At Toyfair 2010 we got all kinds of new info and sneak peaks at the new game Transformers: War for Cybertron, due for release this summer. Here is a summery of what we learned.
There are plans to release more figures in conjunction with the game under the generations (new “Universe” catchall series), but the only three they were willing to discuss were Optimus, Bumblebee, and Megatron.
Story was introduced to be set far into the past of the civil war. As described, by WFC producer Jason _ ? _, we enter into the story in a place where relationships/trust/allegiances are not already formed. We get to see these relational dynamics forged between characters like Starscream and Megatron, Optimus and Bumblebee… The Autobot campaign includes the story of how Optimus came to be a Prime.
We were given the very first sneak peak ever at in-game live play of three levels (2 Autobot Campaign, 1 Decepticon). I will discribe these levels and what we learned from them below:
For each level you can pick which character you are controlling, but you will be playing that level with other characters who run/drive/fly/battle along side you (in all of the levels we saw, it seemed like there were two other characters involved in each level).
1st) Main Character: Optimus – Side Characters: Ratchet & Bumblebee. Feels more like a playable scene in a story rather than game level (pretty sweet), presumably early on in the Autobot campaign, where Optimus explains the recent death of Zeta Prime to Jetfire (who is very distraught at the news) on holo vid and assumes temporary command, in this time of need. Ratchet seemed surprised and concerned at Optimus’ bold move, but does not argue. Jetfire explains that he needs cover fire via the ground based anti-aircraft cannons. Optimus, Ratchet, and Bumblebee leave Autobot HQ to get the guns online meanwhile fighting off incoming flanks of Decepticons. Ratchet sounds a lot like movie Ironhide (with a touch of movie Ratchet’s accent). Bumblebee sounds a lot more like a Hotshot type character.
A note on in-game esthetics: In the first level, Autobot HQ at Iacon, we got to see the best view of general esthetics of the game because it started out with dialouge and less distracting (yet totally awesome action). We could see that this game would be generally quite dark which is where the glowing energon strips/cracks in the characters helps to visually keep track of them on the screen. In an elevator with Optimus, Ratchet, and Bumblebee, we were able to see that High Moon has taken a queue from the movie-verse where these robotic characters' armor is somehow in constant motion. Much like the twisting/shifting gears inside Primes head in the first movie (at Sam's window), Optimus in the game had back armor/wheels that were constantly shifting/adjusting while interacting with Ratchet and Bumblebee. This was a pretty cool effect over all, but at times of low action/conversation, I found it slightly distracting. I found myself watching the shifting armor and thinking "cool" while being less engaged in the dialogue. However, this reaction on my behalf may well have warn off in another 30 seconds of viewing. The presenters were sure to note that this was all a very unfinished preview, so it makes me wonder if they will tone this armor movement down at times with low action.
2nd) Main Character: Jetfire - Side Characters: Airealboots Silverbolt & Air Raid! This was an Autobot level taking place far above the surface of the planet Cybertron. Arial shooter - exploding satellite type structures. More maneuvering than aerial combat scene; think Empire Strikes Back meets exploding Cybretronian astroid/satellite fields. Even this level allowed for transformation to destroy, dodge, and run across obstacles.
3rd) Main character: Megatron vs Omega Supreme Boss fight - Side Characters: Soundwave and Stunticon Breakdown!
All I can say about this level is WOW!!! This makes Omega Supreme (very classic voice) seem unbelievably ominous! Way cooler, and somehow, far more G1 in my opinion than he is depicted in the trailer. Omega was standing in a glowing crater of destruction with an ominous/erie yellow light from below illuminating him. He looked WAY bigger than he did in the preview.
A note on voicing:
Soundwave’s voice was dead-on G1. Sounded exactly like Frank Welker to me... I’m starting to think that Megatron might be Frank Welker as well, only voicing him very differently than G1. I pressed the Activision/High Moon/Hasbro crew about this, but they neither denied or confirmed any voicing theories. When I asked the producer about this, his response was "We haven't announced any voiced actors other than Peter Cullen, of course there is no embargo on you all reporting on what you saw and heard today..." That being said, I can confirm for you all with about 98.9% accuracy (the accuracy of a well tuned G1 enthusiast's ear) that Soundwave at least will be voiced by Frank Welker. Megatron did a fair amount of talking in our brief look at this level and there were times that he sounded quite a bit more like G1 Megatron than he did in the preview. As for Megatron, I can't really say for sure... time will tell.
War for Cybertron gameplay will be Very story driven - Very scripted (as described by the producer). From the preview we got to see, I consider this a real positive. In the ROTF game the story elements seemed to be primarily in the cut scenes, with a bunch of missions to accomplish in-between; this game seems to weave story elements deeply into the fabric of the in game play.
We now know the that character pictured seen below (who we've seen before in much poorer quality) is actually the Combaticon Brawl! With confirmation of at least two Arealbots in the game, and at least one Stunticon (Breakdown), perhaps we might also see some more of our favorite Combaticons and other combiner team members... Will they combine? Only time will tell.
This sneak peak gave us a huge leap forward in understanding game mechanics; I was able to clarify/gain further detail on some key/innovative gameplay elements after the presentation in conversation on the showroom with a number of members of the War for Cybertron team.
*** There will be a seamless online, cooperative gameplay aspect, where your friends can simply join in and take control over the other two characters in that scene/level. The new game play feature was described as follows: “Your friends can simply jump in and out at any time, even in the middle of a level, and take control of characters. So if they’re playing along with you, and the pizza arrives, they can simply jump out, finished dinner and jump back in without interrupting the game.” However, no local multiplayer (only online). It seems that this multiplayer aspect may not have to be defined when starting a game, they were intentionally vague about how exactly this would work in the presentation, but in conversation later, they suggested that one could be playing the standard campaign mode and have a friend jump in at any time. I can just hear the phone calls & text messages already...
You: "Hey [insert you own bro/friend], I'm going to play some War for Cybertron. You want to join me?"
Friend: "Ah, you know, I'd love to, but I've got [insert sport] practice for the next 20 clicks..."
You: "That's cool, I'll be kicking some skid-plate with Optimus, join in when you're out of practice."
Friend: "Sounds good! See you on-line to take care of those slaggin' Decepticons."
I was told later that one could select any of the characters that your friends could jump in and control, so this pretty much confirms that not only Jetfire, but Air Raid, and Silverbolt will be playable as well.
List of currently known playable characters:
Optimus, Bumblebee, Ratchet, Jetfire, Silverbolt, Air Raid, Megatron, Soundwave, Breakdown, and Starscream. Other characters that we know will be making an appearance, but we are unsure of their playablility are: Ironhide (in all likely hood, playable), Warpath, Brawl, Trypticon, and Omega Supreme.
All in all, this game looks absolutely stunning! With such extreme attention to detail, a clear love for the characters/mythos of Transformers, very innovative gameplay (multiplayer) options while utilizing a well tuned character control engines for at sit down and play familiarity, this game is sure to hit it big with Transformers fans, seasoned gamers, and new to videogame players alike. I absolutely can't wait to get my hands on this game for a testdrive...
We have uploaded Hasbro's Toyfair promo pics in a gallery (embedded at the bottom of this post), but there were some pictures that were shown during this presentation that were not provided. As I understood, we were not to take pictures (tons of people did though), so you can find pictures that are not available as part of Hasbro's Toyfair promotional release or displayed in the showroom here from our friends at Seibertron.com. Below you will find a description of what we learned through pannel, along with various galleries of pictures taken at Toyfair 2010. Enjoy!
Generations line (all deluxe, catch-all series, ala post Moive Universe line)
- Darkmount (aka Straxus) - Drift - Thrust (significant retool of Classics seeker jet) - War for Cybertron figures (Op Meg, and BB are still the only ones that Hasbro is talking about, but they strongly hinted that there will be more on the way)
Power[ ]core Combiners
5 Pack Combiner teams
- Silvebolt (?) and the Aerialbots (wave 1) - Bombshock and the Combaticons (wave 1) - Double Clutch and the Rallybots (wave 2) - Mudslinger and the Destructicons (wave 2)
2 Packs (1 slightgly larger than Scout figure, 1 Minicon)
- Huffer with Caliburst (wave 1) - Smolder with Chopster (wave 1) - Leadfoot with Pinpoint (wave ?) - Searchlight with Backwind (wave ?) - Icepick with Chainclaw (wave ?) - Sledge with Throttler (wave ?)
Movie Line: However all movie language will be removed from the packaging... (aka "Transformers" w/ "Hunt for the Decepticons" product/online game promo)
Voyager:
- New Optimus Prime mold (very movie accurate/detailed) - Seaspray - Payload
Deluxe:
- Elita-1 (redeco Chromia with what looked to be a new molded head) - Hailstorm (new mold) - Jetblade (redeco) - Sea Attack Ravage (redeco)
Scout:
- Breacher (new mold) - Insecticon (New mold insect bot from ROTF)
Human Alliance:
- Jazz with Lennox (has retractable visor, and motorcycle that transforms into his movie style shielded gun!)
Masterpiece Grimlock to be released in the US with crown...
G1 Blaster with Steeljaw, Ramhorn and Eject Reissue exclusive for SDCC 2010
WAR FOR CYBERTRON There was so much news about the upcoming Transformers: War For Cybertron videogame that have written special posted devoted to the topic.
This year, keep your eyes pealed as I am bringing along my iPhone 3GS to take some quick first glimpse shots of those new toys you're dying to see! I've taken a few pics to get ready for the trip, and embedded a live feed gallery below. Our tour starts at 12:30, and I will upload as I go, so you can expect pictures of the entry and setup to start rolling in around noon Eastern Time. I will also be taking pictures with a much better camera to upload after the event, so keep your eyes pealed here for ongoing/rolling updates on TOYFAIR 2010!!!
Note: to see newly uploaded pictures requires reloading this page. If you prefer larger pictures simply click on the slideshow which will take you to the Live Photo feed in Picasa Web Albums.
HASBRO’S TRANSFORMERS BRAND EXPANDS “MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE” UNIVERSE IN 2010 WITH NEW TOYS THAT CAPTURE THE EXCITEMENT AND EXPAND THE ENTERTAINMENT OF THE ICONIC PROPERTY
New BATTLE OPS BUMBLEBEE Action Figure and POWER CORE COMBINER Expression Lead New Introductions For The Innovative And Popular Toy Line
PAWTUCKET, R.I. (February 12, 2010) — On the heels of launching 2009’s largest grossing movie and in anticipation of the next installment in 2011, the TRANSFORMERS brand from Hasbro, Inc. (NYSE: HAS) ramps up the play in 2010 with new offerings that build on the energy and excitement from the brand’s history and blockbuster film franchise. Featuring over-the-top action figures, unique role-play items and innovative twists on the TRANSFORMERS brand signature play pattern, the 2010 lineup offers dozens of toys, two exciting promotions and an expansive worldwide licensing program across all major categories to satisfy and excite the brand’s ever-expanding fan base.
This spring the AUTOBOTS, the heroic protectors of Earth, need help from their human allies in the N.E.S.T. GLOBAL ALLIANCE as the planet continues to face threats from the evil DECEPTICONS. Hasbro is inviting kids and fans to join the alliance through a special promotion that is currently underway. By collecting three stickers included in specially marked TRANSFORMERS products, kids and fans can join the N.E.S.T. GLOBAL ALLIANCE and mail away for a special edition RAVAGE figure not available anywhere else. The promotion requires a payment of $4.95 for shipping and handling charges to receive the special edition figure and the offer is good while supplies last. Requests must be postmarked by April 30 and received by May 14. Then, in the fall, kids can ‘live’ the TRANSFORMERS adventure as the “Hunt for the DECEPTICONS” promotion begins. Look for exciting details about this interactive promotion later in the year.
If fans can’t wait until 2011 for the next TRANSFORMERS movie they can watch online webisodes of “Cyber Missions,” featuring new TRANSFORMERS adventures. “Cyber Missions” finds the AUTOBOTS working with humans in the N.E.S.T. global alliance to defend Earth against the revenge-seeking DECEPTICONS. There will be 12 webisodes total which began airing online at www.TRANSFORMERS.com in early January and new webisodes will continue to air throughout the year. BUMBLEBEE continues to be one of the most popular TRANSFORMERS heroes as he acts as both a defender and a warrior for good. The new BATTLE OPS BUMBLEBEE action figure continues to push the boundaries of TRANSFORMERS toy innovation and showcases two sides of BUMBLEBEE with features unique to each of these roles. For example, when serving as a guardian, BUMBLEBEE features more playful phrases along with authentic engine sounds and lights. Then, when converted into battle mode, BATTLE OPS BUMBLEBEE has missile launchers that pop out, a converting plasma cannon that lights up, and phrases that change to reflect his battle personality.
Expanding upon the essence of DEVASTATOR — a robot built by combining multiple construction vehicles — the TRANSFORMERS brand unveils the new POWER CORE COMBINERS expression that redefines the magic of combination play. The toys deliver an interchangeable system of robots, vehicles and weapons that escalates the level of fun and increases the number of robots within a child’s TRANSFORMERS toy universe.
For those wanting to engage in heroic AUTOBOT role play, the TRANSFORMERS line offers new items including the OPTIMUS PRIME CYBER SWORD toy which features lights, battle and conversion sounds, as well as key phrases from OPTIMUS PRIME. And for the youngest AUTOBOT-in-training, the TRANSFORMERS brand unveils the new ACTIVATORS expression of action figures. Designed with the youngest TRANSFORMERS fans in mind, ACTIVATORS toys feature easier conversion from vehicle to robot modes than traditional TRANSFORMERS figures and are available in popular characters such as OPTIMUS PRIME, BUMBLEBEE and MEGATRON. For more information about TRANSFORMERS promotions and products, consumers can visitwww.TRANSFORMERS.com.
Highlights of new TRANSFORMERS products available in 2010 include: TRANSFORMERS ACTION FIGURES (Approximate retail price: DELUXE Scale $12.99; VOYAGER Scale $19.99; Leader Scale $44.99; Ages 5 & up; Available: Spring 2010) For more than 25 years, TRANSFORMERS action figures have been known as “ROBOTS IN DISGUISE,” providing fans with the enjoyment of converting incredibly detailed, realistically styled vehicles into awesome battling alien robots. In 2010, Hasbro is offering a wide variety of all-new versions of fan-favorite characters, including OPTIMUS PRIME, BUMBLEBEE, MEGATRON and STARSCREAM in an array of scales: DELUXE, VOYAGER (larger scale), and LEADER (largest scale and includes lights and sounds).
TRANSFORMERS BATTLE OPS BUMBLEBEE Action Figure (Approximate retail price: $59.99; Ages 5 & up; Available: Fall 2010) The all-new BATTLE OPS BUMBLEBEE action figure is ready for battle! This large-scale figure truly shows fans the AUTOBOT hero’s personality, both as a protector of Earth and a warrior against the evil DECEPTICONS. With two distinct modes – Battle and Guardian – BATTLE OPS BUMBLEBEE features a variety of electronic sounds and lights, accompanied by a converting plasma cannon.
TRANSFORMERS POWER CORE COMBINERS The TRANSFORMERS POWER CORE COMBINERS introduce fans to an all-new assortment of figures that expand on the classic play pattern of the popular “ROBOTS IN DISGUISE.” This new expression of figures combine with one another, in dozens of variations, to create a wide variety of larger COMBINER robots, with each figure serving as various body parts and weapons. Available in 2-packs and 5-packs.
• TRANSFORMERS POWER CORE COMBINERS 2-Pack (Approximate retail price: $9.99; Ages 5 & up; Available: Fall 2010) The TRANSFORMERS POWER CORE COMBINERS 2-Pack includes one SCOUT scale TRANSFORMERS figure and one MINI-CON scale figure. The SCOUT scale figure features a ‘robot’ mode and a ‘vehicle’ mode. The MINI-CON scale figure has four modes: ‘robot’ mode, robot weapon, vehicle weapon and Power-up Armor for combining with the central SCOUT scale figure in both robot and vehicle mode. 2-Pack figures are interchangeable with 5-Pack figures.
• TRANSFORMERS POWER CORE COMBINERS 5-Pack (Approximate retail price: $19.99; Ages 5 & up; Available: Fall 2010) The TRANSFORMERS POWER CORE COMBINERS 5-Pack features teams of TRANSFORMERS characters that can combine together to form one large TRANSFORMERS figure. Each team consists of one SCOUT scale figure and four LEGENDS scale vehicles. The SCOUT scale figure features one ‘vehicle’ mode and two ‘robot’ modes and each of the LEGENDS scale vehicles can plug into the specially marked ports on the central SCOUT scale figure to instantaneously convert into an arm or leg using auto-conversion technology. All figures can be swapped out with one another to form multiple different combinations and new figures. 5-Pack figures are interchangeable with 2-Pack figures.
TRANSFORMERS ACTIVATORS (Approximate retail price: $7.99; Ages 4 & up; Available: Spring 2010) TRANSFORMERS ACTIVATORS toys, a new expression within the TRANSFOMERS toy line, feature conversion from vehicle to robot modes that’s easier than traditional TRANSFORMERS figures. Designed with the younger child in mind, conversion is triggered by pressing the AUTOBOT or DECEPTICON shield located on the figure and require only a few steps to fully change modes. TRANSFORMERS ACTIVATORS figures feature popular characters including BUMBLEBEE, OPTIMUS PRIME and MEGATRON.
TRANSFORMERS OPTIMUS PRIME CYBER SWORD (Approximate retail price: $19.99; Ages 4 & up; Available: Fall 2010) The TRANSFORMERS OPTIMUS PRIME CYBER SWORD allows kids to role play just like the fearless leader of the AUTOBOTS and reenact their favorite battle scenes. Kids will enjoy its electronic lights, battle and conversion sounds, as well as key movie phrases.
ACTION FLEET TRANSFORMERS BUMBLEBEE BATTLE TRACK Set (Ages 4 & Up; Approximate Retail Price: $19.99; Available: Fall 2010) Created specifically for the ACTION FLEET TRANSFORMERS line of mini-vehicles, kids can join the adventure and help BUMBLEBEE and OPTIMUS PRIME defeat the evil MEGATRON by racing to victory with the new ACTION FLEET TRANSFORMERS BATTLE TRACK set. The glory of winning depends on your skill; launch the BUMBLEBEE mini-vehicle, exclusive to this track set, at the correct time and send it crashing into MEGATRON who will crumble in defeat. Introduced in 2009, TRANSFORMERS mini-vehicles feature the robot version of characters unique to the TRANSFORMERS universe on the underside of each non-converting vehicle for easy identification.
ACTION FLEET TRANSFORMERS STEALTH FORCE OPTIMUS PRIME Vehicle (Ages 4 & Up; Approximate Retail Price: $24.99; Available: Fall 2010) Featuring electronic lights and sounds, motorized conversions and firing projectiles, kids can “bring to life” the epic TRANSFORMERS battle with this new vehicle from the ACTION FLEET TRANSFORMERS line. For covert combat, watch as select parts of this OPTIMUS PRIME semi-truck vehicle convert with the touch of a button to reveal stealth mode weaponry hidden inside to battle the evil DECEPTICONS like no other vehicle available.
