Difference in Opinion

This summer was full of exciting blockbuster movies that came out weekend after weekend and drained all of our wallets. One of the most highly anticipated movies was the live action adaptation of Transformers. Ever since the rumor hit the internet, up until we were watching the movie on the big screen, the buzz for the film kept growing and growing. With big blockbusters like this, there are product promotions, like new cars, slurpie cups from 7-11, and of course videogames. I have had the pleasure of both seeing the movies, and owning the game, so I will do my best to break down the pros and cons for both in a dual review format.

The Movie

I was excited like everyone else when I heard the news about a new Transformers movies coming out. At the same time I was cautious, and didn’t want to get my expectations too high for another remake of an old story. I went into the theater having no big expectations, and tried the enjoy it for what it was and let it either “wow” me or disappoint me.

From start to finish, the movies kept a steady excitement, so the audience was never bored. The graphics were spectacular which made the transformers themselves seem that much more realistic, and the story that much more believable. This movie was also a movie aimed toward the average male movie goer. It had tons of action, it had tons of awesome cars, it had military scenes with lots of gun flights, and to top it all off, an extremely beautiful girl. Of course I am not going to deny that those aspects affected my enjoyment of the movies, because they were aimed to, and they did a good job. This is an action film, with robots and guns, of course I was expecting some fight scenes.

One thing that did annoy me with this movie, was the amount of product placement. I am all for a main character drinking a Pepsi or Coke, or something simple, but when the transformers themselves are products (much like the Fantasticar being a Dodge, since they wanted a Hemi in it) then I think it distracts too much from the movie. Other than that, I enjoyed the movie quite a bit. Don’t go to this movies expecting Oscar performance, but if you are in the mood for a solid action flick with some nostalgia, then Transformers if sure to please you.

Final Score: 7 out of 10

The Game

The videogame follows the same plot line as the movie, so is similar to most movie based games. One unique feature, is that it allows to claim your allegiance, and play as either Autobot or Decipticahn (technically both if you play it again).

Much like the movie, the graphics for the game were great, and really added that extra element to the gameplay. When graphics aren’t good, then can be distracting, and really hinder the game overall. The game is also free roam, in a couple different locations. You get to explore recognizable area from the movie, such as the desert bases and the main town, and transform with the push of the button to battle robots, or speed off on the highway. There are plenty of collectible items and goals, such as destroying a number of buildings in a row and throwing objects as far as you can. Between being able to destroy anything, and pick up nearly any object, this game has an amazing “sandbox” feel that allows you to take a break between missions and enjoy yourself.

I enjoyed this game a lot. It is rather challenging at the later missions since there are a lot of “catch up to them and destroy them” missions that become more and more challenging. Making up for that, are great graphics, great free-roam, the ability to plan as all the characters in the story (good and bad), and unlockable videos, pictures and alternate armor.

Final Score
Gameplay: 7 out of 10
Graphics: 8 out of 10