Transformers: Fall of Cybertron

You may remember that I reviewed War of Cybertron when it came out, and I remember it quite fondly as the only truly great transformers game. Two years have passed, and High Moon Studios are back to follow up their pre-cartoon game with a sequel. Which is also pre-cartoon. Will High Moon strike the same sweet spot? Will they surpass the previous awesomeness of War for Cybertron? Or will it disappoint on all points?

STORY
Following on for WFC, Fall of Cyberton begins at the end of the campaign, as the Autobots and Decepticons each try to flee their Dying homeworld of Cybertron. After some stunning battles, it flashes back to six days prior, where the War for Cybertron is in it's final days.
The campaign plays out the Autobot's and Decepticon's plans to escape their home, in order to find a way to save it, and dominate it, respectively.

The story is just as interesting, if not more so, than its predecessor, as it jumps between multiple characters and factions. One mission will have you playing as the Autobot Leader, Optimus Prime, as he scrambles to hold back a wave of Decepticons, or as the Decepticon "Combaticon" Vortex, as he attempts to sabotage an Autobot convoy. It adds a nice amount of variety, instead of just giving you control of only a couple of characters (or multiple characters who don't vary much at all).

I will say, however, that the game (however interesting) is quite short. A little under 8 hours. It's not quite "Homefront" bad, but it sure ain't "Darksiders 2".

PRESENTATION
Like the previous game, Transformers: Fall of Cybertron looks great. Unlike War for Cybertron, however, there's a lot more variety in the visuals. From the dark void of space, to the red, dusty visuals of the Rusted Ruined Autobot City, each level has it's very own feel, which I appreciated alot after the samey metal corridors of the last game.

The music is largely forgettable, but serves it's purpose well enough, helping the combat scenes feel suitably epic. The voice acting on the other hand is spot on. Peter Cullen reprises his role as Optimus, as Fred Tatasciore does with Ratchet and Megatron. And in a move that fanboys will love, I'm sure, Gregg Berger voices Grimlock for the first time in twenty five years. Also lending their talents are video-game mainstays Nolan North and Steven Blum.

GAMEPLAY
While much of the gameplay remains the same between the War and the Fall, there are some differences that I feel benefit the sequel. For example, each new chapter features a different Transformer. This allows for unique gameplay in each section, whether that be Optimus' ability to call down airstrikes and control Metroplex, Grimlock's Dinobot form, Starscream's sabotage abilities or Swindle's grappling hook.

Much like with the story, this keeps things varied and fresh, and it definitely made me want to keep playing to see who or what came next.
There are a couple of cool variations on the multi-character feature. Swapping between characters/chapters is almost seamless in certain chapters (like changing from Starscream to Grimlock [play it and see what I mean]) and the finale features so many different Transformers and transitions that it really stands out in my mind.

Overall, the shooting feels quite a lot smoother, but it's sad to see that no Transformers have a signature weapon. Weapons are free to switch out, but it makes me feel like the gunplay aspect of each character is NOT unique.
Vehicle sections, on the other hand, feel alot more smooth and deliberate, as certain situations just call for you to transform and get the hell out ASAP.

Minor problems still persist, there isn't a huge variety of enemies. There's a few more than in War, but still not many. And there's no boss fights! Trypticon was fantastic in War for Cybertron. The end fight is close, but still not fantastic as far as boss fights go.

REPLAYABILITY
Unlike the first game, there are no collectibles here (as far as I could tell), so unless you're replaying the campaign for the sake of it (which I will be), you'll find most of the replay value in the multiplayer. Which is OK, because the online game is some of the most fun I've had with an internet connection .
Normally, I wouldn't go on about multiplayer, but Transformers: Fall of Cybertron has some of the best I've seen in years. Tight controls, fun vehicle(ish) combat, great customisation, excellent battlefield traversal and just enough emphasis on class tactics. Each class is a viable option to compete, and they're all fun to play.
Good stuff, really.
It also has the obligatory horde mode, but if you've seen one, you've seen them all.

OVERVIEW
I enjoyed War for Cybertron two years ago. And now, with the long awaited release of it's sequel, I can honestly say Transformers: Fall of Cybertron is the superior game. The main improvements all have to do with variety, whether that be of the scenery, the characters or the actual gameplay itself. The story is interesting, the voice acting is great, and the gameplay (for the most part) is improved in subtle ways. Transformers fans should get this game, as should fans of a good shooter.

Next week, I review... I don't know. Perhaps Borderlands 2? Or LBPVita if it's out.
Anyway, see you next time!