Transformers Animated: The Game

Transformers Animated: The Game has been released only on Nintendo DS and is based on the Cartoon Network animated TV series. The game is all about teamwork and making the most of the various characters’ strengths to solve the puzzles faced. The action focuses on three main Autobots—that’s transformers to you and me—Bumblebee, Optimus Prime and Bulkhead.

To ease you into the game you start out by getting to know the characters in a training level. Instructions are received from a medic called Ratchet, who also offers invaluable help on the use of the DS stylus to achieve optimum control of the different characters’ powers. When he informs you that you are needed at a factory because an army of robots have taken it over, the fun begins. Your mission (as a team) is to go to the factory, find the robots, defeat them, and lead everyone to safety.

Don’t look for Optimus Prime at the outset; he'll be around pretty soon to help you along the way. By switching between the three main Autobots and using their various powers and weapons, you progress through the game. Bumblebee is the electric one, he can easily speed through the streets and is the only one who has the ability to jump. Bulkhead is the strong one. Use the touch screen to make him punch, but be warned this only works when the enemy is close. He can also throw rocks in a straight line and smash through walls.

Optimus Prime, the leader, can throw an axe in any direction, block attacks and missiles, and also climb. On each level you get a total of three lives, regardless of which character you are, with Ratchet coming to the rescue when repairs are needed. Once a character has reached a new part of the game, it is then down to you to get the other two Autobots to follow. You cannot pass to the next stage of the game if they are not all together.

Completing a few levels unlocks animated video clips which tell the Transformers story, a feature young gameplayers will love. Another feature that will be particularly helpful to young gamers is that although there are a lot of written instructions to follow, pumping up the volume makes the characters read out the instructions for you.

A fourth Autobot named Prowl is introduced in the driving levels, where you speed through the streets of Detroit, darting in and out to avoid other vehicles. You have to take the part of bad guy Megatron a couple of times. Be warned, after your first battle with him he escapes when you beat him—if you beat him of course. The game on the whole, although action packed at times, is is a little lacklustre and repetitive. It is certified as 7 years+, but as the game is linked to the cartoon series, I would be inclined to think it would be attractive to the younger end of the market.