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.