Games like Transformers: Galactic Trials make me yearn for the days when High Moon Studios made Transformers games.
Not that it boosted my nostalgia or anything. But playing through Trials, it made me miss that developer’s nuances. They understood what made a Transformers game work so well. Combat, story, character investment, all of it. Galactic Trials, even with a neat concept, just can’t live up to that status.
The game has an interesting mix of driving and on-foot combat, all with a competitive edge. However, it doesn’t really do either element very well. The driving is barely average at best, and the combat is instantly forgettable. Not to mention key characters from the franchise – like Starscream – are sorely missing. And the story? Forgettable, at best.
Maybe the Cybertron games from High Moon Studios set the bar too high. But even on its own level, Transformers: Galactic Trials comes up short. With a bit longer development into its gameplay styles, it could’ve been a transformative success. As it stands, however, it’s bound for the junk heap.
The Transformers: Galactic Trials Starts With a Hunt
Damn it, Nemesis Prime. Leave it to you to put the galaxy in disarray.
The story – what little there is here – focuses on him scattering important relics across the galaxy. The Autobots vow to put them back in their place, while the Decepticons see an opportunity for themselves. Hence, the race is on to collect them all, however they can.
There is an array of characters here, including Optimus Prime, Megatron and others. But the roster is painfully short, with a number of favorites clearly missing. Not only that, but the idea of Autobots competing against each other – instead of working together – is a confusing inclusion. I suppose the “good sport” factor could be put into consideration, but still.
As for the gameplay, it goes across two segments, forcibly put together. The first is general racing, while the second consists of combat courses. With the combat courses, you run around, shoot enemies, and get back to racing. Rinse, repeat.
It’s actually not a bad idea, and done right, it might work wonders. Done right being the key words here.
The developers at 3DClouds simply slap together elements here in terms of gameplay. The shooting feels absolutely haphazard, and not even entirely accurate. See, it relies on targeting, and half the time you’re not even close enough to foes to destroy them. Oh, but they can hit you, though. That’s fair. And forget about any dreams of up-close combat – they’re worn out quickly.
As for the driving, it’s…okay? The problem is the drifting system is wonky. As a result, you’re going to hit walls more often than not. The steering itself is alright, but the minute you need to take tight turns, you’re going to lose traction. This could’ve used a lot more fine tuning.
The game does feature local co-op, so a friend can join in the “fun.” But this is more of a technical mess, and not even worth the effort. You’d be better off trying to get a multiplayer session of War for Cybertron working on your Xbox 360.
There’s just so much here that’s a mess. Again, Galactic Trials does have a sweet concept, and with a lot more effort, it could’ve been a contender. As it stands, it comes across as rushed. The only Trial you’ll feel here is the urge to go back to older, better games.
So How’s the Presentation?
As for visuals, Transformers: Galactic Trials doesn’t look bad. It doesn’t have the finer detail of older games (or even Devastation), but it’s suitable. The world of Cybertron looks good, and the tracks resemble a good deal of craftmanship. I even liked the transformation animations that some of the characters have.
It just…there’s something “basic” about the whole thing. It doesn’t have an extraordinary amount of effort, and the fact we don’t even get animated cutscenes is a disappointment. Dedicated fans and kids may not mind so much, but more should’ve been done here.
As for the sound, it’s…okay? I do miss some of the genuine voice actors from the older cartoons, but the fill-ins aren’t horrible. The music, however, is forgettable, lacking that push to keep you going through this trials. And the sound effects? Well, there are transformation noises. But not much else.
Overall, it just feels like the effort is missing. Galactic Trials comes up short as a result.
Roll Out…To Another Game
I wanted to like Galactic Trials. Again, great idea, and the idea of tooling around Cybertron in races has potential. But it’s just done so…blandly. The racing has very little to offer, and the combat sequences are worse. And where multiplayer should be a benefit, here it just seems haphazard.
Throw in somewhat average visuals and audio – and the lack of ideal characters – and you have a Transformers game that stalls. Optimus Prime and his crew deserved better. And, hopefully, they’ll get it with those Cybertron game releases.
GAMERHUB RATING: 2 (out of 5) JOYSTICKS
Thanks to Outright Games for the review code. Transformers: Galactic Trials is available now for Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch and PC.
Need more competitive games? Check out our reviews of Blazing Strike, Starship Troopers: Extermination and Worms Armageddon: Anniversary Edition!
