Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen: Autobots/Decepticons
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The Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen Autobots and Decepticons video games were developed by Vicarious Visions for Activision, in conjunction with the Revenge of the Fallen movie.
Gameplay
Like the DS games produced to tie in with the first live-action Transformers movie, the Nintendo DS incarnation of Revenge of the Fallen is divided into two separately-sold games, one for each of the two factions. The two games, however, are a lot less distinct from one another than the original movie games were: where those games featured unique levels and differing objectives, the Revenge of the Fallen games both feature the same basic goals, taking place over the same levels. Generally speaking, the games have little to actually do with the story of the film, simply depicting both factions hopping around the world, carrying out random acts of heroism or terrorism, occasionally visiting a significant location from the movie storyline (Shanghai, the Laurentian Abyss) before things culminate in a big fight in Cairo.
The player's hub is a two-dimensional world map, from which they select the mission they wish to play. Levels are presented in groups of three, and once each "mission" is completed, a secondary "challenge" objective is then unlocked in each level. Once these challenges are completed, the next chain of levels is unlocked, and thus the game continues. Completing both the "mission" and "challenge" from each level earns the player a bronze medal; each completed level can then be re-entered at the player's discretion, and both the "mission" and the "challenge" can be replayed, this time with an additional handicap (such as completing the level with the player's stats halved, or accomplishing an objective within a certain time limit). Completing one earns the player a silver medal, and completing both and thereby finishing the entire level gains you a gold medal.
Sadly, the games discard the two most enjoyable aspects of the original movie games: large, free-roaming environments, and the ability to scan ambient vehicles and change alternate mode at will. At the beginning of the game, the player's protoform character is given the option to choose which of three vehicle forms it will adopt ("light," weak but fast, "medium", balanced speed and strength, and "heavy", strong but slow), and retains this form for the entire game. Replacing this gameplay mechanic is the "Medical Bay," a new system which allows players to heavily customize their character. When enemies die, they drop energon cubes, which the player can spend to upgrade their stats (strength, speed, durability, marksmanship, etc). Additionally, each "mission" level includes several hidden bonus items, which, when found by the player, unlock new weapons and other items which provide various effects when equipped. For instance, a less powerful weapon may offer as a bonus "perfect aim", whereas a stronger gun may only be functional at short range. In addition to customary lasers and rockets, players will also get the chance to lob grenades and even wield a freeze-ray that immobilizes enemies. The other items players can acquire are "capacitors" and "nodes", which apply bonuses to player's stats; for example, boosting strength at the cost of speed. Two weapons and four capacitors and/or nodes can be equipped at once; several weapons and gadgets are only unlocked by playing the game online.
Synopsis
- Autobots Version
When Create-A-Bot lands on Earth, Optimus sends him to training by the caves and he kills his Decepticon counterpart in the process. He then goes on a series of missions. Meanwhile Bumblebee defeats a wide array of Decepticons and then he races with Sideswipe. Breakaway does some training while helping Bumblebee. Create-A-Bot goes to Italy to assist the Autobot Drone (who looks like Inferno) in his mission. Create-A-Bot has a battle with Grindor who gets killed by his own jets. The Autobots go to Asia where Ironhide activates multiple shields in Japan with Create-A-Bot. Meanwhile Sideswipe and Bumblebee collect scattered Energon while killing Decepticons along the way. Create-A-Bot encounters multiple bombs at the docks planted by Sideways but the Decepticon's plan is foiled and Sideways gets killed by his own Bombs. While in America, Decepticons attack the NEST grounds but are stopped by Optimus, Create-A-Bot, Bumblebee and Sideswipe. Create-A-Bot then goes to another part of America to save Jetfire from Starscream. After saving Jetfire, he helps the Autobots. The team travels to Egypt to face The Fallen. Devastator breaks open the top of the pyramid and Optimus Prime and Jetfire fight The Fallen. Create-A-Bot enters a quicksand area where Scorponok tries to kill him, but he ignores the Decepticon and instead goes and defeats Megatron with the Sun-Harvester. Returning to Optimus, he reports his victory and Optimus has killed The Fallen.
- Decepticons Version
When Construct-A-Con lands on Earth, Starscream sends him to training by the caves and he kills his Autobot counterpart in the process. He then goes on a series of missions. Meanwhile Sideways defeats a wide array of Autobots and races with Barricade. Starscream himself does some training while helping Grindor. Construct-A-Con goes to Italy to destroy many Autobot and Nest troops but Bumblebee stops him and the two battle until Bumblebee is killed accidentally by his own Jets. The Decepticons next go to Asia, where Barricade and Sideways cause chaos while stealing energon with Construct-A-Con. Starscream, Grindor and Construct-A-Con go to Deep-6 to revive Megatron. With Megatron revived, they cause chaos in the NEST base and Construct-A-Con steals enemy information from multiple satellites. Construct-A-Con goes to another part of America to kidnap Jetfire from Ironhide. The successfully kidnapped Jetfire is forced to help the Decepticons. The team travels to Egypt to help The Fallen. Devastator breaks open the top of the pyramid and Megatron, Fallen and Starscream are pleased with Construct-A-Con for bringing the Matrix. Contruct-A-Con proceeds into a quicksand area where NEST Troops try to kill him, but he ignores and uses the Sun Harvester to kill Optimus Prime. When the Construct-A-Con returned to The Fallen, he was promoted, replacing Megatron as leader.
Characters
| Autobots | Decepticons | Non-Playable |
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Reception
It is given a 7.0/10 by IGN.
Notes
- Some of the weapons in the game re-use sound effects from the Generation 1 cartoon.
- Bumblebee speaks normally in this game.
- Most of the SFX from the old game are re-used for this one (i.e. Create-a-bot's and Starscream's grunts when they jump or attack).
