Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (Wii, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Nintendo DS, PSP, Nintendo DSi, PlayStation 2, Windows)

Revenge of the Fallen is pretty standard movie-based fare. The action is fluid and multifaceted -- it can be quite satisfying to drive along in vehicle mode, then transform into a robot, leap onto the side of a building, and begin pounding enemies with a pair of massive metal mitts -- but the environments are small and bland and the mission objectives, which are essentially limited to being ordered to destroy enemies over here then over there, become repetitive before long. And while there’s the façade of an impressive upgrade system, when it comes right down to it all we’re doing is simply increasing health bars and the power of existing attacks. Fans of non-stop action may be appeased by the game's reasonably fun mechanics, but players looking for a little depth and substance in their games ought to look elsewhere.

Platform Notes:

Xbox 360/PlayStation3/Windows PC:
This is the version reviewed above. It is essentially the same on all platforms, save minor differences in graphics and control layout.

Wii/PlayStation 2:
This version of the game is substantially different from the one reviewed. It follows the story of the films more closely, levels are more linear, there is but a single campaign, and, in the case of the Wii, attacks are carried out by swiping the remote vertically and side to side. Note, too, that this version of the game is slightly less violent in that human civilians do not become casualties of the robot battles. They are rated Teen for Violence.

Nintendo DS:
There are two DS games; one with a story that takes place from the perspective of the Autobots and another that tells a similar tale but from the viewpoint of the Decepticons. The latter has players fighting on the side of evil. Both are 3-D action games that take place in the same locations. They are less violent than the console games only in that the destruction is slightly less graphic. It’s rated E10+ for fantasy violence.

PSP:
This game is different than all the rest. Common Sense Media has yet to evaluate it. It is rated E10+ for fantasy violence.

Online interaction: There are several competitive team-based online multiplayer modes that support voice chat. Depending on the players, these modes can either create a sense of cooperation and teamwork among players or result in bullying and name-calling. Common Sense Media does not recommend this sort of online play for anyone under age 12.