Release Date: 06/07/2015
Played On: PS4
Available On: PS3 / PS4 / Win / XB360 / XBO
Time Played: 4h 51m
Progress: Completed
Developer: Platinum Games
Publisher: Activision
Every now and then a game comes along that does exactly what it sets out to do, but it's not the biggest or best game in the world, it's just very well made. I'd be lying if I said that I expect nothing less from Platinum Games, so as good as Transformers: Devastation is, I'm not surprised for a second.
To put it simply, this is a tight, short, yet challenging game that showcases Platinum's reputation for hack-and-slash mastery. I'm not sure if there are many other companies that I would associate with specific game mechanics, but when I think of satisfying combat systems, Platinum are always at the top of the list. What's more, they never fail to present mind blowing scenes of outlandish action that make you feel like a total badass for pulling off the crazy moves that got you there.
This is the company that made Bayonetta, Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance, and they had a hand in Nier Automata of all things. The only other studio that excites me as much as Platinum is id Software, so I went into Transformers: Devastation with the highest of expectations. It didn't matter that it was cheap (I got it through PS Plus), and I'm not that much of a Transformers fan, because it had that Platinum seal that meant I was in for a good time.
After some initial cut scenes, Transformers: Devastation is immediately recognisable as a Platinum game. The inputs and moment to moment gameplay feels tight and responsive, but there's also something about the HUD that feels familiar and comfortable. It's not a new thing to see design choices carry over to different games, but I was pleased with just how "Platinum" this game felt only moments after starting.
Although it's not without flaws (which we'll get to later), this is everything you'd expect from a Platinum Transformers game, and for that I couldn't be happier.
The story is Transformers 101, as the Decepticons have taken over the city to try and extract some kind of energy thing that they think will save them, but will ultimately destroy everything. Enter the Autobots who are tasked with stopping the bad guys and you've got a standard plot to drive the action forward. It's nothing special and there aren't any moments in the narrative that will blow your mind, but I think that's okay in this kind of game.
What I really want from a Transformers game is the ability to play as different robots and use both of their forms to my advantage. I want to feel like I'm an unstoppable force of alien robotic power, and I want to be able to transform at any moment. This is precisely what Platinum deliver in Devastation, and it's the main focus of the game.
As you set off to rescue the city and defeat the Decepticons, the game essentially moves from one arena fight to the next. You're free to explore the city as you move from one location to another, but it's fairly linear with clear paths from point A to point B. As you level up and gain new abilities, new paths open up, but this isn't the kind of game where you'll spend ages exploring every corner of the map.
Instead, most of your time will be spent fighting other robots and pulling off impressive moves. This format could be one of the weakest parts of the game, as you're reduced to simply moving from fight to fight, but it suits this kind of hack-and-slash action, so it's not really an issue. I actually think that the experience would have been diminished if I felt compelled to explore the city and spend more time moving around, as the fights are definitely where the fun is.
In true Platinum style, there are a number of moves and combos you can perform during combat. Transformers: Devastation focuses more on style and fun than having a deep and complex series of button combinations, but it's all the better for it. Within moments I had learned the controls and was pulling off moves that were not only satisfying to input, but looked awesome in the process.
The real pleasure that comes from playing a Platinum game is that no matter how simple or complex the inputs are, you always feel like you're in control. I never felt like the game was holding my hand and doing incredible things no matter what buttons I pressed. Each move is a deliberate sequence of inputs that need to be performed in order to succeed. At their best, Platinum fights feel akin to fighting games, as you need to be aware of your offense, defence, positioning, and more if you want to succeed. On higher difficulties, the skill level is raised and you're truly put to the test.
Thankfully this game is no different and there enough moves to make it interesting, and enough enemy variety to prevent you spamming the same combo over and over. Although there did seem to be a point where I hit the ceiling on the tools I had available to learn, so the overall system felt a bit limited. However, when I say limited, it's within the context of other Platinum games that seem to have no end to their complexity. With that in mind, it's probably fair to say that Transformers: Devastation sits more on the arcade side of the spectrum and manages to be a little more accessible.
That's not to say that there's any less fun to be had, as we are playing a Transformers game after all. Throughout the game you can transform into whatever vehicle your current character can become, and utilise different weapon loadouts and transforming moves. Some of the best moves in any fight are ones where your character transforms and hits your opponent, before transforming again and continuing the combo. Add in the fact that you can play as a number of different characters, who each have their own loadouts and fighting styles, and the lack of complexity starts to morph into a wealth of choice.
Each Autobot has four weapon slots to be filled. One must be melee, another has to be ranged, but the final two can be any weapon you like. As you progress the through the game you collect different loot and resources, so it pays to spend some time levelling up weapons and trawling through the plethora of different stats you collect. Finding a loadout that feels good for you is an important step to enjoying the game as much as you can. My initial loadout with Optimus Prime felt a bit slow and cumbersome, so I swapped it out for faster weapons with elemental effects and immediately felt the tempo of each fight change.
Other Autobots have specialty weapons like rocket launchers or dual wielded swords, but most can be used by any other character. The real fun comes from the different vehicles that each Autobot can transform into. It's pretty satisfying to see Optimus Prime quickly transform into a semi-trailer and run over an enemy before transforming back and finishing them off with a giant axe. Then bring in different cars, trucks, and planes, and there are lots of ways to keep you interesting from fight to fight.
This all seems very enjoyable and fun, but if you're not really into the idea of arena fighting and moving from one encounter to the next, you might be disappointed. There isn't much else on offer in Transformers: Devastation, which might be its biggest flaw. A few sections feel like a grind as you traverse larger spans of the city, or fight the same group of enemies again. Hunting for hidden collectibles and pathways gets boring as well, so there isn't a lot outside of fighting to make this game compelling.
Unlike Bayonetta or Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance, there really is nothing to do between fights, other than travel to the next fight. Platforming and collectible hunting is either ridiculously simple, or awkwardly hard. I tried to complete a few side objectives that required quick platforming, but it felt too bulky and imprecise to be worth repeating. Considering how responsive and precise the combat feels throughout Transformers: Devastation, these extra activities really let the game down by appearing as more of an afterthought than anything with actual substance.
The upside ends up being that the game is quite short and can be completed within a single afternoon session. Once you've completed the first playthrough, you have the option to play again with all the Autobots unlocked in a new game plus mode, but I wasn't all that keen by the time I reached the credits. It's not that I didn't enjoy myself, but I felt like the game benefited from being short and would suffer if I extended the amount of time I spent with it.
Sure the combat is exceptional and without comparison, as Platinum have proven their ability to make character action hack-and-slash games fun and challenging, but the rest is a little lacking to say the least. Everything in between the fighting could be improved a little, if not a lot, which is okay, but does nothing to enhance the experience. I'm not fussed when most of the game is spent in the best combat systems around, but I'm also not compelled to repeat the experience. It's like eating a beautifully decadent slice of cake that tingles all of your senses, but you know if you had another piece you'd feel sick.
I'd be remiss if I forgot to mention Transformers: Devastation's overall aesthetic, which is only forgettable because it's so spot on. The entire game looks like an episode of the Transformers cartoon with bright colours and stylish framing throughout. The cut scenes are great with authentic animation, and the voice acting is spot on. Just about any frame in the game would be instantly recognisable as Transformers, which goes a long way to sucking you into the theme.
Thus, despite the obvious flaws that crop up from a game excelling in a single area, while falling short in others, this is one hell of a fun game. The action is spectacular and worth it on its own, but there's also the fantastic aesthetic to seat the IP perfectly. It didn't matter if I was into Transformers or not when I picked up the game, I spent the whole time digging the fact that I was a badass Autobot saving the city from those meddling Decepticons.
Transformers: Devastation is short, precise, and doesn't outstay its welcome. It might not have the grandeur and depth of complexity that other Platinum titles exhibit, but what's there is satisfying, challenging, and above all else it's a whole lot of fun. I had a smile on my face just about the whole way through, which is more than I can say for many other games.
Well worth a session if you're after some tight action and need a dose of that brilliant Platinum combat. The best thing about Platinum games is their relentless dedication to making their games exceedingly fun to play, and Transformers: Devastation is no exception.