Transformers Prime: The Game (Video Game Review)

For a really long time, Transformers video games were a laughing stock that barely received any love from fans or critics upon their release, but when the Michael Bay directed film series brought the Transformers storyline back into popularity, there was plenty of money to be made with a great video game series. Luckily for gamers and Transformers fans alike, publisher Activision and developer High Moon Studios created a great series that not only made a great compliment to the highly successful film series, but the new games were actually highly entertaining on their own and created all new storylines separate from any other Transformers tale before it. Now, Activision has returned with a Nintendo exclusive series from developer Now Production and based on the Transformers Prime animated series, and we're happy to tell you the game is pretty darn awesome itself.

Transformers Prime: The Game follows closely to the storyline of the animated series. You'll play as Optimus Prime and company in an epic battle to defeat the Decepticons headed by the evil leader Megatron after he has found an ultimate weapon making him more powerful than ever before. Action in the game is split into various missions where you'll take control of one of five Autobots in the battle to save the planet. Optimus Prime, Arcee, Bulkhead, Bumblebee and Ratchet will all be used throughout the game each with their own unique missions, fighting abilities, personality and look, and Jack, Miko and Raf make appearances from the show to give friendly advice or to drive the game's narrative forward. Transformers Prime: The Game presents a storyline that is sure to thrill fans of the series and plenty of exciting moments throughout the game's campaign.

Although there are a variety of mission types and fun diversions to break up the action, fighting in the game is what will make or break Transformers Prime: The Game. This is possibly where the game shines through the most however. Each Autobot really feels as though you're fighting with a new character, and fighting off dangerous Insecticons and Decepticons is a blast whether you're getting in close with some melee attacks or holding back and firing continuous laser blasts at your foes from a distance. The game even allows you to transform and gain momentum with lunging attacks or to simply ram into your enemies. As you progress through the game, you'll find hidden items that are used to gain unlockables such as character bios. Of course, playing on Nintendo Wii can differ slightly from your time spent on the game on Nintendo's portable systems, but whether you're using motion controls or touch screen controls, Transformers Prime: The Game is a blast to play and easily the best Transformers game available on a Nintendo system.

Transformers Prime: The Game is a game that every Nintendo fan should pick up for their system of choice, and Transformers fans will be thrilled to know they have yet another great game to enjoy in addition to Transformers: Fall of Cybertron this year. The game features a superb presentation with great graphics, smooth controls and fantastic sound design that brings in the best voice talent possible including the voice of Optimus Prime, Peter Cullen, and Frank Welker among others. The game even features a multiplayer deathmatch mode that will allow you to face off against up to three friends with 11 characters to choose. Even if the Transformers storyline has run its course in Hollywood, it's good to see high quality games continuing to release in 2012. Pick up your copy of Transformers Prime: The Game today and play one of the best action games of 2012!

Transformers Prime: The Game is now available from all major retailers for the MSRP of $49.99 on Nintendo Wii U, $39.99 on Nintendo Wii, $29.99 on Nintendo 3DS and $24.99 on Nintendo DS. Transformers Prime: The Game is rated E by the ESRB for Fantasy Violence. For more information on the game, check out the official Transformers Prime: The Game website.

Game Features:

Multiplayer 1-4

Based on the Hit Animated Series

Play as Favorite Characters

Unlockable Character Bios

Available on Multiple Systems

Game Information:
Developer: Now Production
Publisher: Activision
Platforms: Nintendo Wii U, Nintendo Wii, Nintendo 3DS (reviewed) & Nintendo DS
Release Date: October 30, 2012

Score: 9 out of 10