The Transformers (G1 PS2)
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| This article is about the Japanese PlayStation 2 game. For the English PlayStation 2 game, see Transformers (PS2). For a list of other meanings, see Transformers (disambiguation). |
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 My CG cinematic sequences are only as good as your in-game graphics! | |||||||
トランスフォーマー
(Transformer) | |||||||
| Developer | Winkysoft | ||||||
| Publisher | Atlus | ||||||
| Platform | PlayStation 2 | ||||||
| Release date | 30 October 2003 | ||||||
The Transformers is a Japanese video game for the Sony PlayStation 2 based on the Generation 1 Transformers series. It was developed by Winkysoft and published by Atlus on October 30, 2003. After choosing a side, you can take a squad of three Transformers on action missions, gathering numerous new troops along the way.
Even though all of the dialog in the game is in English with an option to set all of the text in the game to English as well, this game was never released in America. The two most likely reasons are Hasbro's lack of involvement with the title, and the game's apparent unanimous panning by critics in Japan.
You know things are messed up when Megatron's voice actor pulls off a better Peter Cullen than the actor who plays Optimus Prime.
Gameplay
| “ | The invisible wall seems to have disappeared. Looks like we can't get rid of that wall unless we take care of all of them. | ” |
Gameplay consists of punching and kicking your way through canyons, hillsides, and roadways where legions of cloned opponents await you. There is very little in the way of creative gameplay and everything gets very repetitive very fast. The environments are very small and closed in, so don't expect to go roaming around on any wayward adventure. You're there to duke it out with the enemy, and that's it. However, some environmental objects such as windmills and power coils can be interacted with, with no other way but to hit the objects with fists and feet even though the players are only willing to turn them off. Also in some levels, there will be multiple roads that can be taken but thanks to the game's repetitive nature, the player will end up in a very same situation no matter which road is taken.
During battle, there are several combinations of the basic punch and kick buttons. Pushing both buttons in the same time will unleash a special attack, for example Optimus Prime will perform a three-hit slashes using his Energon Axe, while Soundwave will eject Laserbeak, who will fly straight into enemies.
There is also a charge attack, which can be performed by holding the punch or kick button and fill up one charge meter. Releasing the press on the button in front of an enemy will send player into a button mashing sequence, requiring player to hit the punch or kick button repeatedly in order to deal more damage. The sequence will be ended with one final punch or kick depending on the last attack button the player pressed.
The players are also able to transform the character at will during gameplay. While in their alternate modes, the characters basically have two attacks that will drain their energy points in use. While characters that transform into vehicles gain the advantage to move around faster, characters like Megatron and Soundwave instead move slower in their alternate modes, though are able to deal bigger damage in attacks.
Fallen opponents will drop power-ups; health power-ups are in red, and energy power-ups are blue, as well as tiny Energon cubes. These Energon cubes can be collected by the player, and in each end of level will be accumulated. Later on, the collected cubes can be spent in the Garage sub-menu in the intermission menu after each level is finished. Machine Production is to upgrade the characters' stats and Equipments Upgrade is to upgrade the weapons wielded by the characters. However, the characters' stats will also be upgraded automatically when they earn a level-up on their own as the game progresses.
Setting
The game's story, titled The Transformers: Call of the Future, takes its cue from the original cartoon, even specifically referring to the events of several episodes. It is (presumably) set in 2003, the year it was released, but, via time travel, also features characters from an alternate future which branched off from cartoon continuity in late 2010 (after the events of "Webworld", but before "The Return of Optimus Prime, Part 1"). It does not seem to be officially considered part of the Japanese Generation 1 cartoon continuity, however; it features several anachronistic appearances by characters who are not time-travelling (the Headmasters, for instance, are shown to be working with their respective factions, when they will not leave their homeworld to do so until 2011), and its events were not included in the painfully comprehensive 2007 timeline.
Story
In the year 2010, Shockwave, who has grown disgruntled with Galvatron's abusive leadership, discovers the Zel Quartz on Zel Samine. Realizing that it is a power source even greater than the Heart of Cybertron, Shockwave implants the Quartz into himself. He stages a one-robot coup and becomes the leader of the Decepticons...until the surging power load fries his systems and he malfunctions, running amok. He destroys much of both the Autobot and Decepticon armies and eventually destroys Cybertron itself before setting out to raze many innocent planets.
Unable to stop Shockwave in the present, Rodimus Prime allies with the Quintessons to send an elite cadre back in time to destroy the Quartz before Shockwave discovers it.
In 2003, both the Autobots and Decepticons detect an explosion caused by the arrival of visitors from the future over Zel Samine and send teams to investigate. Both sides lose contact with their teams. The Autobots send another team consisting of Optimus Prime, Wheeljack and Jazz to investigate, but their shuttle crashes, and Wheeljack learns that an abnormality in Zel Samine's sun causes electromechanical systems to malfunction and drains them of their power. The Decepticons likewise send Soundwave and Starscream (with Megatron arriving later by Space Bridge, a very bumpy ride).
The Space Bridge malfunctions, causing significant damage to the Decepticon ship. The Decepticons lure the Autobots away from their own shuttle in order to steal their supply of energon and use it to repair their own shuttle. Afterwards, both sides skirmish over a series of local power sources, including the wind-power facility on Mount Jaad, the Ranpas geothermal plant, and the Monogan hydroelectric power station. Along the way, both sides encounter members of their missing reconnaissance teams.
Both sides also encounter their counterparts from the future: the Autobots Rodimus Prime, Kup, and Arcee; and the Decepticons Galvatron, Cyclonus, and Scourge. Galvatron reveals his identity to Megatron, but lies to him about the Zel Quartz, claiming he rules the universe in the future and it is part of an Autobot doomsday weapon that must be destroyed.
Pursuing stories of items that may be the Zel Quartz, both sides clash over the Gem of Mystery at the Lazalt Ruins, a superhard mineral in a drill bit at Karzite mine, and a giant crystal formation at the Atalstan gem mine. None of those leads pay off, but the planet's central archive includes reference to a "Zel Stone" which is part of the ELTA power transmission array, matching descriptions of the Zel Quartz exactly.
Both sides stage a climactic confrontation at ELTA (which is either destroyed or kept intact, depending on the winner) to capture the Quartz. After the battle is done, Starscream, who has overheard Galvatron and Cyclonus discussing the Quartz's true nature, rushes in to steal the Quartz for himself, jetting off into space with it.
Unbeknownst to Starscream, the physical structure of the quartz requires the atmospheric and electromagnetic properties of Zel Samine to maintain its integrity. Because he has fled into space rather than installing the Quartz on the planet as Shockwave had (and thus protecting it), the Quartz immediately degrades and becomes powerless. Outside of the atmosphere, exposed to the effects of Zel Samine's star without the Quartz's power to protect him, Starscream drifts powerless, left to contemplate his mistakes.
Their own timeline averted, the future Autobots and Decepticons vanish into sparkles of light, and Optimus Prime and Megatron are left to contemplate what they've learned from the experience.
Autobot Story
Stage 1
Wheeljack loses control of a shuttle and crash-lands on Zel Samine. There, Optimus Prime, Jazz, and himself attempt a rescue mission to find several missing Autobots that disappeared here a few days prior when they receive an SOS signal. Seeing it closeby, the Autobots head out to investigate, but all they find is Soundwave. Just then, Megatron is heard from a transmitter, revealing the signal was a trap to lure them away from their shuttle and steal the energon on it. As Soundwave leaves, Wheeljack mourns about not staying behind to protect the shuttle, knowing that it wouldn't last long against Megatron's fusion cannon.
As the Autobots get into formation, they notice an invisible barrier blocking them that only goes down when they defeat waves of Decepticon footsoldiers. After braving through Soundwave, several waves of enemies, and even a deadly minefield, the Autobots return to the shuttle to find it severly damaged, but Megatron still here. Optimus defeats Megatron but feels a strange feeling. He questions Megatron about the recent events on this planet, but is shocked to discover that Megatron himself is investigating these very same events.
Though not totally destroyed, their shuttle is really damaged from the Decepticon attack and will not be able to lift off for some time. Wheeljack establishes contact with the Paradius United Government, whose power plants are under attack by the Decepticons and aren't able to handle them on their own. Jazz suggests contacting Adams to help bring the supplies, but Wheeljack reveals that he discovered that the system's sun emits electromagnetic waves that are harmful to Transformers. While the rays are not fatal, they will increase their consumption of energon and going into space or flying at high altitudes carries the risk of losing most of their energy and becoming stranded in space. The government's high official is an understanding person and will provide the Autobots with the necessary equipment needed to fix the ship, provided they help get rid of the Decepticons. Prime gratefully accepts and orders his men to prepare for battle.
Stage 2
Wheeljack tells Prime they are near ready for departure, but Optimus is more concerned of the events that were unfolding behind the missing Autobots and the UFO that happened a few days ago. He first thought that the space-time continuity event was some sort of accident, but when asking the Paradius home planet, they revealed that Zel Samine was used mainly for energy and resource mining, leaving this planet with few inhabitants, so no clues about the UFO or the missing Autobots. Wheeljack assumed that it may be a new Decepticon weapon but Optimus reminds him that Megatron is investigating it too. For now, though, their goals are set on keeping the planet safe from the Decepticons.
Jazz says that they are now fully ready for battle, and their first destination was Mount Jaad, a wind power plant with harsh conditions. Wheeljack finds the stuff the Paradius system builds to be quite interesting. The Paradius people live in harmony with both nature and technology. Energy is developed onto this planet and sent to the Paradius home planet, allowing them to live in a way to protect the environment without polluting it on Zel. Wheeljack was about to do a history lesson, but Jazz reminded them of the Decepticons attacking the mountain, and Prime proceeds to select the team and formation.
As they reach the plant, they encounter heavy Decepticon resistance and some autogun cannons at the plant that don't seem to recognize the difference between friend and foe. They also encounter the Decepticon Headmaster, Mindwipe, determined to send them to their ancestors, but is soundly defeated. Optimus contemplates that with the Matrix of Leadership, they will always have the wisdom and knowledge of their ancestors by their side. They continue forth to the main station and have another encounter with Soundwave and defeat him. As the Autobots reach the main station, they encounter the Decepticon Triple Changer Blitzwing, who finds his comrades to be totally worthless for letting them get so far. The Autobots manage to beat him and drive him and the Decepticons away.
As they prepare to return to base, they find their old yellow friend, Bumblebee, and he is recruited back into the mission. If the player goes through a second time, the Autobots will meet up with the Headmaster Brainstorm, ready to track down the Decepticons until his engines overheat. When they return, Optimus and Jazz talk about how well they did against the enemy. Optimus wants to leave quickly, finding that he and his comrades are only doing more harm than help, until Wheeljack shows up and informs him that the Paradius government thanks the Autobots for help and that they aren't just contaminants.
Stage 3
Their next stop on their Decepticon hunt was the Ranpas Geothermal Power Plant. Fortunately, the facility is underground, which gives the Autobots a distinct advantage as they will not have to worry about any ambushes. The Decepticons were stealing energy from the main turbine, destabilizing the underground magma. This could result in a massive explosion. Optimus was determined to stop them now, selecting carefully the members and formation, even if it is an evil trap.
Optimus does note that it will get hotter as they move closer, and take on head-on hordes of Decepticon soldiers. Along the way, they encounter the Horrorcon, Snapdragon, and soundly defeat him. Optimus was not impressed, claiming that he lost his will to fight. Eventually, they came over a lava floor where the magma began to severly damage them if continuously traversing over it. When they reach the main turbine, they discover Megatron's faithful servant, Shockwave, in charge of the energy conversion. The Autobots manage to beat him and save the planet from crisis.
As they prepare to leave, they meet the Autobot scout and naturalist, Hound, who is ready to join the battle despite the tranquility on Zel Samine. If the player goes through a second time, they will encounter the Headmaster, Chromedome. The Autobots contemplate on how tough the battle was and wonders if it has hindered their ability to transform. Optimus suggests a full maintenance inspection when they return to Cybertron. Wheeljack isn't worried and doesn't seem the temperatures to be a big deal. The gang then begin joking around about their friendly bouts, but Optimus sadly has to cease the happy time as more of Zel Samine needs their help.
Stage 4
Their next destination is the Monogan hydroelectric power station, where the Decepticons are using the generator at full speed to steal the most energy from it. Jazz realizes that if it keeps up, the generator could break down or even self-destruct, and break apart the dam. The plant is in the middle of a forest, so getting there won't be a problem. It is also a simplistic designed building so they will not get lost. Jazz recalls the time they woke up on Earth, when the Decepticons were stealing from the Sherman Dam. Optimus commands to go forth and select the right members to stop the Decepticons.
The forest was foggy and perfect for ambushes, but the Autobots had no time to lose and would not let this stop them. Making their way through the forest, they encounter the Decepticon Headmaster Weirdwolf, who Prime saw as nothing short of being a nuisance. They are able to barely defeat him, as Prime mocks how even his claws and fangs cannot hurt a heart filled with justice. They soon make it to the plant with incredible numbers of Decepticon minions, including Blitzwing and some autoguns that are unable to tell friend from foe. When they reach the generator, they encounter Blitzwing's partner-in-crime and Decepticon Astrotrain, asked to deliver the energy to Megatron. The Autobots manage to drive him away and save the dam.
On their way out, they meet up with the Autobot Headmaster Highbrow, who rejoins his comrades. If the player goes through a second time, they will encounter their chief medic, Ratchet. Back at base, Wheeljack jokes on how he didn't want to swim if they failed. Jazz then boasts about surfing a tidal wave when Cybertron was close to Earth. This infuriated Optimus, who didn't want to joke about such war-like situations. He does admit that he does feel fear about falling, but as long as he remembers he is fighting for peace, his fear is no more. Jazz and Wheeljack apologize for their behavior.
Stage 5
Thanks to the efforts of the Autobots, the Decepticons had stopped their evil deeds for the time being. But Optimus knew that this moment of peace wouldn't last for long and must stay vigilant. According to the Autobots they recovered, there were two UFO's, but could not gain any information other than that as they were scattered out by the electromagnetic waves and the Decepticons found them, trying to defend themselves until help could arrive.
Just then, the Autobots received another SOS signal, asking for help. Optimus was opted to go and help, but Wheeljack asks for an investigation in case it was another Decepticon trap. Optimus still felt responsible for putting his comrades in danger before though, and decides not to send an investigation and head straight to the SOS signal, and prepare for departure. The shuttle's sensors indicates the presense of both Autobots and Decepticons. The team beats through several Decepticons and conveniently placed autoguns, as well as Shockwave and Snapdragon, and reaches the signal destination.
Normal Scenario
When they arrive, they encounter a mysterious new Decepticon who shares the same face as Megatron and recognizes Optimus Prime. The bot introduces himself as Galvatron, the leader of the "future Decepticons". Through a tough battle, the Autobots are somehow able to defeat Galvatron, but the new guy acts like a poor loser, transforming into cannon mode and blasting the team down before retreating. As the Autobots prepare to leave, they encounter...Hot Rod? No, he looks like him, and accompanied by an elderly war veteran and a lovely female. To add more confusion and surprise, "Hot Rod" introduces himself as Rodimus Prime, even though Optimus is the true Prime.
Optimus and his team takes Rodimus and his allies—Kup and Arcee—back to the shuttle to answer some questions. They are revealed to be from the future and that the UFO's they were chasing were shuttles they were in, and Galvatron is the future leader of the Decepticons. Jazz begins pushing Rodimus by asking what happens to Optimus and how he became from Hot Rod to Rodimus, but Optimus stops him, as he knows that time travel is possible, they don't need to know so much about their futures, and that he could feel the same Matrix of Leadership he carries within Rodimus, proving that it was true. The true story would be revealed the next day after a well-earned rest...
Meanwhile, the Decepticons have allied themselves with their future counterparts and allies, where it is revealed that Galvatron is Megatron's future self, much to the surprise of Starscream, but Megatron could feel the same metal impulse. Galvatron decides to lie to his former self by telling of how he is the new ruler of the entire universe, but the Autobots plan to use a doomsday device to destroy them. This was a conversation for the future...
The next day, Optimus becomes shocked by the news that Megatron's most faithful servant, Shockwave, had turned on him in the future. This is because after he became Galvatron, he became more violent and began losing his own authority. Observing his new leader, Shockwave deems himself a better choice as Decepticon leader and began a one-robot mutiny with an item known as Zel Quartz as Rodimus begins to tell the story of how this all happened...
"'Zel Quartz was an energy mineral that Shockwave discovered. If the Quartz is set into the body of a being born on Cybertron—for example a Transformer—that being will experience a prodigious increase in power and strength. So, blessed with an inexhaustible supply of energy and destructive power, Shockwave made himself leader of the Decepticons. But he could not bear the extra power loads, his circuitry malfunctioned, and he began to run amok.
"Of course, both the Autobots and the Decepticons tried to stop him. But fuelled by the near infinite power resources of the Zel Quartz, Shockwave was unstoppable. Both sides suffered massive losses. Eventually, the planet Cybertron itself was destroyed! Rodimus Prime knew that Shockwave would not stop until the Earth and all other planets were bathed in fire. Rodimus sought help from the Quintessons, who were also under threat. They provided technology, which would enable Transformers to travel back in time through a timeslip, where they planned to stop Shockwave from ever unearthing the Zel Quartz!"
The elite of the survivors boarded a shuttle and threw themselves into the timeslip. Unfortunatly, the Decepticons discovered the Autobots' plans and secretly followed them through the timeslip to steal the Quartz for themselves. Because of this, a space energy destabilization occured and both sides' groups were scattered, with no way to contact their friends, which explains everything that's happened. Realizing the danger the universe was in, Optimus and his Autobots agreed to help Rodimus find teh Quartz and destroy it! But tehre was a problem...
No one knows where it is, because the mineral is called by another name in this timeline. What's even worse, the Decepticons are planning to steal the Quartz and fooling Megatron and his Decepticons into believing the doomsday weapon nonsense and the Zel Quartz was the power source of this weapon. Wheeljack contacts the Paradius United Government and discovers three possible locations as to where the Zel Quartz may be and begin to roll out.
Alternate Scenario
Unsurprisingly, it was another trap after all made by Megatron. Optimus simply laughs in relief, knowing that his Autobot comrades aren't in any sort of danger. However, his laughter turns to shock when Megatron unveils four Optimus Prime clones, in case of an emergency. However, much to his surprise, Optimus and his Autobots are able to defeat them. Optimus tells Megatron that imitations are nothing without a heart and soul. Irritated, Megatron quickly retreats, vowing not to forget this humiliation and smash Optimus to bits.
Returning to base, Jazz was quite angered at Megatron's actions, but Optimus and Wheeljack were not so botehred by it, as there is and always will be on Optimus Prime in this universe. But now that the Decepticons were back and active, they were going to be busy. Just then, Rodimus and his allies appear, ready to help fight by their side again. Just then, Wheeljack takes out a small capsule which he picked up from one of the Decepticons they fought. Wheeljack begins examining it as everyone else rests up for the day.
Wheeljack urgently announces he discovered something. The capsule is actually a message from the future, explaining the UFO's that landed here. Though the message is low quality, Wheeljack summizes that the message came from the Quintessons. In the message, it says that in the future, the Decepticons had obtained the Zel Quartz and wiped out their entire race. Kup is quite shocked as he thought that it existed in stories. The Quartz exists on certain planets and if a Transformer installs it in his body, his body will increase to monstrous proportions. The senders obviously sent this in hoping that people of the past would find it, and the message encourages the receivers to destroy the Quartz.
Unfortunatly, Wheeljack had already scourred through the database but found no record of the Zel Quartz. Rodimus assumes that the mineral is named something else in this timeline. Wheeljack did also find three minerals that may be teh Quartz. Knowing the Decepticons had heard this message too, the Autobots hurried up and prepared to search for Zel Quartz and destroy it!
Stage 6
The first destination is the Lazalt Ruins, which were just recently discovered. The Autobots arrived there personally for the briefing. These ruins were said to have been the remains of an ancient alien civilization, that arrived here before the first settlements of Zel Samine. Deep within the ruins is a temple where a magical Jewel of Mystery is enshrined, thought to be the Zel Quartz. Jazz tried warning Kup about the dangers of the jungle, but Kup began recalling a time on Floron III, surrounded by a horde of mech-eating plants. However, Optimus had to stop him, as the Decepticons were already ahead of teh Autobots, and Arcee prepared to choose the team and formation.
Optimus was correct, as the Decepticons were lurking and ready to strike in the jungle, including the Decepticon Headmaster Skullcruncher. Although they defeat him, the Autobots learn that without a key to a large door, they are unable to proceed. Realizing that Skullcruncher has the key, they pursue him and battle again. This time, they made sure to obtain the key needed to move forward. Continuing, they eventually run into the Horrorcon Apeface. They are able to take him down and eventually discover the Jewel of Mystery. However, unlucky for the Autobots, it was guarded by the Decepticon combiner, Predaking. After an extremely tough battle, Predaking is defeated and the Autobots obtain the Jewel of Mystery.
As they prepare to leave, the team encounters the Autobot Wrecker, Springer, who gladly joins the battle. If the player goes through the game a second time, they will meet up with the Autobot Headmaster, Hardhead. After they analyze the Jewel of Mystery, it's sad to say that it wasn't Zel Quartz. Jazz makes sure that the jewel is returned to the ruins. Though Optimus tries questioning Wheeljack, but he is so wrapped up in Kup's stories that he doesn't hear him until Arcee screams at them. Though Kup and Wheeljack apologize, Optimus reflects on how valuable is a warrior with entertaining stories to share, but is as great an honor to be scolded by quite a beautiful woman like Arcee. This leaves Optimus thinking and remembering about his old comrade, Elita-1....
Stage 7
The next candidate is a drillbit in the Karzite mine, a mine in the middle of the desert like Earth's oilfields. The mineral was an incredible specimen that is made of great materials. Even though it is a survey mission, Optimus knows the Decepticons will most likely be there and prepares to pick a team and formation. Out of nowhere, Rodimus asks Optimus what he would need to do to become a great leader like him. Optimus and the others were taken aback by this, but Optimus said he would gladly answer his question after the mission is completed.
When they arrive, they encounter Decepticons in the desert. Although the sand made it hard for the team to maneuver, the Decepticons had teh same exact trouble. The team also encountered more autobguns that once again did not discriminate. They would encounter and defeat Blitzwing once again as well as a small army of Sharkticons. No sooner than that, they find Octane, gathering energy for himself to upserd Galvatron as Decepticon leader, but Rodimus wasn't too impressed and the Autobots manage to defeat him and he runs away like a "thin-fuelled coward", as Rodimus put it. However, when they finally find the drill, they get a nasty encounter from Trypticon, guarding the drillbit. After an extremely tough battle, Trypticon is defeated and the drillbit is obtained.
As they head back, they run into the speedy messanger Blurr, who joins up with the team. If the player goes through the game a second time, they will meet the Monsterbot Grotusque. When they analyzed it, the drillbit didn't reveal to have any special effect on Transformers, meaning no Zel Quartz. Optimus orders his Autobots to return the drillbit back and then get their filters cleaned form the sand. Wheeljack has a new cleaner, but he can't find it in the storage—or anything, for that matter—since the incident, so most of the others go to help. This leaves Optimus and Rodimus to have their private talk mentioned earlier. Rodimus asks again what he needs to do to be a leader. Optimus answers by reminising of the mission in the desert. The desert is scorching hot in the day, yet freezing cold in the night. If Rodimus were to be a great leader, remember the desert, do not measure things by strictness, and believe in the justice in his heart and the answers will come naturally. Rodimus now felt much more confident and would be okay even after returning to the future.
Chapter 8
The final possible location of the Zel Quartz is the Atalstan gem mine, where energy is extracted and several jewels and fossils are situated there as well. When something out of the ordinary is found, a new shaft is created and mining begins there, and because of this the mine has grown to an enormous size. The final gem is a giant crystal recently discovered and polished up, much to Arcee's excitement. An investigation team was already sent, but Optimus asks Jazz to inform the civilians of the danger and evacuate immediatly. Optimus begins the preparations.
Optimus already knew the Decepticons were here and the crystal was only half-buried. This meant they needed to hurry. Going through the mine, they found Mindwipe and beat him once again, before encountering Galvatron's right-hand-bot, Cyclonus. In a noble and heroic effort, the Autobots defeat him and progress forward even when knowing the Decepticons were waiting. As they made it through, they encountered the Sweep leader, Scourge, who first sends out his minions to deal with the Autobots. Even with the numbers game, he is unable to take them downand they finally arrive at the crystal. Unfortunatly, it's here that the Autobots meet the six-changing ninja, Sixshot, guarding it. Through a rough and difficult battle, they defeat him and obtain the large crystal.
As they prepare to leave, they encounter the brave and honorable commander, Ultra Magnus, who gladly joins the group. If the player goes through a second time, they will meet the Monsterbot Doublecross, reuniting the entire Autobot squadron in both timelines. But after they analyze it, guess what—it's not the Zel Quartz either! Although it is a new crystal and an amazing specimen, Arcee is quite upset it's not the Quartz and must be returned immediatly. Optimus decides to return it, and Arcee volunteers to accompany him. Just then, Rodimus gives her a jewel that was mixed in with the dirt while carrying the crystal. Rodimus would have hoped she would like it and that it would help him get a better reputation with the ladies, but instead she scolds her commander for taking the jewel out without permission, much to Rodimus' embarassment and dismay. As a punishment, Optimus made Rodimus take his place in returning both gems to the mine.
Chapter 9
Even though the Autobots had been keeping the Decepticons from plundering Zel Samine, they still haven't found the Zel Quartz and they were fresh out of good leads. Just then, Wheeljack and Arcee came back from looking at the old archives with good news. When the planet was first pioneered, a strange and powerful mineral was found, which would be the namesake of the planet: Zel Rock! It was no-doubt the Zel Quartz and it is located at the ELTA, short for the "Enormous Laser Transmission Array", a facility where they convert the energy cultivated on Zel Samine into a laser beam for transmission back to the home planet of Paradius and is located at the central core. Unfortunatly, as they prepare for departure, they learn from the Paradius United Government that the Decepticons beat them to ELTA already. The Autobots carefully began choosing the team. The final battle has begun....
As anticipated, the Decepticons were ready for the Autobots and also set up a mine field as well, but they were not willing to give up so soon. As they moved on, they had an encounter with Megatron's treasonous second-in-command, Starscream. A tough battle arose, but the Autobots came out on top, forcing Starscream to retreat, claiming discretion is the better part of valor. As the Autobots proceeded, they were forced to deal with minefields and automated guns that still do not know allies and enemies. After all that, they end up fighting both Scourge and Cyclonus together, but the team is able to win again. But just as they leave, the Decepticon combiner Abominus appears to stop them. After a tough-winded battle, they defeat Abominus and continue on. After defeating Snapdragon, Apeface, and Astrotrain one last time, they finally reach ELTA.
Stage 10
As they arrive inside, the alarm has sounded and the Decepticons have already breached the ELTA central core and an explosion is imminent. In a hurried rush, the Autobots quickly hurry to the core where after dashing through the halls they encounter Trypticon again but defeat him again. As they reach the center, they are greeted by Trypticon's partner, Full-Tilt, Soundwave, and his future self, Soundblaster. The trio are soundly defeated and the team encounters the Decepticon leaders, Megatron and Galvatron, now in possession of the Zel Quartz and bet the Quartz on a final battle. Within an arena surrounded by electric barriers, the final battle commenced!
It was a truly heart-stopping and difficult battle, but somehow, the Autobots pull through and finally obtain the Zel Quartz. However, ELTA was ready to self-destruct. Optimus commanded his Autobots to evacuate immediatly and leave the Primes to handle the situation. Optimus realized that even if teh Quartz was put back in place, it would still blow up and kill every Transformer here. Because of the energy concentrated on ELTA, a global catastrophe would occur with nothing left to do about it. Not even the Decepticons would be able to escape this, and all the talk of justice was all empty. It was then that Optimus realized how it could be stopped. He and Rodimus unveil their respective Matrixes and unleash their powers, stopping the energy flow and saving Zel Samine, much to teh surprise of Megatron and Galvatron. The Decepticon leaders leave the planet, swearing revenge one day.
Reuniting with their Autobots, they learn that the Decepticons used the Space Bridge to return home, and Kup knows they will return one day, as the Decepticons were like cockroaches that don't die no matter how many times they're stepped on. With the full agreement and cooperation of the United Government, Optimus reaffirms his decision to destroy the Zel Quartz. In exchange of this, Wheeljack will help re-engineer ELTA's core apparatus. As they discuss a way to destroy the Zel Quartz, Starscream suddenly swoops in and swipes the Quartz, lying in wait for them to slip up. With the Quartz in his possession, Starscream flies away from the planet to install it somewhere he won't be interrupted. Optimus completely laughs, as Wheeljack reveals that the Quartz needs the planet's electromagnetic waves to be powerful and can only be properly installed in the planet's atmosphere. As the Autobots laugh about Starscream's incompetence, the shuttle had finally been repaired, but the future Autobots begin to disappear. Now that the Zel Quartz is gone, history has been remade and Rodimus and his friends were now returning to their era. Both sides salute each other and the Autobots roll on home as Starscream floats powerless and helplessly in space.....
Decepticon Story
Starscream and Soundwave are in the shuttle, which has crash-landed in a cave on Zel. Megatron is absent, as he is on the Space Bridge. There were many instabilities in the route, but they believed it would work. However, when they tried it again, the Space Bridge was broken. Starscream, not wanting to wait for repairs, decides to go where Megatron was supposed to be and find him.
However, when they arrive at his estimated rendezvous point, there is no one there. They are a bit confused, but nevertheless, Starscream decides to pass the time and make himself new leader of the Decepticons. At that very moment, Megatron appears from out of nowhere. He announces that he went off-course, but found that the Autobots were here as well. Megatron then calls Optimus, Wheeljack, and Jazz, and announces that the Decepticons will arrive at their shuttle to destroy them once and for all. However, Wheeljack warns him that they will have to deal with him first. Starscream is confused as to why Megatron alerted the Autobots to their attack. Megatron just states that the Autobots won't try anything tricky if they fight fairly. He then asks if Starscream would like to become an Autobot, as he believes Starscream doesn't trust him. Starscream refuses, stating he'd "rather die". He also suggests that they pick a team and formation for the attack, and Megatron agrees.
Their initial progress across the planet is hindered by an invisible wall, however. Within its confines, they encounter Ironhide and two other Autobots. After the Autobots are defeated, the invisible wall disappears, and the Decepticons realize the direct causal connection: Defeat Autobots, and the invisible walls go away. Following more skirmishes, they encounter Wheeljack. After a long battle, he loses and withdraws, and the trio continue their route.
However, they see a mine field, possibly made by Wheeljack. They manage to get through it safely, scrap some Autobots and look good all at the same time.
After traveling a great distance, they encounter Optimus Prime. This leads to a long, tough brawl for the Decepticons, but they manage to defeat Prime and the Autobots. Megatron is on the verge of destroying Prime, but the Autobot retreats. Megatron is outraged, but decides to take the energon cubes instead.
Soundwave and Megatron later discuss their views on a U.F.O. Soundwave asks Megatron if he has felt something particularly odd since arriving on the planet. Megatron acknowledges he has, and Soundwave relates the unusual events that have occurred since arriving there. It's almost as if something was trying to cause them problems, so he made a study of the planet. According to his findings, the planet's sun is very dangerous to Transformers. It is constantly beaming electro-magnetic rays which can harm them greatly and cause their energon to evaporate when they are at high altitudes. To complete the repairs on the shuttle, they need to get some energy.
The Decepticons decide to go to the Jaad wind power plant. Starscream believes the mission to be absurd and a waste of time, but Soundwave explains it is not. He also notes the Autobots are already there, but Starscream says this will be no problem: He'll just blast them away. Soundwave, however, shows Starscream how a real subordinate should behave. Starscream eases off for now, believing he'll take care of Megatron soon enough. Soundwave suggests they select a team and formation for the mission.
They head for the power plant. Along the way, they encounter the Autobot Headmaster Brainstorm. Brainstorm retreats after they defeat him and a lot of other Autobots, but once the Decepticons arrive at the main station, they also encounter Hound. They then defeat him and take all the energy. While leaving with it, they encounter the Decepticon Headmaster Snapdragon, part of the exploration team. He joins the team, much to Megatron's enthusiasm. If the player goes through a second time, however, they encounter Weirdwolf, instead.
Soundwave suggests using the energy to repair the shuttle, while Starscream is still thinking about the mission. Megatron is somehow aware of his thoughts, but not their exact content. He notes that Starscream will never catch him sleeping and begins assigning the Decepticons to their next destination—a geothermal power plant. Starscream complains that it's primitive and, because it's underground, he can't fly within the facility. Then, Laserbeak returns and Soundwave reports that the Autobots are taking up defensive positions around the plant. Megatron decided to select the team and stop the idle chit-chat.
When they arrive, Megatron is surprised at the power. Unfortunately, the door up ahead is locked. They have to destroy the Autobots and blast the generator. They finally do so, but after a while, they encounter Grotusque. They defeat him, he retreats, and they move on, after Megatron insults him as ugly. Hey, who can blame him?
The more they continue fighting the Autobots, the closer they get to the main generator. And the closer they get, the more damage they take due to the magma. They finally makee it to the generator, but then encounter the Monsterbot, Doublecross. They defeat him and began to take the energy from the generator. Then, Blitzwing arrives, scoffing at them that it took them too long to get here, and joins the party. If the player is here a second time, they find Skullcruncher, instead.
They manage to draw out all the energon cubes, but are unable to program as much energy as planned. Soundwave apologizes; Megatron tells him that it was Starscream's fault, as he was doing something with the energon cubes, but Starscream denies it. Then, Laserbeak returns and Megatron notices the resemblance between him and Starscream, such as the ability to fly and the colors. He also points out that Laserbeak is very loyal. It was also Laserbeak who informed to Megatron about Starscream's activities. Starscream dismisses this and goes to get the energon cubes and repair the ship for a while. Megatron also warns him that his temper is the shortest in the universe. Megatron thinks to himself that he might have Starscream destroy Optimus Prime.
Their next objective is to go to a hydroelectric power station. Now it's Soundwave's turn to complain. He, knowing that the Autobots have taken defensive positions around the plant, asks for a less well-guarded person for the job. Megatron is dismayed, believing that he's afraid. He orders to send the troops out and never hear anything like this again. He then calls back to the time they arrived on Earth. Starscream remembers this and decides to teach those tin-minnows another lesson. They choose their team and formation.
They have to get through the forest first, though. And the fog is very dense. Nevertheless, they make their way through and, on the way, defeat Highbrow. They finally arrive at the power plant and defeat some Autobots. It takes a long time, but they reach the main power station, where they are stopped by Bumblebee. They easily defeat him and take most of the energy. Then, they find Astrotrain and he joins the team. If the player goes a second time, they will find Mindwipe, instead.
Later, Soundwave admits he was wrong to criticize the plans and Megatron suggests he shut up and listen to him, from now on.
Later, Laserbeak reports that the Autobots have made contact with the UFO. The Decepticons are in trouble now, but Megatron doesn't realize this. They send a team to their rendezvous point to stop them!
Unfortunately, when they arrive, no one is there. Just then, Rodimus Prime appears. Rodimus is surprised, but remembers it was from this era. Megatron recognizes him as Hot Rod, but then realizes he isn't. Rodimus remembers that he doesn't know him yet and introduces himself, explaining that he is from the future. He warns that if he destroys all the Autobots in this era, he won't be parting on friendly terms. He defeats him and asked some questions. But at that moment, a figure which looks like Megatron in a few ways appears and blasted Rodimus. It is revealed to be Galvatron. He notices the face resemblance. Galvatron is about to explain, but Rodimus escapes. Galvatron and Megatron are furious, as Megatron needed information. Galvatron knows it was the UFO. He asks him to take him and his companions to the Decepticon Headquarters and then, they can talk.
Later, they are talking about the events of the future. He lies about most of it, but revealed that Galvatron is really Megatron's future self. Starscream is very surprised, but Megatron can feel that he's right. Before Galvatron continues, he says to send Shockwave outside, if he's here. Then, they continue.
Meanwhile, at the Autobot Shuttle, Rodimus and his crew are talking of the events of the future. It was revealed that Shockwave, Megatron's faithful servant, turns traitor. He examines Galvatron and his changes in personality very carefully and becomes a one-robot mutiny, as Galvatron started to lose his authority. Rodimus tells Optimus about the story of Shockwave and an item known as Zel Quartz.
Shockwave discovered that a being born on Cybertron would gain an extra power boost if the Quartz was installed in their body. So, he pulls a "Starscream Move" and makes himself leader of the Decepticons. However, his circuits could not stand the extra power loads and it malfunctioned. He ran amok and was unstoppable! Even the Autobots and Decepticons tried to stop him, but most of them were killed and Cybertron, along with other planets, were destroyed. He would not stop until all the planets were bathed in fire. So the elite of the survivors sought help from the Quintessons. They provided them a shuttle with a TransWarp signature, where they planned on keeping Shockwave from ever finding the Quartz and defeat him, once and for all!
Unfortunately, a disruption in space-time occurred, as a result, and the forces were scattered. They have been unable to contact their comrades. The Autobots have to destroy the Quartz before the Decepticons do. When Optimus asks where it was.....well, that's the problem.
They don't know. It is called Zel Quartz in the future, but the name in this era is unknown. They tell them that it's material for an Autobot Doomsday Weapon. The Decepticons have to get the Quartz before they do. Galvatron agrees and decidedsto keep quiet about Shockwave and the Quartz's real power for a while, or it will be harder to get the Quartz for himself when the time is right.
Later, Cyclonus coordinates with Soundwave's information and determines three possible locations and tells Galvatron of this. He decides to search them one by one. Cyclonus wonders why they just go through the trouble of finding the Quartz. Galvatron tells him that if the truth was told, Megatron would try to take the Quartz for himself and might be able to defeat Unicron, thus erasing Galvatron, Scourge, and Cyclonus from existence. With that, they leave to tell Megatron of the possible locations. Unfortunately, Starscream overheard the entire conversation. As he suspected, the future Decepticons are up to no good. However, he decides to keep it a secret, as he will get the Quartz for himself!
The first location is the Lazalt Ruins. Starscream suspects that looters probably stole it years ago, even if it was here. However, Cyclonus notes that they were recently discovered. The structures are thought to be built by intelligent life forms from another planet. There are also rumors that local archaeologists unearthed an unknown crystal known as the "Gem of Mystery". It is a high possibility that it is the Zel Quartz. Confirmation of what Cyclonus says are recent human research. Megatron saw it very familiar to items found in the Andes Mountains in South America. It would not surprise him if such a thing also exists here. The Autobots, however, anticipated them and posted guards. Galvatron suggests a good team, but Megatron notes that this is his era and Galvatron will not give orders. They have a little argument about the team selection until Soundwave and Cyclonus are selected.
Characters
Below is a list of some of the characters that appear in the game:
(Numbers indicate order of appearance.)
- The characters with multiple alternate modes (such as Sixshot and the Triple Changers) are presented as multiple characters, each having different alternate modes.
- Not all characters are unlocked when you beat a storyline for the first time. This encourages the player to go back and try again to get the rest. There are also some changes made to the story after beating it the first time.
Notes
- Those who pre-ordered this game received a special "Matrix Disc" DVD containing all the Japanese Generation 1 toy commercials up to Headmasters.
- For all its flaws, this game comes with a whole lotta fanwank. Besides the sheer number of characters, both Autobots and Decepticons occasionally reference episodes of the original The Transformers cartoon.
- Considering the possibility that the Autobots were developing a new weapon, Megatron was initially dismissive, but recalled the Immobilizer and Solar Power Tower from the episodes "The Immobilizer" and "The Master Builders" as proof it was not out of the Autobots' capabilities.
- When learning they will have to battle the other faction at the Monogan hydroelectric power station, which generates energy through dams, Jazz and Megatron remarked it was just like when they woke up on Earth. They referred, of course, to the battle at Sherman Dam in "More than Meets the Eye, Part 2".
- Jazz claimed he surfed a giant tidal wave back when Cybertron came really close to the Earth, recalling the events in the episode "The Ultimate Doom, Part 3".
- Obviously, the Transformers who travel back from the future make numerous references to the events that transpired during The Transformers: The Movie.
- The Quintessons are said to have created the means for the future Transformers to reach the past, which would seem based on their creation of the Time Window in "Forever Is a Long Time Coming".
- Upon hearing that Rodimus Prime, Arcee and Kup are from the future, Optimus Prime talked about Spike traveling back in time when he entered old ruins and a time machine on Cybertron that saved his life. These are references to the episodes "A Decepticon Raider in King Arthur's Court" wherein Spike Witwicky, Warpath and Hoist traveled through time by means of the Dragon Mound, and "War Dawn" wherein the Kronosphere brought the Aerialbots to the past where they saved Optimus's previous persona Orion Pax.
- Wishing to illustrate he could take care of himself, Kup began recalling a story of when he and some others went to Floron III and encountered a horde of mech eatin' plants. This story deals with concepts introduced in the episode "Quest for Survival", but not events that actually happened in the cartoon.
- Considering the story of the Gem of Mystery, a stone of great power that lied within a recently discovered jungle temple, Megatron was reminded of the Crystal of Power which he had found within a temple on Earth in "Fire on the Mountain".
- During Wheeljack and Kup's talk of the old days, they talked about a battle against a giant black Decepticon[Who?] and the beauty of Crystal City. Crystal City appeared in "The Secret of Omega Supreme".
- While sort of flirting with Arcee, Optimus Prime thought back on Elita One, that he hadn't seen her in a long time and that he missed her. Elita One is Optimus Prime's life partner who appeared in the episodes "The Search for Alpha Trion" and "War Dawn".
- At one point, Cyclonus noticed that Galvatron had been acting a lot saner ever since coming to Zel Samine and wondered if it was due to Paradius's radiation. It made him think back on times he had visited other places to 'cure' Galvatron, including the planet Torkulon which they visited in "Webworld".
- At another point, Cyclonus was able to restrain his temper against Starscream's insult by telling himself he would "turn into a pathetic ghost eventually," as per the events of "Starscream's Ghost" and "Ghost in the Machine".
- Soundwave compared the abilities of the Zel Quartz to the Heart of Cybertron, the gem that powered the Nemesis and was temporarily retrieved in "Microbots".
External links
- The Transformers game page at Atlus.co.jp
- Gameplay videos on YouTube
- Video game site IGN did a humorous comparison between the Atlus-developed Generation 1 game and the later Melbourne House-developed Armada game as a "battle between Japan and Australia". Australia won.
- GameFAQs' overview of the game
- A messy rip of in-game text and dialog from the game
