Transformers Battlegrounds Review (PlayStation 4)
With Earth under invasion and MEGATRON, leader of the Decepticons close to capturing The Allspark, BUMBLEBEE and the Autobots need a new commander to help them restore peace to the universe – you!
Pros:
- Decent cartoon graphics.
- 5.74gb download size.
- Platinum trophy.
- 3 save slots.
- Invert axis and sensitivity sliders.
- Auto end turn-on/off.
- Interface size slider.
- Autoplay cutscenes-on/off.
- Two modes-mission select and arcade mode.
- 3 difficulties-easy, normal and hard.
- X-Com style gameplay so that would be a strategy game.
- You the player are referred to as the human in charge of the Transformers.
- Action points-you get 3 and can fire only once, as you move or go to do an action it will tell you how many action points it will use.
- All characters are voiced.
- Has a cartoon vibe to it.
- Opening tutorial fights and scenarios.
- Inspect mode-at anytime press it to click on a Decepticon or Autobot and get data on them like of they are under any effects.
- Does the spinning Autobot and Decepticon logo spin between turns.
- Can fast forward the enemies’ turn.
- Handy tally bar to show how many enemies are left.
- Movement is dictated by action points but a grid comes up to help.
- Full camera control on the right stick.
- Fast loading times.
- Arcade mode-1-2 player (local), five-game types-capture the flag, Decepticon grudge match, Energon capture, last stand, and destruction.
- Ability bar-shows clearly what each attack/move is and how many action points it takes and of course, shows the area of effect on the game.
- Fast-paced combat.
- No designated turn order and you can freely jump between your squad.
- Environmental aspects like destroying the world and moving objects like cars and using them as cover.
- Critical and kill shots can trigger a close-range slow-mo shot.
- Clear icons for enemies and mission markers.
- The special ability-each character will have a unique attack that has 3 attack strengths tied to action points, so a weak shot is 1 and a big hit is all 3 of your action points.
- An excellent starting point for the genre as it aimed at new players and kids.
- Big boss fights with named characters.
- Can see enemy and allies outlines through walls.
- Energon-represented as a bar, you fill this with your squad doing damage. Once full you can do a character’s ultimate ability.
- Spark points-the games currency and you earn it whilst playing.
- Wheeljacks lab-the shop to buy new abilities for each character using spark points.
- In the story, if a character dies they respawn after a couple of turns.
- Squad selection-as it says but you can also tinker with each character load out of abilities and ultimates. Each has 3 slots.
- The actual characters get loose with their interpretation of G1 designs.
Cons:
- The spinning Autobot and Decepticon logo don’t make the iconic noise.
- Can’t move the cursor through buildings or over water.
- Slowdown judder when changing turns.
- Can’t skip cutscenes.
- Some cheesy humor.
- Not everyone will like the fourth wall approach.
- New Transformers without any introduction.
- Doesn’t make the iconic transformation noise!
- No online multiplayer.
- Has a lot of performance issues.
- Not as deep and diverse as other games in this genre.
- Boss fights generally have the boss attacking then running far away making them more like kiss chase than war.
- Stingy trophies, small list, and big asks.
-
8/10
-
7/10
-
8/10
-
8/10
-
9/10
Summary
Let’s get this straight right from the off. All though they take inspiration from the G1 Transformers, they are not, and whilst they are not ugly they are not my Transformers! Back to the game and this can be easily described as Transformers X Com edition. Truth is its X com but in a more inviting way, it breaks all the key elements of a strategy game into manageable chunks so you can master each element and feel better and more informed. The game is a surprise to me as I honestly thought it would be a cheap cash-in but it’s really not, it’s a competent strategy game that is perfect for new players to the genre or anyone looking to brush up on their skills. Would have liked an online component but as the first game like this, I am confident that could be a thing later on as it is Transformers Battlegrounds is a really good way to get into the strategy genre and a solid fun game to boot.