| ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. | |
| PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. | |
| OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. | |
| NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Parents need to know that Transformers Prime: The Game is a video game based on a television series of the same name. It's quite violent, but it's clearly not realistic. You can play as alien robots that can transform into a vehicle (and back again), and the over-the-top battles are against other alien robots with special powers, too. The game focuses heavily on fantasy violence. There's no blood or gore in the game. Multiplayer on the same console is available.
Transformers Prime: The Game wasn't created with educational intent, and we don't recommend it for learning.
Based on the animated television series Transformers Prime, TRANSFORMERS PRIME: THE GAME chronicles the intergalactic struggle between the Autobots and Decepticons, two warring alien races that can transform from robot warrior to vehicles. Players can assume the role of their favorite Team Prime member -- such as Optimus Prime, Bumblebee, Autobot Ratchet, Arcee, or Bulkhead -- and engage in brawler-style combat and fierce driving sequences across various outdoor environments. And yes, when you're not facing off against the malevolent Megatron and the Decepticons, you'll be able to interact with familiar human faces like Jack, Miko, and Raf.
Yes, it's a fun and frenetic game that's easy to control, offers multiple characters and modes, and lets gamers battle head-to-head as one of 11 Autobot or Decepticon fighters in multiplayer matches on the same TV. To be fair, the Transformers games to date are hit and miss, but this game stays true to its focus -- a colorful brawler with some racing segments -- and delivers an enjoyable ride for fans of the franchise. It won't win any awards, mind you, but younger fans will no doubt enjoy fist-fighting against baddies, using a number of weapons, and of course, transforming at the right time and place to complete the various missions. Note: The game is also playable on Nintendo's Wii U system and the 3DS. The Nintendo DS version is a different game.
Families can talk about whether it's OK to be the bad guys in a video game. Do kids like being one of the Decepticons in the multiplayer mode? If so, why?
Families can also discuss how games based on movies and toys help to sell other items that are part of the brand.
Transformers Prime: The Game wasn't created with educational intent, and we don't recommend it for learning.
| Topics: | cars and trucks, magic and fantasy, adventures, robots, space and aliens |
| Platforms: | Nintendo Wii U, Nintendo Wii, Nintendo 3DS, Nintendo DS |
| Available online? | Not available online |
| Genre: | Action/Adventure |
| Developer: | Activision |
| Release date: | October 30, 2012 |
| Price: | $24.99 (DS), $29.99 (3DS), $39.99 (Wii) |
| ESRB rating: | E10+ for Fantasy Violence (Nintendo 3DS, Nintendo DS, Nintendo Wii, Nintendo Wii U) |
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