Common Sense Media Review
By Paul Semel
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Simple yet amusing strategy game for Transformers fans.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Download
Videos and Photos
Transformers: Earth Wars
What's It About?
Like everything in the Transformers saga, TRANSFORMERS: EARTH WARS once again has the Autobots and Decepticons fighting for control of the Earth -- except this time they're battling in a more strategic manner. Also, rather than do their own dirty work, players send their Transformers off to fight their battles for them, which they do autonomously, though you can heal them or command them to employ special attacks as a barrage of missiles in mid-battle. Players also have to build and maintain their bases, which is where they get the necessary supplies needed to bring in more of their allies. Just beware: The other side may attack, impeding your plans for world domination.
Is It Any Good?
Like other strategy games based on franchises, this is more for fans of the original cartoon and toys than for hard-core strategy fans. Transformers: Earth Wars once again finds the Autobots and Decepticons fighting for control of the planet -- except that instead of playing as one of these robots in disguise, you're more like their commanding officer, sending them off to attack an enemy stronghold while you sit back and enjoy the show. Sure, you can heal them if they get too damaged and even tell them when to shoot missiles and at what. But for the most part, you're more general than grunt. You're also like a city planner, since you have to decide how to build your base, which is where you earn the necessary items needed to bring in more soldiers ... who you'll then send into battle. Besides a story mode, which you play solo, gamers can also engage in battles with other players. Sadly, hard-core strategy fans will find this game a bit too simple and maybe even a bit too cartoony. Still others will feel it doesn't add anything new to this kind of game, save for giant robots who can turn into sports cars and 18-wheelers. But if you like relatively simple strategy games and Transformers, especially their cartoons, Transformers: Earth Wars will task your planning prowess nicely.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about violence in video games. Does it make a difference that you're fighting robots instead of humans?
Talk about perspective. Does it make a difference that you play this game from an aerial perspective? How does this change your view of the violence?
Discuss budgeting money. Do you think you need to spend a lot of money on this game, buying new characters and upgrades? Or can you just wait until you earn the money?
App Details
- Devices : iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad , Android
- Pricing structure : Free
- Release date : April 5, 2017
- Genre : Strategy Games
- Topics : Superheroes , Adventures , Robots
- Publisher : Backflip Studios
- Version : 1.41
- Minimum software requirements : iOS 9.0 or later; Android 4.2 and up
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate