Transformers: Fall of Cybertron is Activision’s latest entry into the well established Transformers series, and at E3, we at Rocket Chainsaw were eager to have a go at it. Developed by High Moon Studios (Transformers: War for Cybertron, Transformers: Dark of the Moon), the game is a direct sequel to War for Cybertron. Matt Tieger, the director for Fall of Cybertron, was present to take us through the demo (which was only available behind closed doors). He was quick to emphasise that High Moon Studios are committed to making a great game, that the Dinobots will be making a big appearance, and that their intention is for Fall of Cybertron to be bigger and more open that previous titles.

We started out with a Starscream level. This level revolved around Starscream’s intention to betray Megatron, and build his own army. The objective here was to kill the Deceptions guarding Shockwave’s tower and then plant EMP devices on it. Flying through the level, we were required to jet to different parts of the tower, including accessing a terminal to make use of a store where we could buy weapons from Swindle. As we dispatched Shockwave’s troops, we were able to use a new grenade launching weapon. These grenades can be detonated early, to act as cluster bombs, showering the area with explosions. If left to detonate naturally though, they create a single, large explosion. Starscream is a very fluid, fast Transformer to play as, capable of agile moves which made navigating the level easy. We were able to transform at any time, quickly switching between Starscream’s larger bipedal form, and more compact fighter jet form. With Shockwave’s troops quickly destroyed, and all EMP devices set, the level was complete.

For the next level, we were put in control of Grimlock. While Starscream is quick and agile, Grimlock is heavier, and uses large weapons. Equipped with a sword and shield, he can’t simply transform at any time. Instead, he has to build up a rage meter, then transform into his dinosaur form in order cause huge amounts of destruction. In dinosaur mode, he can breathe fire at his enemies, as well as trample them and execute them (with his jaws) in brutal fashion. This functionality has a limit though, and after a short period of time, he’ll transform back to his original form. Grimlock’s level was set in a large underground base, where he could use his slow but powerful moves to smash through enemies. This level’s objective was to destroy a series of power generators, in order to reach Slag’s control room.

The final level we saw had us take control of the one and only Optimus Prime. Like Starscream, he’s able to transform into a vehicle at any time. The huge Autobot, Metroplex, makes an appearance in order to support him. Optimus can navigate the level while marking targets for Metroplex to shoot with his powerful mortar. This level has more of a warzone setting than the others, with battles raging around Optimus constantly. Optimus himself isn’t quite as fast as Starscream, but he makes up for it with sheer power. Driving through the level in vehicle form, he can plow straight through enemies as he makes his way to the end of the level, where a mysterious boss awaits.

Finishing up, Matt mentioned that there’s a PC version coming, which is sure to please many fans. Escalation mode is making a return, it’s 4 player online co-op, which is refined and much tighter in Fall of Cybertron. There are a range of jobs for players to choose from – healer, tank, torrent deployer, and defensive player. Transformers: Fall of Cybertron is set for a PAL release on the 31st of August.