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TRANSFORMERS: EARTHSPARK – Expedition is a family-focused title aimed at children 10 years +. This action-packed affair captures the essence of the Transformers universe. Accordingly, fans of the franchise will adore every moment. However, if you aren’t so enthused, you’ll find the OTT action to be somewhat tedious.
This action-adventure title was developed by Tessera Studios and published by Outright Games. Subsequently, though it has some elements of violence, it is perfectly safe for a younger audience. What’s more, gamers are kept entertained with some minor RPG and upgrading elements. As such, there is some depth to a potentially shallow idea.
TRANSFORMERS: EARTHSPARK – Expedition tells a tale of doom and despair.
Like every other Transformers experience, the end of the world is nigh! Therefore, a hero must be chosen and plenty of bad guys must be thwarted. Alongside this, there are oodles of clichéd moments and plenty of cheesy one-liners. Consequently, if you love comic books and all things “action”, then you’ll adore this game.
Mandroid and his henchbots plan to destroy humanity! This evil villain has discovered an ancient Cybertronian technology. Accordingly, if he gets his mitts on it, he’ll destroy every human and Autobot he can find. However, Bumblebee and Optimus Prime will not allow this to happen. By exploring the globe, Bumblebee will battle well-known characters. Furthermore, he’ll gather fragments of the deadly technology and thwart Mandroid’s plans.
A simple concept.
As TRANSFORMERS: EARTHSPARK – Expedition is aimed at pre-teens, it has a remarkably simple concept. Effectively, the 3 main areas adopt a rinse-and-repeat approach. Now, this may seem wasteful and lazy, but I think it works well with its key demographic. Each area asks you to conquer strongholds and destroy mining equipment. Alongside this, you must complete an array of side missions, collect cards, and discover mysterious glyphs. Additionally, you are expected to fight wave after wave of mindless bots. Consequently, you’ll be kept busy while you complete your main goal.
The side missions and collectables can be ignored if you so wish. Moreover, the basic puzzles and battles will not test the most adept of gamers. Yet, I enjoyed the low-key difficulty and the almost senseless action. What’s more, it was enjoyable to compete in races or fight hordes of robots. Alternatively, I liked protecting the signal equipment and exploring each dark cave.
In short, TRANSFORMERS: EARTHSPARK – Expedition chucks loads of tasks at you throughout. Subsequently, other than the strongholds, you are free to do as much or as little as you like.
TRANSFORMERS: EARTHSPARK – Expedition lacks polish.
Though I enjoyed much of the action, I was disappointed by the lack of polish. Unfortunately, TRANSFORMERS: EARTHSPARK – Expedition stutters and jumps about like a frog on a hotplate. This is especially noticeable whenever you get too close to the scenery. As a consequence, the screen judders, and it is nauseating to play. This is unacceptable and is something that should have been ironed out prior to its release.
The audio is flawed as well. Unfortunately, the music crunches and pops and driving is uncomfortably repetitive. On top of this, Bumblebee grunts and moans every time he moves. Then you must consider the repetitive soundbites. I understand what the developers were trying to achieve, but more variety would have gone a long way.
An all-powerful Bumblebee.
Aiming a game towards a younger audience is a balancing act. Subsequently, you don’t want the action to be too simple or too difficult. Accordingly, you need an easy-to-use control layout and some testing opponents. Thankfully, TRANSFORMERS: EARTHSPARK – Expedition gets this right. Because of its excellent tutorial and straightforward commands, your kids will master the fundamentals in no time.
Though this is a relatively short game, it still comprises replay value and longevity. Bumblebee can be upgraded with new attacks, better health, and new skills. Furthermore, as the game progresses, he learns unique abilities that open otherwise blocked paths. As a result, you must flit between different areas to find each glyph, card, and secret area.
TRANSFORMERS: EARTHSPARK – Expedition was great to play, but its finish let it down.
TRANSFORMERS: EARTHSPARK – Expedition delivered as an action-adventure title. Moreover, I adored its safe gameplay and child-friendly approach. However, the poor visuals and audio let it down. If you can forgive these shortcomings, you’ll love the fast-paced combat and interesting stage design. Additionally, it’s Transformers, so it’ll always be a winner. Subsequently, despite the issues, I still recommend that you buy it here! Stop Mandroid and save humanity. Learn new skills, destroy evil bots, and help Optimus Prime.
