Tools for this page
Print

Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen

What’s the Story?

Reviewed by Chad Sapieha

Based on the Michael Bay film, TRANSFORMERS: REVENGE OF THE FALLEN is a straightforward action game starring enormous robots that fight each other and in the process lay waste to the cities around them, usually in spectacular fashion. Players can choose to play as either the good guys (Autobots) or bad guys (Decepticons) in two separate campaigns, each composed of about two dozen missions around the globe. Over the course of the game they'll get to step into the metal skin of the most recognizable robots from the film and upgrade their abilities as they earn energon, the mysterious energy that fuels the Transformers. They can also fight online in a variety of traditional multiplayer modes, ranging from deathmatches to control point challenges to capture the flag games.

 

Is It Any Good?

3

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.

Inside the Game

Give Us a Minute, Get a Lot of Common Sense!
  • Age-appropriate best bets for your kids
  • Weekly email alert with the latest picks, reviews & advice
  • Post your own reviews and share them with friends
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
A screen name protects your privacy
(It's free!)

Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
To post a review or comment you must become a Common Sense Member. It's easy!
Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations.
A screen name protects your privacy
Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
(optional)
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
We can make Common Sense just right for you. With a little info about you and your family, you'll get the most out of our site.
Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!
Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child
Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations
A screen name protects your privacy
Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
Register to add this school to your profile. You'll be able to see and share reviews from parents, teachers, and kids at your child's school.
I'm already a Common Sense member.
Kids under 13 must use a screen name
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.