Transformers: Dark of the Moon

Based on the Michael Bay series of films, Transformers: Dark of the Moon is a prequel to the movie of the same name. Unlike many videogame adaptations of blockbuster films, this Transformers game manages to shine on its own as an enjoyable action game with the same action and adrenaline seen in the bombastic Michael Bay movies.

More than meets the eye

Transformers: Dark of the Moon could’ve gone the easy way and adapted the movie’s plot into the game, but developers High Moon Studios went the extra mile to deliver a unique experience for fans of the Transformers franchise.

The game takes place before the events of the third Transformers film. Unlike the first two games, this time there’s only one campaign mode that alternates between the Autobots and Decepticons. Narratively speaking, this provides players with a greater understanding of the game’s overall plot, and it’s also a great way to connect with the characters.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a Transformers game without transforming robots, and Dark of the Moon has got you covered there. Not only will players be able to pilot giant robots and their vehicle forms, but there’s also a new Stealth Force mode that takes the best of both worlds. Now, you’ll be able to blaze through the levels with an armed vehicle, enjoying the game’s many adrenaline-filled set pieces.

A look under the hood

Dark of the Moon uses the Unreal Engine, and that can be a blessing and a curse. While games like Gears of War and Bulletstorm have shown that the engine is capable of gorgeous graphics, there’s something about the controls that just isn’t quite there yet, especially when it comes to driving vehicles.

Driving in Dark of the Moon feels clunky and laggy, and that’s terrible in a game where you have to spend half the time controlling a car robot. Luckily, the pure driving sections are few and far between, and the robot controls are fast and responsive.

One for the fans

The story of Dark of the Moon is arguably better than that of its film counterpart. The plot takes Bumblebee and his allies from Central America to the city of Detroit. The varied settings let the Unreal Engine shine, delivering beautifully rendered environments for your Transformers to destroy.

There’s little exploration to be had, which makes these environments feel a bit shallow. That said, there are also few collectibles, meaning that Dark of the Moon is a decidedly linear experience.

Roll out the multiplayer

Aside from the game’s campaign, there are also a few multiplayer modes to enjoy in Dark of the Moon, and these modes are unexpectedly complex. The multiplayer consists of Deathmatch, Team Deathmatch, and Conquest modes, each of them featuring a class-based system similar to the Star Wars: Battlefront series.

Depending on your faction, the class you choose will determine which Transformer you get. Players have to choose between the Hunter, Commander, Scout, and Warrior classes, each one with a distinct role on the battlefield.

Transformers: Dark of the Moon achieves more than your standard movie tie-in game, but it still falls prey to the stigma of such games. An interesting but shallow campaign just isn’t enough to justify a second playthrough, that is if the repetitive objectives can keep your attention the first time you play the game.

Pros:

• Exciting gameplay
• Solid performance and well-rendered characters
• Interesting plot for fans of the series

Cons:

• Iffy driving controls
• Lackluster campaign
• Lifeless environments