Transformers

[kicker4106]

Ok, guys, this caught my attention while browsing IGN.com.

http://ps3media.ign.com/ps3/image/article/763/763237/transformers-the-game-20070209013845729.jpg

by Jeremy Dunham

February 9, 2007 - It's been exactly a year since Activision last said anything about its game based on Michael Bay's upcoming robot movie, Transformers -- and even then, explicit information about the title was closely guarded (specific consoles hadn't been named; the developers weren't identified, etc). But after 52 weeks of nothing, our contacts at Activision have finally come clean and given us a couple of details to work with.

Officially known as Transformers: The Game, the Traveller's Tales-developed actioner is scheduled for just about every platform out there (PC, PS2, PS3, Wii, and Xbox 360) and will come out this summer with nearly identical content. Its storyline will follow the movie closely, giving players control over both the Autobots and the Decepticons as they choose to either protect the earth or pimp slap it.

The final number of playable characters is still unknown, but Activision has confirmed that Optimus Prime, Megatron, Starscream, Bumblebee, and Ironhide are among them. Each bot has their own set of special skills and abilities too, and gamers will be able to switch between robot and vehicle form at any time. Fully destructible environments (including entire buildings and vehicles) and the ability to use wreckage as weapons are also expected.

Combat mechanics still aren't very clear, but developers do say that each character's scale and weight affects how they fight. Both ranged and melee battles are possible as well, and there are a few other elements that haven't been expanded on yet.

Handheld fans should also take note that PSP and DS versions are in the works from Savage and Vicarious Visions respectively. No details about the Dual Screen edition were made public, wowever, we do know that the PSP edition boasts 20 playable Autobots and Decepticons and follows an expanded telling of the movie's storyline (complete with bot customization and ad hoc/ infrastructure multiplayer modes).

http://ps3media.ign.com/ps3/image/article/763/763237/transformers-the-game-20070209013832730-000.jpg

[kicker4106]

by Jeremy Dunham

IGN: What can you tell us about the ability to play as either the Autobots or Decepticons? Will there be two distinct campaigns?

Andy Burrows: Yes, there will be two distinct campaigns for each of the different factions. The Autobot campaign follows the plot of the movie. The Decepticon campaign puts a spin on some of the critical moments in the film. You'll be able to take control of most of the Transformers from the movie as you play through the missions, so you'll be able to reenact all those cool movie moments that you saw on the big screen.

IGN: How will the destructible environments affect gameplay? Are they really 100% destructible, or just certain, pre-designated spots?

Burrows: It is really important for us to convey a real sense of scale with the game and in order to do that we made everything destructible and interactive - buildings can be smashed, objects such as lampposts can be ripped from the ground and used as weapons, cars and buses can be picked up and thrown at attacking helicopters. It's quite easy to cause a massive amount of havoc, but you'll run the risk of ticking off the police, the military or other forces.

IGN: How will players be able to take advantage of each Transformer's two forms? Is there any point to fighting a boss battle as a car or boombox?

Burrows: We set out to design the robot functionality in such a way that the player wouldn't think of the vehicle and robot forms as being different components of the game. We wanted the ability to transform from a robot into a vehicle and back to be as intuitive and as useful as a punch, a run or a jump. So, for example, if you're slugging it out in combat with a thirty-foot robot and he transforms into a heavily armed jet, you have the option of switching to a car and darting for cover. Likewise, you could be the one to fly into combat and turn into your robot mode for a surprise attack!

IGN: Will you feature the ability for some Transformers to be able to join together and create a "master" Transformer, like how the Constructicons can form Devastator?

Burrows: Most of the characters in our game are based on the characters in the movie. However, we do have a couple that we've created specifically for the game. When you see some of the characters, you'll notice we pay homage to some popular G1 stars throughout the game.

IGN: Will you be able to accurately portray Starscream's punk-ass bitch attitude?

Burrows: All of the characters are based on their movie counterparts and their individual personalities will definitely shine in the game.

IGN: Will humans play a part in the game at all?

Burrows: A couple of human characters from the film will make appearances in the game, though they won't be playable.

IGN: How will the game take advantage of the different platforms that it's set to ship on? For example, will it make use of the PS3's motion sensing, the Wiimote to great extent or anything else along those lines?

Burrows: The core game mechanics are the same across platforms, even if the game plays differently due to the control mechanics. The next-gen platforms also allow us to push the visuals further and increase the complexity of the background systems such as AI, physics and destruction.

IGN: How closely will the game tie into the movie? Will the film's voice actor's provide the voiceover work?

Burrows: The game will tie closely to the movie. Having the talent from the film is great for adding a sense of consistency between the movie and the video game and we hope to tap some of the movie talent.

IGN: Lastly, will the transformation sound be taken directly from the old cartoon? That sound is seriously awesome.

Burrows: You'll have to wait and see.

http://ps3media.ign.com/ps3/image/article/763/763151/transformers-the-game-20070209115234764-000.jpg

[Tyrael]

oooh i can't wait for the movie.
really hope it will be great.
as well as the game.
Optimus rules.

[kicker4106]

Games have really improved this year by evidence of the Ghost rider game. Most definitely this game will also rock!! :icon_tup:

[Darrell]

man there is gonna be some hype about this transformer game and film i cant wait to get me hands on this one it looks the rawest ever and the grapics are ace also (i think)

[Nero]

Damn when will i be able to grow up with these great memorys of childhood?
NEVER, STAY YOUNG STAY FUN!

[kicker4106]

Lolz! as Darrell said, we're children at heart:icon_rolleyes: