Transformers: Galactic Trials, a new racing action game from Outright Games and Hasbro, launched on October 11th, 2024 for PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, and PC. Developed by 3DClouds, the game merges vehicular racing and third-person shooting mechanics as players control iconic Transformers characters. In Galactic Trials, players join the Autobots and Decepticons on a mission to recover stolen Prime Relics.
The game features eleven playable Transformers, each with unique skills, and allows players to unlock and collect 70 different Prime Relics to enhance their abilities. However, the game’s execution falls short of its potential. The racing mechanics are mundane, with minimal features and all Transformers playing the same in their vehicle modes.
The transformation aspect is poorly implemented, involving problematic platforming and a cumbersome shooting mechanic. Combat in robot mode is clunky and unsatisfying, with the game automatically selecting targets when players hold down the fire button.
Galactic Trials gameplay underwhelms fans
The robots feel floaty and awkward, detracting from the experience of controlling giant metal entities. Progression in Galactic Trials is lackluster, requiring players to grind through the same handful of stages to unlock desirable weapons and characters. The main game modes, Galactic Trials and Championships, offer minor differences in structure but fail to provide a compelling experience.
On easy and normal difficulty levels, races are often trivial unless disrupted by bugs or physics issues. On the hardest difficulty, “Prime,” the game becomes a chaotic mess where certain opponents can unfairly dominate. Despite a decent presentation and the inclusion of fan-favorite characters, Transformers: Galactic Trials fails to deliver a satisfying racing or combat experience.
The game may appeal to die-hard Transformers fans, but there are plenty of better racing games available that offer more consistent and enjoyable gameplay. Stephanie Malham, Managing Director of Outright Games, stated, “We have had the pleasure of collaborating with our friends at Hasbro on the TRANSFORMERS IP many times over the years. For this important milestone, we worked to create a unique hybrid gameplay experience that perfectly aligns with the duality of these iconic characters.”
Eugene Evans, SVP Digital Strategy and Licensing at Wizards of the Coast and Hasbro, added, “We believe fans will enjoy the unique and dynamic racing gameplay and fun nods to the franchise that can be found in ‘Transformers: Galactic Trials.’ This continues our digital strategy of both licensing and internal development.”
While Transformers: Galactic Trials incorporates elements from the iconic 80s franchise, the game ultimately falls short of its ambitions due to laggy vehicle handling, poorly executed shooting galleries, and a lack of variety in gameplay.
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