Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Transformers: Dark of the Moon (DS) Quick Review

One of the games I snagged for cheap recently was Transformers: Dark of the Moon Decepticon version.  I've recently finished it and felt inclined to make a quick review for the game.  So, let's review and roll out!

The graphics look exactly like the first Transformers movie game for DS to me.  That is to say, there are textures pasted on  blocky 3D models.  I still think the DS is capable or more, but that isn't what's here.  The graphics get the job done, but they are not very good.  Backgrounds are sparse outside of the playable area, and buildings noticeably pop in and out of view while moving.

The few lines of dialog/story in this game are voice, which is a plus.  The music is just kind of there, it's not grating but not memorable at all, either.

Controlling the Transformer is a little wonky at first.  Since there is no second stick to aim, you make do with moving and using the L and R Buttons to strafe.  It took some getting used to, but once I got the hang of it, the controls worked fine.  One thing that always bugs me, you have to use the touch screen to do all of the menu options.  It's fine if that's in the game, but I always want the D-pad and buttons to work on them, too.  One sad note: changing into your alt form (vehicle) is useless in this game.  You don't ever need to do it and there is no good reason to.  When in vehicle form, you have to press a button to engage "stealth" mode where your guns come out and it would be impossible to blend in anywhere.  This is the only way to fire guns in the alt mode.  Sadly, even Megatron, who turns into his Revenge of the Fallen tank form, has to engage "stealth" mode to fire the cannon.

Transformers: Dark of the Moon Decepticon version has only 12 missions.  They do get longer as you go farther in the game, but the longest is still less than 30 mins.  You don't really get much game for your buck.  It's also pretty easy, so you aren't going to die and have to restart much (if at all).  Each level has a few collectibles, but they aren't too hard to find once you know what to look for.  No characters are unlockable, either, but you can use any of the four playable ones on any mission once you beat the game.  Yay?  A person could beat the game and get all the upgrades/collectibles in a day without much effort.  There is multiplayer, but it is local only, so I wasn't able to try it out.

I paid $5 for the "special edition" that comes with the toy car.  Honestly, that was the best part of the purchase.  I don't regret buying the game, but I can't recommend anyone get it either.  It was more fun than the Xbox 360 version of the Dark of the Moon game I rented months ago, though.  If you really want a Transformers game on the DS, stick with the game of the first movie.  There was much more content and fun in that game.  Transformers: Dark of the Moon Decepticon version could be much better if there were more playable characters and levels.  Even adding a "challenge" mode or something (even though I'm not too fond of those) would have been better.  I'd recommend skipping this game, even if you are a die-hard Transformers fan like myself.  The toy car does look pretty cool, though.  Glad I bought the Decepticon version, since I'd be more unhappy having a Bumblebee toy.

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