Transformers: Rise of the Dark Spark

Last updated
Transformers: Rise of the Dark Spark
Transfromersgame.png
Developer(s) Edge of Reality
(PC, consoles)
WayForward Technologies (3DS)
Publisher(s) Activision
Director(s) Brody Brooks
Adam Tierney (3DS)
Producer(s) Andy Owen (PC, consoles)
Shannon Hatakeda (3DS)
Designer(s) Dominic Craig
(PC, consoles)
Brody Brooks
Adam Tierney
Barrett Velia (3DS)
Programmer(s) Emanuel Masciarelli
(PC, consoles)
Daniel Yoon (3DS)
Artist(s) Ewan Wan Woo Lee
William M. Sullivan
(PC, consoles)
Paul Castillo (3DS)
Writer(s) Andy Schmidt
(PC, consoles)
Adam Tierney (3DS)
Composer(s) Jeff Broadbent
Steve Jablonsky
Bobby Tahouri
Troels Brun Folmann
Series Transformers
Engine Unreal Engine 3
(PC, consoles)
Platform(s)
Release
  • NA: June 24, 2014
  • AU: June 25, 2014
  • EU: June 27, 2014
Genre(s) Third-person shooter, Strategy, role-playing (3DS)
Mode(s) Single-player, multiplayer

Transformers: Rise of the Dark Spark is a video game based on the Transformers franchise, developed by Edge of Reality and WayForward, and published by Activision. It is the third and final entry in the Cybertron series, following War for Cybertron and Fall of Cybertron , and acts as a spin-off and crossover with the live-action Transformers films. [1] One portion of the game takes place in the timeline divergent from the one where the films take place, serving as an alternative to the events of Age of Extinction , and follows the Autobots as they try to retrieve a Cybertronian artifact called the Dark Spark from the mercenary Lockdown. The other portion, set between the first two Cybertron games, [2] depicts the Decepticons' attempts to use the Dark Spark to win the war against the Autobots, and the latter's efforts to stop them.

Contents

The game was developed primarily by Edge of Reality, with the Nintendo 3DS version developed by WayForward Technologies. It was published by Activision and released worldwide in June 2014 for Microsoft Windows, Nintendo 3DS, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Wii U, Xbox 360, and Xbox One. Rise of the Dark Spark received mixed-to-negative reviews.

Gameplay

The console and Microsoft Windows versions of Transformers: Rise of the Dark Spark are a third-person shooter, much like its predecessors: Transformers: War for Cybertron , Transformers: Fall of Cybertron , and Transformers: Dark of the Moon . Players can control each transformer in both its robot and vehicle forms. Instead of a traditional health system, the game features a system similar to the Halo series of video games. The player character has both a regenerating shield and health, the latter of which can be replenished by a health pack. The game features various challenges which reward the players with weapon upgrades, characters for the multiplayer component, and other bonuses. Upgrades for weapons can be purchased through Teletran 1 kiosks found throughout the game. Every character has their own unique ability. For example, Soundwave can summon his minions, Optimus Prime has a shield to block incoming fire, Sharpshot can turn invisible for a few seconds, and the Combaticons have the ability to combine into the massive Decepticon Bruticus. The Autobot Grimlock, who transforms into a dinosaur, is controlled differently from other characters: he carries only melee weapons (though he can shoot fire out of his mouth when in dinosaur form), and is much larger than other characters, in addition to having more health points.

The 3DS version of the game is a strategy game role-playing video game. [3] Melee combat is turn-based. The player is given three rounds to deplete their opponent's health. If successful, the enemy is removed from the overworld map. The player can choose from seven different attacks, each with their own recharge time after each use. [3]

Multiplayer

Transformers: Rise of The Dark Spark has an extra mode called "Escalation". It is an online multiplayer mode where four players fend off waves of increasingly tough enemies, returned with the addition of upgradable defenses. The mode features over forty playable characters, and has levels based on both Cybertron and Earth. [4] Experience points collected by players are shared between the single-player and multiplayer modes. [2] The Escalation mode is absent in the Wii U and 3DS versions of the game. [5]

Synopsis

Setting

Transformers: Rise of the Dark Spark is a crossover with the Transformers film franchise and the Cybertron video game series, the latter consisting of Transformers: War for Cybertron and Transformers: Fall of Cybertron . [6] The eponymous Dark Spark is a powerful artifact that is capable of ripping holes in dimensions, which brings two Transformers universes together. The Cybertron universe component of the game takes place before the events of Fall of Cybertron, while its film series universe component takes place on Earth in 2014, continuing Transformers: Dark of the Moon and ignoring Transformers: Age of Extinction . The story consists of fourteen chapters, six of which are set on Earth and eight on Cybertron.

Characters

Autobots
Decepticons

^a Playable in campaign
^b Playable in escalation
^d Appears in campaign, but is non-playable
^e Slag was renamed Slug in the game due to Slag being a derogatory term in some cultures
^f Originally available via pre-order, later downloadable content

Plot

On Earth, in the film continuity, the Autobots Optimus Prime, Bumblebee, and Drift investigate the site of a mysterious crash in an abandoned city, encountering a large group of Cybertronian mercenaries led by Lockdown. At the crash site, they find a Cybertronian relic known as the Dark Spark, but before they can retrieve it, Lockdown takes it for himself and uses it to temporarily freeze them in time. As Lockdown makes his escape, Optimus says "I thought this day would never come..." and proceeds explain what the Dark Spark is: a powerful relic of unknown origins, believed to be the antithesis of the Autobot Matrix of Leadership. Whereas the Matrix grants wisdom, the Dark Spark gives the user the power to bend the universe and its inhabitants to their own will.

In the Cybertron continuity, Megatron announces that the Decepticons are close to defeating the Autobots and conquering Cybertron, and dispatches Starscream, Soundwave, and Shockwave to find the Dark Spark in the abandoned Crystal City. During their search, the Decepticons are attacked by a swarm of Insecticons led by Hardshell, Kickback and Sharpshot. Shockwave defeats the trio, earning their fealty and control of the Insecticons. With their help, the Decepticons find the Dark Spark, but before they can retrieve it, the Autobots Sideswipe and Ironhide grab it and run away. Pursued by Insecticons, they regroup with Optimus and Bumblebee at a train station, where they must fight off hordes of Insecticons and Starscream until the next train arrives. The Autobots manage to escape, but Shockwave destroys the train using hidden explosives.

Shockwave and Sharpshot defeat Ironhide to reclaim the Dark Spark, but while attempting to reunite with the other Decepticons, they are ambushed by the Autobots. After escaping from them, the pair meet up with the Combaticons Onslaught, Vortex, and Swindle, the latter of whom helps them safely deliver the Dark Spark to Kaon, the Decepticons' capital city. Along the way, they are again ambushed by the Autobots, including Cliffjumper, but manage to defeat them. Jazz subsequently leads an Autobot siege on the gates of Kaon, but the Combaticons combine to form Bruticus and repel the attack. Cliffjumper is taken prisoner after unsuccessfully trying to destroy Bruticus with an explosive.

Optimus and Jazz lead a secret mission to retrieve the Dark Spark and rescue Cliffjumper, but after finding the latter, all three become caught in a virtually inescapable trap. Optimus contacts Perceptor, who sends Jetfire to infiltrate the ruins of the massive Decepticon Trypticon. Despite an encounter with a Decepticon salvage team led by Starscream, Jetfire is able to use Trypticon's laser array to free Optimus, Jazz, and Cliffjumper, and then escape. While Jazz escorts the wounded Cliffjumper to safety, Optimus confronts Megatron, who uses the Dark Spark in combination with Dark Energon to revive several dead Autobots as mindless drones. Optimus defeats Megatron and uses the Matrix of Leadership to send the Dark Spark into deep space, but this injures both of them. While Shockwave carries Megatron away to safety, Optimus contacts Jazz to tell him that the Dark Spark is gone and they can advance with their plan to leave Cybertron via the Ark .

Back in the film continuity, the Autobots track Lockdown to a jungle, with Bumblebee and Drift being sent to scout ahead and find the mercenaries' stronghold. After Drift is captured, Bumblebee rescues him, but the pair are soon overwhelmed by enemy forces. They are saved by the sudden appearance of Grimlock, who helps them defeat the mercenaries, though Lockdown escapes once again. After learning Lockdown is heading to an underground military base in another abandoned city, the Autobots go there to confront him, but only Optimus, Bumblebee, and Drift enter the bunker, as Grimlock is forced to stay behind to defend the entrance. The trio discover Lockdown is building a Time Bridge to bring the Autobot-Decepticon war into the present for personal gain, but the Autobots destroy it while Optimus confronts Lockdown. With Drift's help, Optimus separates Lockdown from the Dark Spark and throws the latter into the Time Bridge, sending it to an unknown point in time. The Autobots and Lockdown escape moments before the Time Bridge explodes, vowing to meet again.

In an epilogue scene, the G1 continuity Optimus sees the Dark Spark crashing on Earth and also says "I thought this day would never come..."

Development

The Windows and console versions of Transformers: Rise of the Dark Spark are powered by Epic Games' Unreal Engine 3 and utilize the Havok physics engine. Unlike Fall of Cybertron and War for Cybertron, which were developed by High Moon Studios, primary development for Rise of the Dark Spark was handled by Edge of Reality. WayForward Technologies developed the Nintendo 3DS version of the game, which unlike its counterparts is a strategy RPG. It is the first PlayStation 4 game to use its Pre-Load feature, which allows players to download a game before its release date and have it ready to play the day it is released. [7] Owing to the nature of the game's narrative several characters have multiple models to choose from, each related to a given continuity. For example, Autobots Bumblebee and Grimlock feature two separate playable character models, one from the War for Cybertron continuity, and one from the cinematic universe. [8] [9] Optimus Prime features two separate character models from these continuities, plus a Transformers: Generation 1 model. [10]

Several veteran voice actors voice multiple characters. Peter Cullen reprises his long-time role as Optimus Prime. [11] Of his experience provided voice work for the game, Cullen said "there was a such a respect for the character from the beginning. I wasn’t used to that, it’s something that’s transformed—pardon the pun—over the years." [12] Fred Tatasciore also returns to voice Megatron. Jim Ward voices Perceptor, Scott Whyte voices Hardshell, and Travis Willingham voices Onslaught and Sideswipe. Troy Baker voices Jazz, Jetfire, and Kickback. Gregg Berger voices Grimlock and Lockdown. Steve Blum provides the voices for Sharpshot, Shockwave, and Swindle. Nolan North voices Bruticus and Cliffjumper. Keith Silverstein voices Blast Off and Rumble. Soundwave is voiced by Isaac C. Singleton Jr. Vortex is voiced by Dave Boat. Sam Riegel reprises his role of Starscream from Transformers: War for Cybertron . Keith Szarabajka voices Ironhide.

A trailer for Rise of the Dark Spark featured American rock band Linkin Park's single "Until It's Gone".

The game was released in 2014 for Microsoft Windows, Nintendo 3DS, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Wii U, Xbox 360, and Xbox One in North America on June 24, in Australia on June 25, and in Europe on June 27. [13] [14]

As of 2020, Activision has discontinued support for Rise of the Dark Spark, and the game's multiplayer servers have been shut down. [15]

Reception

The console and Windows versions of Transformers: Rise of the Dark Spark, developed by Edge of Reality, received unfavourable reviews from critics. Approval ratings for this version averaged between 60.00% and 30.00% at GameRankings, while Metacritic reports scores in the 40s. IGN gave it a "bad" rating of 4.0 out of 10.0, due to "dull" and "bland" design, a "complex" story, and the total absence of multiplayer support on Wii U. [29] The Nintendo 3DS version, developed by WayForward Technologies, received better reviews with a GameRankings score of 60.00% and no Metacritic score reported. [19]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Megatron</span> Transformers character

Megatron is the main antagonist of the Transformers media franchise produced by the American toy company Hasbro and the Japanese toy company Takara Tomy. He is the tyrannical leader of the Decepticons, a villainous faction of alien robots that seeks to conquer their home planet of Cybertron and the rest of the known universe, and serves as the archenemy of Optimus Prime, the leader of the rival Autobot faction. As with all Cybertronians, Megatron can disguise himself by transforming into vehicles or weapons. His alternate modes have included a Walther P38 handgun, a particle-beam weapon, a telescopic laser cannon, a Cybertronian jet, and various tanks, depending on which continuity he is depicted in.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Grimlock</span> Transformers character

Grimlock is the name of several fictional robot characters in the Transformers robot franchise. He is usually portrayed as the leader of the Dinobots, which are a subfaction of Autobots who can transform into metal dinosaurs. Grimlock is known for his dialogue being spoken in the third person. He appeared on screen along with other Dinobots in the fourth installment of the Transformers film series.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Starscream</span> Transformers character

Starscream is a character in the Transformers media franchise produced by the American toy company Hasbro and the Japanese toy company Takara Tomy. He is the second-in-command of the Decepticons, a villainous faction of alien robots that seeks to conquer their home planet of Cybertron and the rest of the known universe. As with all Cybertronians, Starscream can disguise himself by transforming into vehicles, in his case a fighter jet, and he is usually portrayed as a treacherous but cowardly air commander who seeks to overthrow his leader Megatron and assume control of the Decepticons.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Arcee</span> Transformers character

Arcee is a fictional robot character in the Transformers franchise. She has been depicted as a female Autobot, usually pink or blue in color. She has made more appearances and has had several more incarnations than any other female Transformer. Arcee's design, alternate mode, and personality vary depending on continuity.

Soundwave (<i>Transformers</i>) Transformers character

Soundwave is a fictional robot character appearing in various Transformers continuity lines within the Transformers franchise. His most well-known disguise is that of a micro cassette recorder. Throughout most of his incarnations, he is an underlying loyal lieutenant of the Decepticon leader Megatron. He is commonly depicted as Megatron's communications officer and in some interpretations, only speaks when mocking the Autobots.

Jazz (<i>Transformers</i>) Transformers character

Jazz is a fictional robot character from the Transformers franchise. He is usually portrayed as a music-loving robot who speaks Black Vernacular English. In certain continuities he is shown as Optimus Prime's good friend and right-hand man.

Jetfire is the name of several fictional characters from the Transformers franchise. He is almost always depicted as an Autobot with flight capabilities and a jet or space shuttle as an alternate mode. In some continuities, he is a former Decepticon.

Bumblebee (<i>Transformers</i>) Transformers character

Bumblebee is a fictional robot character appearing in the many continuities in the Transformers franchise. The character is a member of the Autobots, a group of sentient, self-configuring, modular extraterrestrial robotic lifeforms.

Cliffjumper is the name of several fictional characters from the Transformers franchise. His name is usually associated with an Autobot whose toys are often red repaints or remold of Bumblebee toys.

Transformers: The War Within is a series of comic book mini-series written by Simon Furman and published by Dreamwave Productions featuring Generation One characters with brand new pre-Earth designs.

<i>Transformers: Animated</i> American superhero animated series

Transformers Animated is a superhero animated television series based on the Transformers toy line. It was produced by Cartoon Network Studios and Hasbro Entertainment and animated by The Answer Studio, Mook Animation, and Studio 4°C (shorts). The series debuted on Cartoon Network on December 26, 2007, and ended on May 23, 2009; running for 42 episodes across three seasons. In Japan, the show debuted on April 3, 2010, on both TV Aichi and TV Tokyo.

<i>Transformers: The Game</i> 2007 video game

Transformers: The Game is an action-adventure video game based on the 2007 film Transformers, developed by Traveller's Tales and published by Activision. The game closely follows the story of the film, depicting the Autobots and Decepticons' arrival on Earth following a war between them that has ravaged their home planet of Cybertron. While trying to conceal their existence from humanity, both factions search for a powerful artifact called the AllSpark, which could be used to restore Cybertron to its former glory, or to enslave Earth's population. The game features a split-campaign format, with players choosing to join either the Autobots or the Decepticons, and completing various missions for whichever faction they chose. A sequel, Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, was released in June 2009, based on the film of the same name.

<i>Transformers: War for Cybertron</i> 2010 video game

Transformers: War for Cybertron is a third-person shooter video game based on the Transformers franchise, developed by High Moon Studios and published by Activision. It was released for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Nintendo DS and Microsoft Windows in June 2010. Two portable versions were released for the Nintendo DS, one featuring an Autobot campaign, the other a Decepticon campaign. A game for the Wii, Transformers: Cybertron Adventures, was developed by Next Level Games and utilizes the same characters and setting as War for Cybertron.

Transformers: Prime is an American animated television series based on the Transformers toy franchise by Hasbro that aired on the Hub Network from November 29, 2010, to July 26, 2013. The series focuses on the Autobots of "Team Prime", consisting of Optimus Prime, Ratchet, Arcee, Bumblebee and Bulkhead, and their human allies as they attempt to protect the Earth from the villainous Decepticons and their leader Megatron.

<i>Transformers: War for Cybertron</i> (Nintendo DS) 2010 video game

Transformers: War for Cybertron - Autobots and Transformers: War for Cybertron - Decepticons are two action-adventure video games based on the Transformers franchise, published by Activision in June 2010. A port of High Moon Studios' Transformers: War for Cybertron for the Nintendo DS, they were developed by Vicarious Visions, who also worked on Transformers Autobots and Transformers Decepticons in 2007, and Transformers Revenge of the Fallen: Autobots and Transformers Revenge of the Fallen: Decepticons in 2009. Although they share some basic similarities, the two games follow different storylines, and feature different characters, missions, and locations.

<i>Transformers: Dark of the Moon</i> (video game) 2011 video game

Transformers: Dark of the Moon is an action-adventure video game based on the 2011 film of the same name. It is the sequel to 2009's Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, and the third video game adaptation of the live-action Transformers film series. Unlike the first two games, Dark of the Moon follows an original story, set before the events of the film it is based on, and features only one campaign, which alternates between the Autobots and the Decepticons. A spin-off, Transformers: Rise of the Dark Spark, was released in June 2014.

<i>Transformers: Fall of Cybertron</i> 2012 video game

Transformers: Fall of Cybertron is a third-person shooter video game based on the Transformers franchise, developed by High Moon Studios and published by Activision. It is the sequel to the 2010 video game Transformers: War for Cybertron, and directly follows the events of that game, as the Autobots struggle to defeat their Decepticon foes in a civil war for their home planet of Cybertron. The game was released on August 21, 2012, in North America and on August 24, 2012, in Europe for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360. In 2016, it was released for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One on August 8, in Australia and on August 9, in North America. Mercenary Technology developed the game's Windows version, while Fun Labs developed the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One versions.

<i>Transformers Prime Beast Hunters: Predacons Rising</i> 2013 television film

Transformers Prime Beast Hunters: Predacons Rising is a 2013 American animated action adventure television film that concludes the Transformers: Prime television series. It was first broadcast on Hub Network on October 4, 2013. After the Autobots' victory on Earth, Unicron returns in possession of Megatron's body with the intent on destroying Cybertron, forcing Autobots, Decepticons, and Predacons to form an unlikely alliance to counter this threat.

Transformers: Cyberverse is a cel shaded computer-animated series based on the Transformers toy franchise by Hasbro. The series debuted on Cartoon Network on August 27, 2018.

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