Transformers: Fall of Cybertron preview

Like the previous Transformers games brought to us by High Moon Studios, this is a third-person shooter that focuses on all-out action. You take control of several Autobots over the course of the game as they battle to defeat the Decepticons and gain control of the world of Cybertron.

High Moon wants to make sure each character has a unique playing style so that there is a significant difference to the way you approach challenges when you take control of different Autobots. They want you to change your way of playing to suit the characters strengths. Due to this, every character will have their own special ability.

We managed to play through several levels, which gave us a good example of having to tailor our gameplay to the strengths of the Autobot we were playing as at the time.

First we took control of Bumblebee as the Decepticons had launched a surprise attack. Bumblebee had to use speed and agility to make it through alive, morphing into a car at one point to evade attacks and speed through the level intact.

Then we saw Starscream being fired at from several angles. Morphing into an airplane allowed the player to tackle the enemy from above and take out a large turret gun that was threatening to destroy him.

Finally, and this was definitely the most fun part, we took control of Grimlock. Grimlock is designed for melee combat as he only has a sword and a shield. He’s also different from the other Autobots in that he can’t transform upon command, he has a ‘rage meter’ that fills up over time. When he gains enough ‘rage’ he transforms into a fire-breathing T-Rex that deals massive amounts of damage. Told you it was fun.

Playing as a different Autobot did feel like a distinctive experience every time. This means that players won’t get bored of having to go through level after level with a character that has the same strengths and weaknesses, as there are plenty of characters to try out over the course of the game, allowing for unpredictable and enjoyable gameplay.

Instead of a health system, Fall of Cybertron will feature a regenerative system. This encourages you to find cover when under attack so that you can heal-up and live to fight another day.

There are also massive amounts of customisation options for players to buy and upgrade their gear. These range from changing the colours of your character to powerful weapon upgrades which can increase damage by 50%.

Online play allows you to create your own Autobots and Decepticons from scratch. There are four character classes to choose from; Scientist, Infiltrator, Destroyer and Titan, with each class giving you unique abilities and ways to play.

One change from the last game involves online co-op play being scrapped in favour of a multiplayer horde mode. This feature involves multiple waves of enemies being thrown at you and your partner as the mode progresses.

From what we saw, Transformers: Fall of Cybertron is a frantic, frenetic, but most importantly fun addition to the series, which builds on the work started by the team on the previous Transformers games. Check back soon as we’ll be taking an even closer look at Fall of Cybertron in the future.