Transformers: Shadows Rising

« Transformers: Shadows Rising
Developer	Sega of China
Publisher	Sega
Platform	Sega RingEdge 2
Release date	2018

Transformers: Shadows Rising is an arcade rail shooter based on the live action films and the follow-up to Transformers: Human Alliance. Developed by Sega and released beginning in 2018, the game can be played with one or two players, and is available in a theater cabinet featuring a 55" HD screen.

Gameplay

Gameplay is largely identical to that of Human Alliance, with up to two players using mounted gun turrets to fire at opponents on screen across four stages. The Pacific Ocean, Wales and East China stages can be played in any order before moving on to the final stage, The Moon. New to the game's control interface is the addition of a "Hyperenergy Tech" lever. This can be used to either create a shockwave that damages multiple enemies at once, or to generate a force field to protect the players from enemy attacks. Players can also push this lever in a specified direction at predetermined points to complete quicktime sequences and avoid potential damage. The game also includes an achievement system.

Characters

(Numbers indicate order of appearance.)

Autobots	Decepticons	Humans
Optimus Prime Bumblebee Sideswipe Dinobots Grimlock Strafe Scorn	Megatron Shockwave Nitro Zeus Optimus clone Sideswipe clones Seekers Protoform soldiers Lensmeter Decepticons Ravage drones Laserbeak drones Motorcycle drones	Vanessa Jake NEST soldiers

Quotes

"We never never surrender!"

— Optimus Prime is apparently quick to give up.

"The light rises and shadows are gone. There's a thin line between being a hero, and being a memory. I am Optimus Prime, leader of the Autobots."

— Optimus Prime assembles an ending monologue from fortune cookie quotes.

Notes

Continuity notes

• Much of the cast of Human Alliance returns for Shadows Rising, this time accompanied by familiar faces from more recent films such as the Dinobots and Nitro Zeus.
• The assortment of enemy units are now joined by Seekers and protoform soldiers.

Transformers references

• While never identified as such (the intro tag just labeling him as "Unidentified Unit"), the Optimus clone in the final stage is based on the Age of Extinction Nemesis Prime toys, down to the blue flame details.
• As is time-worn tradition, the Seekers are (obviously) recolors of Starscream.
• Optimus's quote about being a hero or being a memory was said by his G1 counterpart back in "More than Meets the Eye, Part 3".

Errors

• You don't need to be an English major to know "We never never surrender" is both a double-negative and a pretty poor thing to shout when you're trying to encourage your troops.

External Links

• Official game trailer
• Listing on Sega Arcade