MashButtons goes nostalgic with Transformers:Devastation

It is time for another game review and this time around we have the latest from Platinum Games and Activision a provided us a complimentary copy of Transformers: Devastation. Like previous games in their lineup we have another visceral, lightning fast action title which will bring back memories to us 80's babies as its inspiration comes straight out of Generations. Devastation comes in a bright cell shaded look and with the ability to play as a handful of your favorite Autobots, voiced by actors of the original tv series, so let's see if it is a trip down memory lane.

From the start, I immediately felt a strong sense of nostalgia with Peter Cullen's distinctive voice of Optimus Prime and once I got past the tutorial is where the fun really started. On top of being a strong action game, the vast customizations that come with the gameplay is what had me coming back for more. Each level is fast and action filled, making it incredibly easy to both pick up and play for short amount or to play for extended periods with varying types of Decepticons and bosses. I was a bit apprehensive with how the gameplay between vehicle and ass-kicking robot would feel but after the tutorial and a few missions under my belt, it felt like it was always meant to be.

There were a few items in which took away from my experience and the first would have to be the linear level designs and the invisible walls. The majority of the level structure is making your way from point A to point B and killing everything between. There is also a lot of repetition in the levels while making your way to the big boss fights, and while they big battles are very satisfying, they are far between. 

All in all, I had a great time with Tranformers: Devastation, nuances aside. My entertainment came largely from the nostalgia value in which PlatinumGames and Activision delivered in spades by focusing on Generations in which most of us grew up watching as children. My satisfaction came from playing as my favorite Autobot in which the movies destroyed, Grimlock, and he along with the rest of the playable Autobots were very very satisfying to play as. Transformers:Devastation is available now for $29.99.

Vanquish | Review

October is an unforgiving month.  With all of the AAA games coming out in its window, it's a shame a title like Vanquish gets thrown in the mix to fend for itself amongst the Fables and the upcoming Call of Duty's, etc.  Vanquish, the Platinum Games developed (and Sega published) title, isn't by any means a AAA title, it does have some pretty redeeming value to it.

Developed by Shinji Mikami, most notable for his hand in creating the Resident Evil series, Vanquish takes a turn from the horror past, and shoots an adrenaline-filled syringe right onto your screen.  Where story, and dialog lack, action, graphics and speed makeup for.  When I mention story, there is one, but it's skippable at best.  It's (of course) the near future, and there's been an attack on the US by a Russian coup.  Rather than giving into their demands, the President of the US, calls on you, Sam Gideon, who's been equipped with the ARS (Augmented Reaction Suit), or better known as, "an ass-kicking robotic suit of armor".

Played in the Third-Person, Vanquish borrows a bit from a few titles.  Mixing a little Gears of War's cover system, with the over-the-shoulder third-person camera angle of a few others (Lost Planet, Resident Evil 4, etc), but then adds speed of a Devil May Cry (or more appropriately, Bayonetta).   And it's this gameplay where the title shines (or causes epilepsy, it's a fine line), as you slide from cover to cover, shooting with various normal and unique weapons, and even adds some melee, all while keeping a smooth frame-rate.  That's the impressive part.  As you'll encounter waves of enemies, and Boss battles, that have so much going on screen, it's a wonder our Xbox didn't melt.

We've been hearing that play time is "under 4 hours", but in reality, most gamers will take beween 6-10 hours depending on their gaming experience and difficulty, fitting in with the length of most of these games nowadays.

Mashbuttons.com gives Sega's Vanquish a 7 out of 10, and is available now for Xbox 360,  and PlayStation 3

Editors Note: A copy of this title was sent to us by the publisher for our editorial consideration