Daniel AgiusFor nearly four decades, my fascination with the Transformers franchise has been an enduring journey of nostalgia, wonder, and excitement. It all began with the iconic animated series that introduced me to Optimus Prime, Megatron, and the epic battle between Autobots and Decepticons. I vividly remember the joy of watching those transforming robots come to life on my TV screen, and that initial spark of enthusiasm ignited a lifelong love affair. And now, with Transformers: Earthspark – Expedition, I stand on the precipice of a new chapter in my Transformers journey.
This latest video game promises to deliver an immersive experience, blending rich storytelling with awesome gameplay. As a seasoned fan, I’m thrilled to dive headfirst into this interactive adventure, bringing my decades of passion for the franchise to bear as I explore the latest chapter in the Transformers mythos. Join me on this journey as I dive into this review and see if it is indeed ‘more than meets the eye’.
In the aftermath of the space bridge’s destruction, which marked the end of the Autobot-Decepticon conflict, the Malto family relocates from Philadelphia to Witwicky, Pennsylvania. There, siblings Robby and Mo Malto witness the emergence of Terrans, Earth-born Transformers, forming deep bonds through specialised cyber-sleeves on their arms. Guided by the former Autobot scout Bumblebee, the Terrans, and their human allies, the Maltos, collaborate with Megatron, the enigmatic organisation G.H.O.S.T., and others to protect their newfound existence from rogue Decepticons and other threats while seeking their place in this transformed world. Transformers: Earthspark – Expedition continues the story of these Earth-based Autobots in the popular Transformers: Earthspark series, with Bumblebee serving as their mentor and teacher.
The gameplay experience in Transformers: EarthSpark – Expedition is notably fluid and intuitive, which adds to the overall enjoyment. Manoeuvring Bumblebee both in robot and vehicle mode through various challenges and combat situations feels responsive and engaging. The controls respond well to your commands, allowing you to execute actions smoothly, whether it’s transforming into vehicle mode to race through terrain or engaging in intense battles against adversaries.
However, a particular aspect that could be improved is the sensitivity and adjustment of the camera controls. The camera often feels quite touchy, making it occasionally challenging to maintain a consistent view of the action. This can be a bit frustrating when trying to keep track of enemies or get the best perspective on various situations like locating glyphs. It’s worth noting that a more static camera perspective, positioned behind Bumblebee, could have significantly enhanced the gaming experience. Such a camera setup would provide more stability and consistency in viewing the game world, reducing the need for constant adjustments and allowing players to focus on the gameplay and immersion in the Transformers universe.
One of the standout features in Transformers: EarthSpark – Expedition is the meticulous attention to detail in the game’s maps. They are designed with an abundance of intricacies that go beyond the primary objective of defeating enemy camps en route to Mandroid’s base. Each map is a vibrant and dynamic playground, teeming with a myriad of objectives to explore. Apart from the overarching mission to dismantle enemy camps, players will discover a diverse range of supplementary tasks and objectives that add depth and variety to the gameplay. The inclusion of race objectives, involving high-speed pursuits alongside Twitch and his fellow Autobots, introduces an exhilarating element of competition. These races provide an excellent opportunity to test Bumblebee’s speed and dexterity, making for a refreshing break from the main quest’s combat-oriented challenges.
In addition to the races, side quests come in the form of collecting cards and glyphs scattered throughout the maps. These quests are a testament to the game’s commitment to providing a well-rounded experience. Collecting cards unveils hidden lore and untold stories from the Transformers universe, adding a layer of depth to the narrative. Meanwhile, seeking out and deciphering glyphs can be a cerebral delight, offering a rewarding challenge for those who enjoy exploration and puzzle-solving. The combination of these diverse objectives ensures that Transformers: EarthSpark – Expedition offers an immersive and multifaceted gaming experience, encouraging players to venture beyond the main storyline.
The attention to detail in the sound and voice acting in Transformers: Earthspark – Expedition is truly exceptional. The voice acting cast is nothing short of perfect; it’s as if the very same actors from the original show have been transported into the game. The characters’ voices resonate with authenticity, capturing the essence and personalities of the Autobots, Decepticons, and the Maltos. This not only adds to the immersion but also evokes a wave of nostalgia, making it feel like a seamless continuation of the beloved Transformers universe.
The soundtrack is a symphony of nostalgia, but what’s truly remarkable is how these classic tunes are blended with modern, upbeat compositions, creating a perfect harmony of past and present. The result is a soundtrack that not only tugs at the heartstrings of longtime fans but also infuses the game with a contemporary energy that keeps the excitement levels high. This delicate balance between nostalgia and modernity is a testament to the game’s commitment to capturing the essence of Transformers while making it relevant and enjoyable for today’s gamers.
Transformers: Earthspark – Expedition not only continues the adventures of Earth-born Terrans but also rekindles the fervour of fans that have cherished this franchise for years. The familiar voices of Autobots and Decepticons, alongside the Malto family, resonate with authenticity, invoking a sense of nostalgia that long-time fans will truly appreciate. It’s a testament to the game’s dedication to staying true to its roots while delivering an exciting and immersive gaming experience for all.
This review utilised a key provided by Outright Games and Transformers Earthspark – Expedition is out now on PC, Switch, Xbox and Playstation
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Chris Inglis
