which is perhaps a little over priced, but die hard fans will be yelping, punching the air and reliving their childhoods by transforming in to a semi truck and chasing Ravage as he pounces across Cybertron. I loved every single second and hope it sells well enough to get the sequel teased by the end credits. This is by far the best Transformers game that has ever been made.

All this being said, Devastation isn't just an '80s throwback in the character designs that it uses. Higher difficulty levels can get punishing, and the focus on core gameplay mechanics might put off some players. 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.

A brief but engaging character action game, Transformers: Devastation succeeds mostly as a nostalgic treat for Generation 1 fans and anyone who can appreciate a little giant robot action.

Transformers Devastation is an impressive and visually striking action game that understands the true spirit of this mighty series.

Transformers Devastation’s nostalgia-fueled fisticuffs are a fun way to revisit the classic TV show. 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.

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.

Transformers Devastation is by far the best Transformers game we have gotten in a long time, better than the Cybertron series by High Moon, a million times better than Rise of the Dark Spark, and so far beyond Generation 1 games like Convoy No Nazo & Tataki that it’s not even funny; but this is so close to being the PERFECT Transformers game that it is soul crushing that they didn’t reach that tiny bit further to obtain it. Avoid this game till it hit the bargain bins… Man it hurt to say that.

"It's not great, but fans will love it" has become a deservedly maligned critical trope, so I'm sort of hesitant to employ it here. But I'm not sure I've come across a game that so perfectly fits the label as Transformers: Devastation. This is a love letter to Transformers G1, and fans left cold by grittier takes on the robots in disguise are going to be delighted, even if the rest of the world can't figure out what the fuss is all about.

If you're a fan of Bayonetta, Vanquish, or even The Wonderful 101, Transformers: Devastation is for you. If you're an adult that grew up on G1 Transformers, and if you can handle a demanding action experience, Devastation is for you. The problem is that it's not a game you should spend more than $20-30 on. 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 is a franchise with an impressive multitude of continuities. From the original ‘80s camp to the much-maligned Michael Bay moneymakers, there have been so many versions of Transformers that only fans with access to Teletraan I’s archives can keep them all straight. Platinum Games’ newest parade of fistfights and fireworks seems targeted directly at gamers who grew up alongside these robots in disguise. However, Transformers: Devastation’s bombastic combat also appeals to players who are just hungry for instant action.

Devastation's too throwaway to be a game many of us will still be talking about beyond this month, but it's a blast, and not simply on a guilty pleasure basis. As well as being the most unabashed Transformers fan-service games have given us yet, it's also a slick, exciting, hyper-fast punchy-shooty game in its own right. It's dumb as a box of Dinobots of course, but it's not even trying to be otherwise - and that's why its simple, colourful enthusiasm for robot-bashing is so infectious.

I’m not even sure if there are G1 fans out there anymore. It shouldn’t be a deciding factor when picking up Transformers: Devastation though, as it’s a great action romp by any right. Just be ready to deal with a few nitpicky issues.