Transformers tataki

Transformers Tataki Transformers Tataki Developer(s) WinkySoft Publisher(s) Takara Release date(s) (PS2) October 30, 2003 Genre(s) Action role-playing game Mode(s) Single-player, Multi-player Platform(s) Sony PlayStation 2 Media CD-ROM Input Gamepad Transformers Tataki (タカラモノ トランスフォーマー) is an action role-playing game released by Takara released on October 30, 2003 for PlayStation 2 exclusively in Japan. It is based on the popular Transformers animated series.

The Transformers catchphrase "more than meets the eye" is an apt one. Originally used to underscore the transformation abilities of the toys, the catchphrase takes on a different meaning in context of Takara's official Transformers game.

Transformers Tataki is Takara's own attempt at a legitimate tie-in. Developed by winkysoft, who created Rayblade, Transformers Tataki is a bit hit and miss, though enjoyable for the most part.

The game itself plays much like an extended version of Dynasty Warriors but with added wrestling and shooting features. Although, as in Dynasty Warriors, multiple enemies hound you until you beat or blast them into scrap metal, there is considerably more depth than this "button bashing" lineage suggests.

Instead of entering into combat alone, you have two wingmen that aid the player in his/her pursuit of mechanical carnage. These wingmen can be deployed tactically in either an aggressive or defensive posture and they can also be positioned relative to the player. Moreover, each Transformer can transform into his or her vehicle form and use their unique abilities to turn the tide of each skirmish.

The latter is an important feature. For example, using Starscream (in his plane mode) to give the remainder of your team air cover, and therefore the chance at breaking through the Autobot minions, is a nice feature. It is also remarkably balanced.

There are three main HUD gauges in Transformers Tataki; health, energy and spark. Upon the destruction of an enemy Transformer, they will deposit pink energon cubes (these are used to power-up your Transformers after each mission) and either an energy sphere or a health crystal. The energy spheres power your Transformation and special move abilities, these have to be constantly replenished. The reason for this being is that, when transformed, your Autobot or Decepticon consumes energy. This means that Starscream can't remain in his plane mode for indefinite periods of time and that, at some point, he will have to return to the ground and find some more energy.

Moreover, energy is also used to power your range based weaponary. Ranged combat is more about tactically planning the oncoming hand to hand barrage, in that using one's wingmen to give cover fire allows one to set up combos. Admittedly, ranged weapons can deliver fatal results to your eager opponents but considering the limitations of energy on transformation it's normally more prudent to save your energy for when the fighting begins.

The "spark" attacks are also a facet of gameplay. If the player defeats enough enemy Transformers, the spark gauge will slowly fill up. Once full, the player merely has to charge the bar by holding down an attack button, and the nearest enemy will be subject to a high-speed barrage of punches or kicks.

Whilst this barrage of attacks does considerable damage it is somewhat difficult to aim and, for example, one of the lesser minions may receive one's attack rather than the "boss" the player intended it for. It can be repetitive to launch a spark attack several times.

Stages are separated into distinct areas where enemies have to be destroyed before the player progresses. These levels are a little bland, but the addition of mid and end of level bosses (with iconic Transformers) does spice things up a bit, and help the player forget the repetitive scenery for a while.

The main problem with Transformers Tataki is that of the controls. Considering that attacks can come from all sides, it is surprising that the player can't turn their Transformer with the relative ease that you would expect. Instead, turning is a difficult affair, doubly so when being harassed by multiple foes. There is a special attack that produces a 360 degree energy wave that will knock down surrounding opponents, but it consumes energy and takes time to initiate. Considering the game's main focus is that of full on hand to hand combat, it is disappointing that the game fails in this department. Admittedly, the game is more than adequately playable, enjoyable even, but it could have really used more responsive controls.

It is also a great shame that there is no versus mode in the game. With the huge roster of both Autobot and Decepticon Transformers, each with their own unique abilities, the fact that two human players can't duke it out has to be considered a waste.

Many games out there appear to be adjudicated purely on their graphical merit, rather than any kind of gameplay content. It goes without saying that this mentality is backward at best and something that was recently highlighted by the press furore over Atari's recent attempt at the Transformers Armada license (a game that looks fantastic but is clearly average in terms of gameplay). It's obvious that these two games will receive graphical comparisons and Transformers Tataki is graphically basic. On the positive side, however, it doesn't suffer from any slowdown or framerate judder and the action is feverish for almost the entire game (whereas Atari's effort is particularly barren in terms of combat frequency).

Whilst this is a Japanese game, all the audio is dubbed into English, to the extent Moreover, the entire text for the game can be switched over to English making the language barrier irrelevant to any importer.

Transformers Tataki is by no means a perfect game, but it is an enjoyable bash-em-up. Naturally, for those that have fond memories of the original Transformers TV series and movie, then this game will garner a higher level of approval. As a game, it is pretty simplistic but it does deliver an enjoyable experience. It may not look outstanding, but beneath the surface there is certainly more than meets the eye.

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