Transformers Prime is the most recent computer animated cartoon based on the long-running Transformers toy line. You can watch the show on ‘The Hub’ cable channel. And now you can have a Prime adventure in video game form! The evil Decepticon leader Megatron has found a meteor filled with Dark Energon, and he’s towing it back to Earth. When Optimus Prime and the Autobots show up to stop him, the meteor explodes and all the Autobots plummet to Earth. Now it’s up to you to help Optimus Prime and the rest of the Autobots regroup and stop Megatron from using a secret weapon that could destroy the world! Transformers Prime: The Game is available for all of Nintendo’s current gaming systems (Wii, 3DS, DS, and later Wii U), and the Wii, 3DS, and DS versions are reviewed here!

Wii Version

Transformers Prime: The Game is a run and gun shooter game with a few platforming and driving elements thrown in for good measure. In each stage of the Story mode, you’ll play as a separate Autobot like leader Optimus Prime, speedy female motorcycle Autobot Arcee, large and hulking Bulkhead, or little yellow Bumblebee. You can run and jump, and perform melee attacks by wiggling the Wii remote. Lock on and shoot long distance enemies with your guns. When a special meter fills up, you can get a temporary upgrade that allows for more powerful attacks.

Just like what a Transformers game should do, you can change from robot to car at nearly any time. Sometimes there are even special driving sections. In car form, you can go faster, jump longer, and perform a really cool attack where you drive up to the enemy and do a melee attack that can break shields and do big time damage. Performing this move is super cool and very satisfying.

Hidden in each stage are secret emblems to find, and you can earn in-game achievements and unlock characters, movies, and artwork in the gallery. There is also a multiplayer mode where up to four human or computer players can battle it out in an arena. The game is fully voiced by the cast from the cartoon show, so if you like the animated series on TV, you’ll definitely want to check out this game.

3DS Version

It’s basically the same game as the Wii version, and even the graphics don’t take a hit. All the features from the Wii game are intact, except you push buttons to attack instead of waving the remote around. Also, in order to do Multiplayer Mode, you need to have other nearby people with their own 3DS handheld and copy of the game. Because of the 3DS analog pad, controls feel a little sluggish, but otherwise it’s a pretty good port.

DS Version

Even though it takes a hit in the visual department and is missing the multiplayer mode and hidden emblems, the DS version is surprisingly good. It may be the simpler movements of the enemies or the sturdy D-pad, but the DS version seems smoother to control and missions are a little easier, too. All three versions may not be as great as the Transformers: Fall of Cybertron game released earlier this year, but now at least Nintendo console owners have a good Transformers game, too. It turned out a lot better than what I expected it to be.

Kid Factor:

Transformers Prime: The Game is rated E-10 with an ESRB descriptor of Fantasy Violence. You do shoot, punch, and explode a lot of robots, but that’s it. If you’re OK with your kids watching the cartoon show they’ll be OK with the game, too. Missions aren’t too hard, but younger players might get a little frustrated at some of the later, more difficult levels. More reading skill is needed for the DS version because it has less voice work, but it’s also the easiest version of the game, too.

Tags: Game Reviews, Television