Throughout the ages the cybernetic/robotic race, which go under the catch-all name of the Transformers, have been battling for possession and control of the Allspark, the item that gives them life. As in any conflict, there are two sides to the issue – known in this case as the Autobots and the Decepticons.

The very names tend to give away the personality and goals of the races.

Their own world all but destroyed, the battle has spread throughout the galaxy and has landed on Earth. That is the concept behind Transformers: The Game, from Activision and Savage Entertainment. It is also the underlying theme behind the Dreamworks and Paramount Pictures film in current release.

While the game jumps right into the action, as an introduction to the combat mechanics, it is not until you have moved further into the game that the title starts to get some definition and becomes an interesting concept to pull onto the PSP handheld system. Is this game a groundbreaker? No. Is it an entertaining game with a few different elements? Yes.

The controls have a small learning curve. The perspective is third person but behind the shoulder of your controlled Transformer. The X and triangle buttons control the camera look up and down, while the d-pad cycles weapons. You will need to become very comfortable with those simply because the game interface includes a targeting cursor that is smack dead center of your screen. You need to manipulate the view to center that cursor on targets.

Generally, though, in terms of game controls, the PSP title is a far cry from the next-gen console system. The latter was somewhat intuitive; the PSP controls are not.

And unlike the next-gen cousins, the PSP version is a linear title that will have players switching perspectives on different levels – from Autobot to Decepticon. There is an overriding story arc, with multiple goals in the missions. The single-player game, though, feels a little repetitive in terms of what you must do in the levels. The multiplayer, though, is a little more robust, featuring classic deathmatch-style gaming through Ad hoc mode as well as an Ascension mode (stay within a designated space a set amount of time) and Secure the Allspark (capture the flag). Moving through the single-player campaign will allow you to unlock items you can use in multiplayer games.

The game’s graphics are a little hit and miss on the smaller screen. The game’s text looks a bit pixilated at times and while the general graphics are bright and colorful, the animations feel a little stiff at times (Ok, yes,  they are robots, but there is a lack of fluidity to the scheme in certain areas). And the sound, especially during combat, can sound tinny at times. Counter that, though, with the voice acting that is derived from the film and cartoon series. When you play as Megatron, you will hear the voice that has been identified with Megatron for a long time. In that sense, this game shines.

While you can transform from robot to vehicular form, there does not seem to be a truly strong motivation tied into the story, unlike the next-gen games where you could traverse the environment faster, but do massive amounts of damage in robotic form to said environment. And the world on the next-gen consoles felt bigger, not layered with invisible restraining walls that would basically ensure you go in one direction – a point driven home by the map, pop-up directions and distance text. And the game does through in a few arcade elements as well. Destroyed enemies leave behind Energon, which replenishes health. Before you embark on a mission, you do get to load-out the weapons to take with you.  

The game does focus on the battle between the Decepticons and Autobots and thus immerses the player in a lot of action. That may be the saving grace to the game. Transformers: The Game really does not give the same sense of gameplay tied to the movie, but it does do a decent job of bringing the original robotic warriors to life. This is a game that should appeal to Transformer fans and those looking to destroy some environments whilst in giant robotic form.

Gameplay: 6.5
The controls have quite the learning curve. This is a game that can feel ponderous for that reason alone. The gameplay itself is linear and from the third-person perspective. Get beyond the first mission or two, though, and you will find this to be enjoyable.

Graphics: 7.5
Some of the text looks a touch pixilated but the general look of the game is solid. The transformation from vehicle to robot is handled well.

Sound: 6.8
The combat is a bit tinny, but the musical score solid.

Difficulty: Medium

Concept: 6.5
The missions have a repetitive feel.

Multiplayer: 7.5
Four multiplayer modes will give players a solid reason to keep playing this game. Sure, the modes are not innovative, but there is still fun to be had playing as a Transformer against other humans. The game does require another version of the UMD to play in multiplayer.

Overall: 7.0
This was a tough one to rate simply because the game does some things wrong and some things right. The controls are laborious, but the game does give a feel that would be considered in tune with the world of the Transformers. Those looking for a mech-style battle might want to look elsewhere. Transformer fans should have some fun with this title.