Transformers: Devastation is the forthcoming video game brawler featuring cell-shaded, G1 era animation from developer Platinum Games and publisher Activison. In tandem with the unveiling of the first feature trailer for the new playable release in the titular franchise, Platinum promised that fans of the series would be able to play a total of five different Autobot protagonists engaged in battle with their Decepticon opponents, in a game heavy on a story pulling from the Combiner Wars event from the comics.
A lack of a Decepticon main campaign may be a deterrent for some players, but there is an undeniable charm to the title's old school animation and ballsy comic-book infused narrative set pieces - both of which come across in the latest character trailer for the upcoming video game title.
In the video featured above, Platinum Games highlight playable Autobot protagonists Optimus Prime, Bumblebee, Sideswipe, Wheeljack, and Grimlock, amid fantastically exaggerated super-fights that stretch the boundaries of nostalgic self-indulgence. With longtime series voice actor Peter Cullen in the lead as Optimus, alongside voice actors Dan Gilvezan (Bumblebee), Michael Bell (Sideswipe), Gregg Berger (Grimlock) and Frank Welker (Megatron, Soundwave), the latest trailer for Devastation rolls out an action-packed, two-minute long glimpse of various gameplay elements yet to come this fall.
When Optimus commands his Autobots to "Roll Out," it's easy to get on board for what is sure to be a memorable trip down memory lane for many lifelong seers of what's more than meets the eye. Fans of the seminal animated series of the 1980s are already familiar with the G1 aesthetics featured in the latest game from Platinum, and the developer is probably banking on that familiarity when it comes to selling their latest iteration of the decades old IP.
Following the multiple feature-length films directed by Michael Bay (starting in 2007), it would be nice to see a Transformers installment more irreverent and imaginative in its interpretation of its inherently cartoonish premise. Where Bay has at times attempted to imbue more social-fueled drama and realism (via immediate physical danger) into his live-action take on the Hasbro multi-merchandise, super-property, Platinum Games looks poised and aware of an incompatibility with overt melodramatics of any kind (and much to their credit).
Transformers: Devastation will be available for purchase from participating retailers on the U.S. on October 6th, 2015 on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, Xbox One, Xbox 360, and PC.
Source: Activison