Transformers Universe: Fun In The Cybertronian Sun

Ah, I've finally gotten the chance to cover a Transformers game, a free one at that! Introducing Transformers Universe, a free-to-play action RPG developed by Jagex for the PC. Incidentally, the term MMORPG has been given to the game, however there's a lack of roaming and instead the game provides quick multiplayer action. In other words, it's a multiplayer mode on steroids. Therefore, if you're looking for a story-line or single player option, your best bet is the two HighMoon Studio games that I'll cover in a later review. The only sliver of a narrative here is "kill the opposing faction," works for me.

Firstly, I love Transformers and consequently, I have high expectations from any form of media that delves into the franchise, excluding Mr. Bay products which I go in with the lowest expectations possible. My initial reaction to the concept of Jagex taking over the reins of the Transformers universe was one of relief. I never played Runescape, but it was popular enough for me to hear of it, which means it's good right? Maybe not, but the company had a backing. They had a concept, developed it and by Charlie standards, they did a good job. Now, enough of this chit-chat, on to the game!

               

Transformers universe provides you the opportunity to take your preferred side in the legendary Cybertronian war. Shall you defend freedom on Optimus Prime's side or ride the waves of conquest under Megatron's regime. The game takes place loosely within the Transformers Prime universe. The aesthetics follow suit, a mismatch of the 1984 generation-1 cartoon and the bay-verse complexity. It's a decent look, though it took me a while to get used to the fact that they no longer had noses. Petty, I know, but noses are important. Do you even smell bro? Now I've made a "bro" joke and my reputation is now tarnished.

               

Furthermore, after you make your faction selection and pick out a name for your commander, you join the fray as one of three initial bots or cons. The three choices consist of a damage dealing sniper, a well rounded warrior and lastly, the medic. I personally picked Triage, the initial Autobot medic. I always found that in any multiplayer game, there was a lack of support and Triage seemed to hold his own very well. Once your choice is made, you load into your base of operations which allows you to either queue for Multiplayer matches or exit into the PvE area. At any given time, this will be the most crowded area in the game. The base definitely makes it easy to meet fellow players and form a team to meet your needs.

Let's begin with the cons, no pun intended. High Grand, which is the PvE area, is incredibly boring in my opinion. You are given a decently sized area to drive around in and complete missions that generate every fifteen or so seconds after your faction completes the last mission. Every time you decapitate easily agro-ed Terrorcons or unforgiving turrets, you're awarded energon cubes which were initially used to repair your 'bot after its demise. Due to a recent patch, the death mechanic has been changed as to no longer require repairs. This makes energon a little less desirable with its only use to create consumables. Secondly, you get relics at an incredibly slow pace. The relics are used to purchase new combatants to play as along with re-sprays for said characters.

Furthermore, the Autobots being the "good bots," it probably attracts a lot more players and I find myself constantly teamed up with beginners who have no idea what they are doing. Everyone starts somewhere and when I started off, I had no idea how the game was played either. However, it's been a few months now and I use a better 'bot than the newbies alongside a higher ranking and level and yet I still get teamed up with them. Healing three other guys who don't know what they're doing for six matches in a row gets to be frustrating. The last complaint I have is that I wish a bit more was going on in the base, if you happen to play at awkward times when no one is there.....it's surprisingly dull. That's it! On to the good stuff.

               

The character selection is wonderful. Hopping into the hangar, located in the base, allows you to see all the possible bots you can acquire and they're all beautifully designed. They all have a unique look and their own set of skills and weapons. There's just about anything for anyone at this point and with constant additions to the roster, anyone's play-style will be met. My character of choice is Meltdown who is a mechanist. This class sustains itself by healing itself when damaged, healing others, knocking back opponents and slowing 'em down. He packs a decent punch too and looks totally kickass.

The gameplay has come a long way as well. It's so seamless now, going from bot to truck feels great and vice-versa. The special effects are a treat to the eyes, what with the Decepticons getting wings and tentacles when they proc a skill. The world is colorful and believable despite using a lower graphical engine than what most people are playing with nowadays. The community and mods are all friendly and competitive. Saving up a ton of relics and getting a new 'bot is satisfying. Getting revenge kills are exhilarating. Nothing beats taking down that one 'Con who's dominated your team. Lastly, the game is in open-beta. They're constantly improving and adding more content and it's all free. There are micro-transaction options but it's hardly a pay-to-win game. You can become a "founder" which means you donated a ton of cash and they allow you to play as three exclusive characters, but they're not overpowered. As long as you're not playing the starter characters, you can take 'em on.

For my final thoughts, being a closed-Beta tester, the opportunity was given to me to see how the game has progressed and boy, did it ever. The open beta and the patches have drastically improved the game. Having a higher traffic and fixing all the oddities here and there have made this game easily recommendable. Transformers fan or not, it's an enjoyable experience. It's worth it to try out at the very least. Lots of fun, lots of action, what do you have to lose? It's free!