There have been so many Transformers games till date that we have frankly lost count. It seems the popular franchise from Hasbro is everywhere, whether we turn on the TV or take a trip to the market. However, when it comes to games, there have been a few forgettable titles here and there and therefore, research is required before an investment. The following list contains some of the best games from the iconic franchise that have been released till date. So if you are planning to pick one up, you won’t be disappointed with either of these. You can play these top Transformers games on Xbox One, PS4, Xbox 360, PC, iPhone, Android or even online.
10. Transformers: Beast Wars Transmetals (2000)
Out of the two ‘Beast Wars’ games that are presently available to play, this one seems to be the more polished one. However, when you put them both side to side and compare, neither of them come off as great. While the anime series for the corresponding title is generally regarded as one of the best in its own format, it is saddening to see that the games fail to make the same impression.
The first game, which is simply called ‘Beast Wars’, is available on the original PlayStation and PC but we would not recommend you spend actual money on it. It is a third person shooter that is loosely based on the first season of the show and tells the story of the two factions fighting over resources. They are stranded on a planet and resources are limited, so you are required to undermine the actions of your enemies.
The second game, titled, ‘Transformers: Beast Wars Transmetals’, was developed by Takara and published by Bay Area Multimedia in the US for Nintendo 64 and PlayStation devices. It never managed to generate the amount of recognition as its counterpart animated series, but still portrays a timeline in the ‘Transformers’ franchise that has not been toyed with yet. We hope game developers take notice of this and surprise us with a AAA third person action adventure that does proper justice to the anime, but till the time that happens, I guess these games are our best bet. ‘Beast Wars Transmetals’, though uninventive in gameplay, does manage to stay loyal to the cast, so there is no harm in trying it out if you happen to find it for cheap. Just don’t go out of your way to acquire this one though!
9. Transformers: Rise of the Dark Spark (2014)
‘Transformers: Rise of the Dark Spark’ was a highly anticipated title that really managed to stir up the gaming community through its initial trailers, but what we finally received on release was a far cry from what the developers promised. Developed by Edge of Reality in collaboration with WayForward Technologies and published by Activision in the year 2014, the game was a cross-platform master that was made available for 7 different consoles globally.
I don’t know why this notion holds true for ‘Transformers’ games and I’m not sure if people have noticed it or not but whenever a ‘Transformers’ game manages to create a decent hype, it turns out to be the biggest disappointment ever! On the shell, you will find some of the biggest names in the industry acting as voice actors with background music provided by the likes of Linkin Park, but once you crack that shell open, it’s horrible.
Unlike the two previous entries in the series, which were developed by High Moon Studios, this one fails to even come on par with the aforementioned games. We know it’s a hard task to live up to critically acclaimed prequels, mainly due to the fact that there is a lot riding on its success. Sometimes, the development team feels the pressure and kind of flusters under it, but that is not the case with ‘Rise of the Dark Spark’. It has all the makings of a good game, with a good engine at its core, brilliant background music and voice acting, but where it falls apart is its execution. The level designs seem rushed, the AI is wonky and the storyline isn’t particularly strong. All of it falls apart with the slightest poke. It just seems like the team lost their way halfway into the development process. We are not sure what went wrong, but if you do manage to find out after trying it out for yourself, then do let us know in the comments section below since we are very interested.
8. Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (2009)
‘Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen’ is a third person action shooter developed by Luxoflux and published by Activision in the year 2009 for Microsoft Windows PC, Nintendo DS, PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, Wii, PlayStation Portable and Xbox 360 devices. It is important to note here that there were several studios working on the development of this one, with Luxoflux being the most prominent one for their contribution towards the PS3 and Xbox 360 devices that was ported to PC by Beenox. Hence, don’t expect a similar experience across all platforms and if you are asking us, then we suggest you try out the version for PS3 and Xbox 360.
Though the port to the PC was quite okay, the controls feel a bit clunky and framerates may fluctuate. However, whether this is a personal experience or there are others out there facing the same issues, we do not know yet, so a bit of research is recommended. What we are sure of is the fact that the Xbox 360 and PS3 versions contain a split campaign between the Autobots and Decepticons while the PlayStation 2 and Wii versions combine them into one single experience. And if you want to try your hand at this one on Nintendo DS, then you are required to buy two separate games for it since the campaign has again been split into two separate releases.
The Nintendo DS version holds up pretty well against the actual game, so if you do happen to have one lying around somewhere, we highly recommend that you give it a go. As evident from the title, the game follows the events of its movie counterpart but does take a lot of liberty in deviating from the same. The overall atmosphere of the ‘Transformers’ universe is definitely present but it lacks the spark that fuels the franchise; so even though you will play through the game with interest, it might fall short of finding a place on your list of memorable experiences.
7. Transformers Animated: The Game (2008)
‘Transformers Animated: The Game’ is an action video game developed by Artificial Mind and Movement and published by Activision for Nintendo DS handheld gaming system. It follows the direct storyline from the popular ‘Transformers’ TV series, ‘Transformers: Animated’. If you have watched the TV series or more specifically the ‘Rogue Factory Robots’ and the ‘Space Bridges’ episodes, then you will definitely be able to connect with this one.
The game is completely based on TV show episodes, and being a handheld title, it tries to keep things short and sweet. And we are not taking anything away because of this. We have repeatedly stated on this site that we always prefer a more detailed experience than a more varied one. Quality over Quantity! This is the exact reason why people like to play video games in the first place. They want to immerse themselves in a world which manages to teleport them away from the mundane features of their real lives and an immersive experience definitely helps in this aspect rather than a more varied one. ‘Transformers Animated: The Game’ takes this protocol as gospel and produces a very polished experience considering the limitations of that time. You spend a good chunk of the game fighting rogue security bots but in the second half of the campaign, things are a lot more interesting. You play as the Autobots, as they chase after Megatron, eventually ending up in the planet of Cybertron.
While the environment and the characters within the game are rendered in full 3D, it plays more like a 2.5D puzzle platformer where you are stuck controlling the characters either on a vertical plane or on a horizontal plane. Though there are moments which break this concept, they are far and few between and much less important to catch the player’s attention. This is one aspect of the gameplay that we didn’t like but other than that, the experience is quite immersive and with the original voice actors voicing the characters in-game, you will definitely get a taste of the original TV series.
6. Transformers: The Game (2007)
Transformers: The Game is a third person action adventure video game developed by Traveller’s Tales and published by Activision in the year 2007 for Xbox 360, Nintendo Wii, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 2 and Microsoft Windows PC devices. It is important to note here that we are talking about the PC and the home console versions here on our list. The PSP and Nintendo DS versions for the game are also pretty good. However, they have been developed by different studios and there are glaring differences in gameplay. We felt that the PC and home consoles version of the game are much more fitting for this list and hence from this moment onwards, whatever we speak of the title refers to these versions only.
The plot follows the events of the 2007 live action film of the same name and the campaign is split into two halves, one following the story from the perspectives of the Autobots and one from the perspectives of the Decepticons. Each character within the game has at-least five basic attacks with some of the more intricate ones having an extra one. These basic ones are a melee strike, a light weapon strike, a heavy weapon strike, a sword-type swishing strike and a ranged throwing ability. You are also able to transform into your vehicle form in the middle of missions and these come in handy particularly in the timed racing missions where you are required to reach a certain location on the map faster than your enemies.
The world is divided into specific areas but these areas are all open worlds themselves. Once you reach a location, you are able to explore the area for missions, secrets, hidden items and side-quests. Some of these side-quests offer you unlockables like the original skin for Optimus Prime and Megatron as shown in G1, so we recommend not skipping them. All the versions for the PC and home consoles have similar gameplay elements, but the PS2 and Wii versions have reduced graphics due to technical limitations, so we highly recommend getting hold of the PC or Xbox/PS versions.
5. Transformers: Forged to Fight (2017)
‘Transformers: Forged to Fight’ is actually a pretty decent title no matter what people say! It’s a tried and verified concept and it works! So why fix something that isn’t broken? Developed and published by Kabam Games Inc in the year 2017 for android and iOS platforms, it takes the concept of ‘Versus’ fighting games and slaps on the ‘Transformers’ skin on top of it. And well, being the type of franchise that ‘Transformers’ is, it is a perfect match.
Now we know that this is not the first time we are receiving a ‘Transformers’ fighting game, but this is one of the better ones till date and hence we will recommend it to anyone we see with a smartphone. It also features a wide variety of characters with all of the generations being represented till date. Whether you like the Decepticons, the Autobots or the more primal Predacons or Maximals does not matter since it has all the popular characters from all of them. The catch here is that you either need to collect them or pay for them with real money.
However, for a free to play game on your mobile devices, the combat mechanics are solid and the arenas are quite interesting, paying tribute to some of the most iconic locations within the universe. We highly recommend that you don’t go by the other reviews online but check the game out for yourself as we feel there are high chances that you will not be disappointed. There is a fair amount of grinding involved, though, if you want to acquire all the popular characters, so be prepared for that. Otherwise, the gameplay is addictive, the range of characters is pretty diverse and the base maintenance mechanics are an added bonus.
4. Transformers: War for Cybertron (2010)
‘Transformers: War for Cybertron’ is a critically acclaimed third person shooter video game developed by High Moon Studios and published by Activision in the year 2010. Similar to most ‘Transformers’ games, handheld versions were also released for the Nintendo DS platform, one containing the Autobots campaign and the other containing the Decepticons campaign. A Wii version was also released under the title ‘Transformers: Cybertron Adventures’ and shares similar gameplay elements.
Being the first entry in the popular ‘War for Cybertron’ trilogy, it is completely set in the planet Cybertron where a civil war has broken out between the two factions. Since it takes place before the events on planet Earth, there are no human characters within the game. The strife between the two factions are because of a substance called ‘Dark Energon’ that contains mysterious powers. Megatron is under the belief that possession of that power and channeling it effectively will restore the planet to its former glory, which he calls the ‘Golden Age’. The Autobots must do everything in their power to stop Megatron and his plans since they have the potential to destroy all lives on their home planet.
Autobots are under the control of Zeta Prime, an enigmatic leader, but fails in battle. He is quickly replaced by young and in-experienced Optimus, who becomes the leader of the Autobots for the first time. During each mission, you are able to choose three different transformers, each having their own abilities and strengths. The campaign is adapted for three person co-op multiplayer but if you do not happen to have players around, then an AI will take over the control of your partners. There are two campaigns as mentioned before, one following the story of the Autobots and one for the Decepticons and it is completely up to you how you want to complete the campaign. You can totally start with the Autobots campaign though the Decepticons campaign appears first in a chronological manner. This game is highly recommended to fans of the ‘Transformers’ universe because it sets up the basis for the eventual entry into Earth and serves as a solid backstory for the characters.
3. Transformers (2004)
This is the game that I played while growing up, so it goes without saying that I have a sentimental feeling attached to it. You could even say that I am biased for putting this one so high up on the list and for them, I have only one answer — go play the freakin’ game again! For starters, it closely follows the plot of ‘Transformers: Armada’, one of the best animated titles for the series. Second, you play as Optimus Prime, Hot Shot and Red Alert, all in their primes and full of energy. Third, you play on planet Earth, where you face the Decepticons in a race to collect all the Minicons. These minicons are smaller versions of the ‘Transformers’, but with limited powers and come in triads. If you happen to control all three of a said triad, you can then combine the three of them into a powerful weapon. In addition to this, the minicons can also be attached to your characters body to boost their power! Reason enough? Now go play the game!
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2. Transformers: Fall of Cybertron (2012)
‘Transformers: Fall of Cybertron’ is the direct sequel to the 2010 video game ‘Transformers: War for Cybertron’, which you are probably familiar with by now if you are reading this list in a chronological manner. Developed primarily by High Moon Studios in collaboration with Mercenary Studios for the PC version and Fun Labs for the Xbox and PlayStation versions, the game is the result of dedication, hard work and pure love for the franchise. The attention to detail is staggering and we can safely say that the planet of Cybertron never felt more beautiful, even if it’s in its dying moments.
The game directly follows the events of its predecessors where the Autobots are still locked in war with the Decepticons. The war between the two factions has made the planet unstable and unable to sustain life. Optimus Prime is faced with the difficult decision to either flee his home planet or watch his close friends and family die. Megatron, still bent on domination, stops at nothing to either subdue the Autobots or completely destroy them. This is one war for a planet that you should not miss out.
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1. Transformers: Devastation (2015)
‘Transformers: Devastation’ is simply one of the best ‘Transformers’ games ever made. Being an action hack and slash game similar to ‘Bayonetta’, it is truly a unique experience. The game is developed by Platinum Games, the ones responsible for the ‘Bayonetta’ series — coincidence? We think not! Moreover, the graphics for this game are simply stunning and it brings to life the characters as depicted in the comic books.
There are five playable characters, namely Optimus Prime, Bumblebee, Sideswipe, Wheeljack, and Grimlock as they fight for peace against the kinds of Decepticons and Insecticons. There are two basic attacks for each character in addition to the option to transform into your vehicle mode. The combat mechanics are surprisingly in-depth for a hack and slash game and does not reward the player for mindlessly bashing buttons. Instead, you need to preemptively strike your opponents while dodging attacks in order to activate your focus, which slows down time, allowing you to take down your opponent with one swift blow. This is one ‘Transformers’ video game that you should definitely not miss out on and hence finds the top spot on our list.
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