Transformers: Fall of Cybertron

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.