Originally available for other mobile platforms back in 2008, the Transformers G1 Awakening has finally found its way into the App Store. Mixing turn-based strategy gameplay with shape-shifting robots of the legendary franchise and the iPhone's power, it's only natural to be expectant.
Based on the original TV series rather than the movie, it includes a cast of characters that should make hardcore Transformers fans giggle with delight. The storyline follows the show faithfully as well.
Like the non-iPhone version, gameplay is a regular turn-based strategy. You wait your turn, move a certain number of squares, effect an attack, capture structures and all that. There's really little deviation from the old formula, except for the fact that your characters can transform. Naturally, being either a vehicle or a robot brings its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Because each Transformer has special abilities, the game becomes heavy on the strategy too - a fact that should delight true fans of the genre.
Transformers G1 has three game modes - Campaign, Showdown and Multiplayer. The campaign mode comes with a total of 17 missions, good for about four hours worth of play. Showdown is a special challenge mode that puts Autobots versus Decepticons on a number of difficult situations. The multiplayer sucks, however, as it's strictly as pass-and-play affair.
Ported directly from the 2008 version, graphics hardly take advantage of the iPhone's talents at all. In fact, the visuals can be downright silly at times, although the battle scenes are gratuitously entertaining.
Overall, Transformers G1 Awakening is a must for any old-school Transformers fan. For other gamers, it offers enough of a challenge to be a worthy contender, especially if you're a fan of turn-based strategy titles. Despite the graphics complaint, it's totally worth the $4.99 price.
Originally available for other mobile platforms back in 2008, the Transformers G1 Awakening has finally found its way into the App Store. Mixing t...
