KMGR of "Transformers G1"

Image by mdverde via FlickrYep, Transformers are back, and this one it's back to basics, not that awful "3D" shooter as a part of promo for the movie. This is all the way back to the original beginning, about how the ship crash landed on Earth and all that. And this time, the game is turn-based tactical combat! But is it any good? Surprising, yes!

TG1 lets you control up to 4 Autobots (depending on the mission) up against equal or superior number of Decepticons. The terrain is of course, a factor, and there are energy buildings such as transmission towers, and powerplants that you need to capture in order to produce energon cubes. The more cubes you have, the more repairs you can make, or the more reinforcements you can deploy (or revive "downed" Autobots, same thing).

The game is turn-based... You make your moves, then the opponent make theirs. Team combat is emphasized as supporting fire, when you fire on an enemy already under attack on another side, gets a 25% attack bonus. Leaders like Optimus Prime, brings a 10% leadership bonus for all units near him.

You can move, transform, attack (only if you're adjacent to enemy), ranged shot (if you are capable), or special ability (such as Ratchet's repair or upgrade). Each Transformer is rated in speed, transformed speed, attack, and defense. Obviously, you can't attack while transformed, but you have much better speed.

When one attack or defends, the semi-isometric view switches to "combat view", where the two robots shoot at each other, doing X amount of damage to the other. Damage is calculated by using the attack and defense factor of each, plus any bonus factors like supporting fire or leadership bonus. Then you go back to tactical view. It usually takes several rounds of combat. Eventually the loser turns into a pile of scrap heap.

Graphics is definitely on the lower end of the scale, but this fits the retro subject just fine. The sprites are easily recognizable. The one complaint is all the bots are the same size (or looks to be) when we know that Optimus Prime is quite a bit larger than Bumblebee and so on. Music is similarly retro sounding.

All in all, Transformers G1 is a retro-ish title that's much better than an arcade shooter. This tactical combat sim is simple and easy to learn. While it's not the best game ever, it deserves a play by any Transformers fan (or ex-fan).

Overall rating: 7 out of 10
Pros: All the familiars are here, turn-based combat gives you time to think
Cons: A bit monotonous until you hit the "special" missions