I admittedly have a somewhat love/hate
relationship with the Transformer series. For instance, I cannot
stand the original G1 series as not only has the animation aged
horribly, but there is little to know emphasis on the story other
then Decepticons are bad, we the Autobots must destroy them until all are one. While the sequel (prequel?) series Beast Wars
(Beasties in Canada) put more emphasis on story telling in
conjunction with the new visual style. Beast Wars is often regarded
as the pinnacle of story telling within the entire franchise.
Despite my on again/off again
relationship with the franchise (the Bayformers had caused my recent
break up with the franchise) I had been looking forward to trying War
For Cybertron when it first came out. Of course as things are wont to
do, I never got a chance at trying the game until about a year later
where I picked it up at my local EB Games.
So what makes the Cybertron series
worthy of being spotlighted? There are other games that do just as
good or even better. I understand that games like Call of Duty, and
Battlefield strive for authenticity when it comes to the sound design
and for that I applaud them. However I haven't played those shooters
and I have no interest in them.
While I did enjoy the visuals of High
Moon Studio's Cybertron series, what truly set it apart was the sound
of the world. While I do admit I get nostalgic and miss the original
transforming sound, (you know the one) the one the studio used works
just as well. The sound effect for it does have it sound like
machines shifting form. It gives off a sound of authenticity that
these are actual beings undergoing a transformation. Unlike the other
series where it just seemed to be a stock sound.
Another prime example are the sounds of
the weapons when they fire. Given that this is a science fiction
series there is no benchmark on what pulse rifles or anti matter
cannons are supposed to sound like. This, like other sci-fi series,
can make or break the immersion of a game. Luckily High Moon Studios
knew this going into the series and like many other games, the team
crafted a sound that made it seem real. It allowed the player to get
immersed in the game. Coupled with the sound of getting hit by one of
these weapons, which again, sounds authentic even though there is no
real counterpart to it.
Finally, the voice work for the series.
Peter Cullen as Optimus Prime has never sounded so good. Instead of
the original G1, he turned Optimus into a reluctant hero. Weary from
the fighting, he wishes for peace while his Decepticon counterpart
Megatron, voiced by Fred Tatasciore, delivers a performance that
showcases that despite the Deception Warlord's mad lust for Dark
Energon and power, he still commands authority. It provides a
fantastic contrast between the character's and factions.
Cullen and Tatasciore aren't the only
ones who have given the characters life. Sam Riegel's tenure as
Starscream seems to channel Chris Latta's version of the backstabbing
Decepticon. Meanwhile, fan favourite Grimlock is voiced by his original VA Gregg Berger who treats the raging Dinobot not like a bozo, but a King.
You can tell that the voice actors are having fun doing these lines.
While I am not going to say the sound
design is perfect, the voice acting and sound effects are what truly
shine in this game. The effects draw you in and coupled with the top
notch work from the voice actors, it feels as though this is what the
movies should have been about.
If you are wary of the series because
of the Bayformers, do yourself a favour and play these games.
This is Daimo mac and I am lost in the
music.
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