Transformers War for Cybertron; Xbox 360 Game Review

I was very hesitant to pick up a copy of Transformers War for Cybertron when it was released in June of this year, sure that it was going to be just another game spun off from a movie or TV series that would be a combination of poor controls and droning storyline. Mr. Kawaii (who is the biggest Transformers fan I know) had to give it a shot though, and as he played through the game he mentioned that I might enjoy it as well.

So I spent the last two days camped out on the living room sofa with a bottle of water, my dog, two crazed felines and Transformers War for Cybertron for the Xbox 360. The results of my game-play have been surprising; in a very good way.

Immediately when the opening storyline began to play I was impressed with the detail, color and incredible graphics of this Transformers game. Like watching a movie the storyline immediately draws you in, and even I - queen of skipping through video scenes - put down the Xbox 360 controller and watched the intro in its entirety.

Even more impressive was the way that the intricate graphics, smooth movements and attention to detail carry from the storyline scenes through to the game play almost seamlessly. Including the fast, smooth movements of transforming (this alone kept me entertained for a few minutes). It is rare to find a game that is able to carry movie-quality graphics through the game play and for this I give High Moon two big thumbs up. Way up.

And the storyline is great. I had anticipated a canned story plugging the Transformer movie franchise, but I was pleasantly surprised to find that this game for the Xbox 360 is actually based far before Transformers ever came to Earth which I really liked because I didn't feel like I was playing through an eight hour Chevy commercial.

I also really enjoyed the style of game play. The way the checkpoints, campaigns and waves of enemies are put together felt like playing Halo although beyond that Transformers War for Cybertron for the Xbox 360 is unique and flashy with its own Transformers pizzazz. When a particularly difficult chapter arises, the ability to start the checkpoint or chapter over as a new character comes in really handy when you need a little bit more strength, force or firepower to make it through.

When playing through the single-player mode, this Xbox 360 game doesn't feel like it ends just when you're getting started either. On the Easy mode, I was able to mash my Xbox 360 controller for two solid afternoons and even an experienced Xbox 360 console gamer should be able to expect 8-10 hours of play time.

Transformers War for Cybertron for the Xbox 360 also has online co-op play for up to three players, as well as multiplayer modes for the campaigns. I didn't have time before writing this review to run through a co-op campaign, but I did play around with the multiplayer modes on Xbox Live. I'm the first to admit that I'm not stellar at the multiplayer game modes since I don't play them often, but I was able to find a couple of public matches with people who weren't too hard on the noob in the room and had a great time playing a couple of rounds. Again the attention to detail, fluidity of movement and outstanding graphics carried through and was as smooth and non-laggy with 26 players in a multiplayer game as there was when playing single player campaign. Transformers War for Cybertron multiplayer modes will satisfy your need to play socially without sacrificing the quality that you will have come to expect playing through the single player mode.

So when you see Transformers War for Cybertron on your local Xbox 360 retailer's shelf, don't roll your eyes and pass this Transformers title up. Thankfully, this Xbox 360 game is no Starsky and Hutch Xbox dribble - it's a full out war between the Decepticons and Autobots - and you're invited.

You can pick up your copy of Transformers War for Cybertron for Xbox 360 at all major Xbox 360 retailers including Kmart, Toys "R" Us, Gamestop and Target for around $59.99.

Want to read more like this? Check out these other gaming reviews by Denise Kawaii:
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