Transformers: Fall of Cybertron
By Marc Saltzman,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Intense and frenetic combat game for fans of this brand.

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What you will—and won't—find in this game.
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Transformers: Fall of Cybertron
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Based on 4 parent reviews
My favorite game even after 6 years of release.
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AWESOME AND FUN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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What’s It About?
If you thought Disneyland was sensory overload, wait until you boot up Transformers: Fall of Cybertron, a new video game for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and Windows PC. You don't need to be a fan of Hasbro's Transformers franchise (toys, comics, TV shows, and movies), to dive into this action-heavy video game, but you'll appreciate the story sequences better, which focus on the drawn-out war between the Autobots and Decepticons. In fact, you'll play as both sides as they vie for control of their dying home world, Cybertron. Changing from giant ‘mech fighter to a vehicle (or other object), you'll play as a number of familiar Autobots including Bumblebee and Optimus Prime, as well as lesser-known characters that make their video game debut, including Grimlock that changes into a fire-breathing T-Rex Dinobot. Each character has its own abilities, like Jazz's grappling hook or Cliffjumper's invisibility cloak to sneak up on unsuspecting enemies. You can even fly in some levels. Playable Decepticons include Brawl, Megatron, Kickback, and Shockwave, to name a few.
Is It Any Good?
This third-person sci-fi action game is in a word, intense. While fighting with weapons and massive fists through huge indoor and outdoor locations, laser fire whizzes past your head and explosions rock the environment. It's as if Activision said "let's add a little more Call of Duty to our next Transformers game." You'll also perform moves like dashing forward, jumping over abysses, reloading ammo, and racing through wreckage –- in many cases, all at the same time. This chaotic excitement works -- but the game is not without its problems. For one, because both allies and enemies are transforming alien robots, it could be difficult to see the difference between friend and foe (hint: look for the red reticle when aiming at baddies). Secondly, the game feels like everything has been scripted for you and as long as you press the correct buttons at the right time, you'll advance to the next section; contrast this with other games that make you feel like you're the one in charge, such as the recent Sleeping Dogs. Finally, the enemy difficulty is not consistent – in one memorable scene you're using cover to take down tough enemies, but while it builds up to a climactic "boss battle" you just need to tap a button on the controller when instructed and the epic showdown is over before you know it.
In all fairness, the game does have a lot going for it –- a single-player campaign and online multiplayer matches, numerous playable characters, and impressive visuals and sound –- but it's hard to ignore these varied shortcomings, too. In other words, there's a bit "more than meets the eye" with this Transformers game, but not by much.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the impact of media violence. In this game you're a giant 'mech fighter who can transform into other objects (such as vehicles) and are killing other robots.
Did you play this game because you liked the movies or toys? Do you think this game is a form of marketing to kids?
Game Details
- Platforms: Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Windows
- Available online?: Available online
- Publisher: Activision
- Release date: August 21, 2012
- Genre: Third-Person Shooter
- Topics: Adventures, Space and Aliens
- ESRB rating: T for Animated Blood, Violence
- Last updated: August 20, 2022
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