'Transformers: Devastation' Review - Autobots, Punch-out!

Platforms: Xbox One, Xbox 360, PS3, PS4, WindowsThe first time I saw the Autobots rushing into the crisis at hand, with the Dinobot that is Grimlock running in a duck-like fashion, I was pretty ecstatic to see Optimus Prime and the other four playable Autobots in all their cel-shaded glory; rolling-out, transforming and ready to kick some Decepti-chomps. What Platinum Games has done, however, is much more than just give some fan service to the much beloved G1 transformers series. They designed an enthralling, deep combat system that makes you feel the power of Optimus Prime or the swift nimbleness of Bumblebee with each and every strike delivered. This isn't just a game for fans of Transformers to ogle at, it’s a satisfyingly addictive third-person brawler that many fans of the genre should want. It would be easy to complain about Transformers: Devastation's 5-6 hour campaign being too short but trying to get the best rank on each level definitely improves the replay value and increases the challenge. Not that I wouldn’t want the campaign to maybe be a bit longer, but the game seems to perfectly tell your typical Transformers story in the time given. The story is one of nostalgia as it's about the Autobots trying to stop Megatron and his Decepticons from gaining ultimate power and colonizing earth (as has happened many a time before). The transformers you know and love are all doing their typical thing: Starscream sulking over Megatron's rule and Grimlock is as thick-headed as ever. This all makes the game really feel like another episode of a series many people grew up with, which makes it a nice love letter to those who enjoyed the series and a gripping enough story to those who have never indulged themselves. The story is not the focus of this game though as with each encounter a different set of enemies pushes you to hone your skills as an incredibly stylish, butt-kicking transformer. Platinum Games throws various enemy patterns at you along with some incredibly tough and intense boss fights, which are surprisingly frequent. It's no walk in the park but Platinum Games provides players with many different weapons and move-sets to learn to use. The dodge function that allows time to be slowed down is thrilling when done perfectly and allows combat to flow at the player’s pace. This, combined with a vehicle attack which basically transforms your Autobot into a car (or T-rex) to smash into your foes at full throttle, creates an explosive combo that pleases the eyes and satisfies your fingers. The grade system makes you want to pull complicated combos together as it fairly ranks your style of play. All 5 characters are available to play as at any point in the story which gives players the freedom to explore which character best suits them and their situation.  Each character has their own special attack and their own strengths and speeds. However, they weren't diverse enough for me to continuously change them to experiment on each of their moves as it was the weapons that were selected that changed their move-set. This is where Platinum Games fails: the weapon system. By synthesizing a weapon you don't want (my gosh, the amount of weapons you will not want) with a weapon you like you can increase its strength and stats. However, there was no real difference from a weapon I had at level 10 with a weapon that was at level 5 as the amount of damage dealt was more or less the same. The only interest I had was in the iconic weapons you would get after beating a major boss, not any of the other dozens of generic weapons you may pick up along the way. It's disappointing that a few more unique character move-sets could have easily outshined this weapon and loot system, but this is only a small crack in what otherwise is a magnificent structure.  I initially thought the over-the-shoulder gunplay was quite bland but, when I realized I could include a variety of different guns into my combos as opposed to shooting enemies from a distance, I quickly realized that this was yet another layer to an already great combat system. [hr gap="1"]The DecisionPlatinum Games has been known to create fantastic third-person action games and, despite some hiccups, Transformers: Devastation proves they have done it again. With a spectacular soundtrack and smooth visuals to enjoy while experiencing what it’s like to be an Autobot pummeling a Decepticon to the floor, it’s a game that will scratch that itch for any action and Transformers fan alike.