Transformers: Galactic Trials (PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X| & PC)

From the norm of the Transformers series comes Transformers: Galactic Trials, with added thrill. Adding to the excitement, the recent sequel has decided its time for us to transform the racing style. The idea of  high-speed racing on the explosive robotic combat machines is a deal we had all been restlessly waiting for. And as it seems, our costly patience is paying well. Minutes into the game, and the sequel gets you wanting for more. But how does it fair hours into later? To answer this question, a Transformers: Galactic Trials in-depth review is a guarantee. Let’s go!

Hit the Speed Bumps

While it might not satisfy die-hard racing fans, this arcade-style racer brings something unseen before to racing games. The game blends racing with action elements that bring back the Transformers universe’s nostalgia. Have you read the Transformers relic books or watched the iconic films? If you have, then this game will transport you right back into that world. This time around, it combines nostalgic elements with new, high-stakes adventures.

The devs only tweaked a little of the original story, drawing heavily on the classic battle between the Autobots and Decepticons. This time, the stakes are higher. Evil Nemesis Prime steals the powerful Prime Relics, artefacts that grant unimaginable powers. The Autobots must recover these relics, which have been scattered across the galaxy after an explosive confrontation. You get that nostalgic vibe from the Transformers comic books, right?

Contrary to the racing genre, Transformers: Galactic Trials follows a unique path in its narrative delivery. Its story closely comes out as an action-adventure narrative than a racing game storyline. Well, this is all filler, but the question is, does it manage to create a sense of purpose behind the races?

Fortunately, yes, it does deliver the narrative perfectly.

Unfortunately, the delivery is not well fine-tuned to meet the expectations of adrenaline-pumping racing lovers. While every scene leads to something more deep, it tends to take away the fun of speed competitions.

War on the Track

Transformers: Galactic Trials stands out in the genre due to its blend of racing and combat mechanics. Typically, racing games place their focus purely on competition. Here, all action revolves around speed, skill, and the thrill to reach the finish line first, with little to no combat involved.

The few games that introduced some combat like Need for Speed: Most Wanted didn’t go as far as firing the action to the max. This is where the Transformers comes in with a swoop. The sequel introduces a shootout to light up the whole scene.

The game, however, flips the script by offering two main gameplay elements. Traditional racing and a “run and gun” style gauntlet mode. In the racing sections, you’re doing more than just zipping around a track. You must outmaneuver your opponents, drifting around tight corners, and use every boost pad you can find to keep your lead. 

Now, the twist comes with the addition of combat elements. It transforms each race into a thrilling, high-stakes battle for victory. It’s not just about beating your rivals to the finish line; it’s about taking them down along the way.

In the gauntlet mode, the game further ramps up the intensity by pitting you against a range of obstacles and enemies. Here, you’ll need to destroy drones, turrets, and massive mechanical guards that stand in your way. This mode not only adds variety but also satisfies that itch for action. 

Pimp your Ride

For a moment, it seemed like a challenge to imagine how the developers would seamlessly integrate combat into a racing game. Yet, the team outdid itself by introducing a relic and weapon selection system that enhanced the combat aspect. Before each race, players can select relics that offer unique stat boosts and modify their vehicle’s performance. This customization allows players to adapt their strategy for each race, making it more than just a test of speed.

This system is a welcome addition, as it provides a degree of customization that can influence race outcomes. Picking the right relics can significantly improve your chances of success, adding a strategic element that goes beyond mere speed. Coupled with weapon selections, this feature makes each race more engaging. Players must adapt their strategy based on their current relics and opponents.

Yet, while these upgrades are intriguing, they don’t transform the gameplay enough to make it feel entirely fresh or innovative. There’s a sense that this customization aspect could have been expanded further to include more unique abilities. Similarly, vehicle modifications would have added depth to the racing experience.

Cool But…

The visual presentation in Transformers: Galactic Trials is vibrant but lacks the polish one might expect from a modern racing game. The colorful and energetic graphics suit the game’s arcade style. Conversely, the level of detail in character models and environments is somewhat underwhelming. Character models, in particular, appear rather bland and undistinguished, making it difficult to appreciate the different Transformer identities.

The audio design is similarly disappointing. While the soundtrack is upbeat and energetic, it’s not memorable and could easily belong to any other racing game. Of course, in such a unique racing game, you would expect a better soundtrack. However, sound effects during races, such as engine roars and collision noises, don’t stand out as particularly unique. It’s a missed opportunity, given the rich soundscapes associated with the Transformers franchise.

On the flip side, there are some redeeming factors here, such as the inclusion of iconic Transformers sound effects. These familiar sounds might elicit some nostalgia, especially among players who have followed the Transformers series for years.

Fun on the Couch

Racing games are always cool when you compete with a friend on the couch, battling across various tracks. Transformers: Galactic Trials offers both single and multiplayer modes where friends can join the action. One thing that stands out in the game is its competitive multiplayer option, which fosters fun and engaging local multiplayer sessions.

On the flip side, the game lacks an online multiplayer component. That significantly limits the game’s long-term replayability, especially with the current trends in the gaming space. On top of that, the game’s repetitive mechanics mean that even the local multiplayer option can get boring after a few sessions. Longevity is often key in a game’s appeal to fans, and Transformers: Galactic Trials is not doing well in that. 

However, the challenge of unlocking relics does add a bit of replay value. If you enjoy collecting everything, you may find yourself returning to the game occasionally to tackle new objectives and unlock all available content. While Transformers: Galactic Trials brings some innovative gameplay ideas to the table, it does fall short in execution. The drawback is noticeable when you try switching between vehicle and robot modes. The concept is super cool but the implementation could be better.

Elephant in the Room

Now, let’s address the elephant in the room. Pricing can often be a dealbreaker, especially for a game that offers a mix of experiences. Transformers: Galactic Trials is priced in line with many other arcade-style racing games, but it’s worth considering whether the game offers enough to justify the expense.

For fans of the Transformers franchise, the nostalgic factor and the ability to play as iconic characters may make the price worthwhile. However, for more general racing fans or those looking for a traditional racing experience, the game’s appeal might be less appealing. Compared to other robust racing titles in the same price range, the game is limited in replay value. 

The platforming elements, for instance, often rely on bounce pads that are meant to propel you to the next section of the track. Unfortunately, these pads are inconsistent, sometimes failing to launch players as intended, which can lead to frustrating interruptions in gameplay. 

Additionally, the transitions between racing, combat, and platforming feel clunky at times. Consequently, it breaks the momentum and may pull players out of the action. While the game’s ambition to blend these elements is commendable, the technical flaws and unreliable features can make it feel unworthy of the price. For a game based on such an iconic franchise, it’s a shame that these issues prevent Transformers: Galactic Trials from fully living up to its potential. 

Verdict

In conclusion, Transformers: Galactic Trials offers an intriguing take on the racing genre. The devs deserve a thumbs-up for perfectly blending familiar elements from the Transformers universe with arcade racing mechanics and combat. The game is accessible and offers a good time for Transformers fans, particularly younger audiences or those looking for a casual multiplayer experience.

However, the game’s flaws prevent it from standing out as a must-play racing title. While the narrative is fantastic and unique, it feels somewhat lacking. The visual and audio presentation leaves much to be desired. Despite some clever gameplay mechanics, such as relic customization and combat, these elements lack the depth necessary to sustain long-term interest.

Ultimately, Transformers: Galactic Trials may be worth a look for fans of the franchise or those seeking a lighthearted racing game with a unique twist. However, if you’re looking for a racing game that offers a polished, high-adrenaline experience, this title might fall short. While it may not be spectacular, it offers enough to keep players entertained, at least for a while.