Transformers: Devastation

Transformers Devastation's nostalgia-fueled fisticuffs are a fun way to revisit the classic TV show. Sophisticated combo-based combat delivers a fast and furious barrage of action, but the gear and perks systems left me wondering why they were there at all in a game all about over-the-top boss fights and robot dinosaur beatdowns.

Devastation leverages the Transformers license masterfully and delivers tight, satisfying action with incredible flair. Honestly, I had fun just driving around trying to do donuts, and at one point, I randomly picked up a taxi and threw it over a building just for laughs. That's pretty great. And when that perfect rockin' soundtrack kicks in as you face off against Megatron, that's even better.

Platinum's brisk and breezy take on the 1980s Transformers cartoons is a joy, albeit one that wears itself out a little too quickly.

Superfans, roll out! Everyone else, on the other hand ...

This is Bayonetta dressed up in robot clothes, which is a Very Good Thing. Brilliantly playable, and full of Transformers fan-service, only its brevity and simplistic level design let it down.

A series of flamboyant action sequences and a proven combat formula make this a solid choice for action fans

As well as being the most unabashed Transformers fan-service games have given us yet, it's also a slick, exciting, hyper-fast punchy-shooty game in its own right. It's dumb as a box of Dinobots of course, but it's not even trying to be otherwise – and that's why its simple, colourful enthusiasm for robot-bashing is so infectious.

I'm not even sure if there are G1 fans out there anymore. It shouldn't be a deciding factor when picking up Transformers: Devastation though, as it's a great action romp by any right. Just be ready to deal with a few nitpicky issues.

Outstanding combat. Plenty of familiar faces and foices. Camera has issues. Repetitive environments are repetitive. The game ends. The cloest gaming has come to a playable Generation One Transformers cartoon.

Transformers Devastation is a great example of how to take a licensed property and turn it into a quality title. While the game is a little on the short side, it's strong from start to finish. Generation 1 fans have every reason to be excited for this, as it's not only lovingly crafted but it's also a genuinely enjoyable game on its own merits. From its stunning visual presentation to its immensely gratifying combat system, this is worthy of wielding the Matrix of Leadership. We recommend transforming and rolling out to your nearest store to pick up a copy.