TRANSFORMERS: Galactic Trials is a refined racing game designed to enthral lovers of the franchise. Furthermore, it returns to a classic racing experience as arcade mechanics sit front and centre. Though this may not appeal to racing purists, it is great if you want an outlandish fantasy game.
This arcade racer was developed by 3DClouds and published by Outright Games. Furthermore, it is a single-player or couch multiplayer title. As such, there is a competitive edge if you have a good group of friends. Alternatively, the computer players offer a challenging layer as you work through the ranks and compete at the highest levels.
TRANSFORMERS: Galactic Trials tells a tale of woe.
The AUTOBOTS and DECEPTICONS always find something to fight about. Unfortunately, the evil dudes are always up to no good, and humanity and the universe rely heavily on the protection of the good guys. This classic mindset will never get old and I love the clichéd good vs evil approach.
TRANSFORMERS: Galactic Trials ups the ante with its tale of destruction and doom! Evil NEMESIS PRIME has stolen the Prime Relics. These ancient artefacts bestow incredible powers to those in their possession. Yet, the AUTOBOTS can not allow this atrocious act to pass and they destroy Evil PRIME’s ship as he makes his escape. The Prime Relics are scattered across the universe and the race to rescue them has begun.
Not a tale for a racing game.
Though the story is dramatic, it doesn’t match the racing genre. This strange approach doesn’t impact the gameplay but it felt more action-adventure than high adrenaline racer. The Galactic Trials comprise a handful of races of varying difficulty. During each event, you are given unique tasks to complete for an XP boost. Luckily, you can avoid the additional quests, but you must tick off the main mission or you’ll fail that race.
At the beginning of each event, you must pick a relic and weapon. The relics increase your stats and change the way you race. As the game unfolds, you unlock new and more powerful relics that give you a match-winning edge. Each event has 2 distinct gameplay elements. The racing is self-explanatory and you must drift and race across boost pads to take the lead. As you compete, you may shunt your opponents to take them down. This mechanic is often unfair and gamers will get frustrated as they are smashed into walls and lose their lead.
The second mechanic is a run-and-gun gauntlet. During this section, you must destroy guards, turrets, drones, and much more. This felt more like the game I was expecting and it was a welcome and challenging element that broke up the rudimentary racing. Though I enjoyed the run-and-gun idea, purists will wonder what is going on.
TRANSFORMERS: Galactic Trials isn’t a next-gen game.
Unfortunately, TRANSFORMERS: Galactic Trials lacks a wow factor. Visually it isn’t as impressive as I hoped and the level design is somewhat understated. Moreover, the character models lack detail and everything blurs into one colourful mess. This was a shame as I wanted the fantasy edge to create some truly magnificent racing memories.
The audio is loud and energetic, but equally unsurprising. If you closed your eyes, the sound effects and soundtrack could be from any recent racing title. The only elements that were distinctly TRANSFORMERS by design were the sound bites. The one-liners were good and my kids recognised each character.
Simple controls.
Thankfully, the control system is easy to understand and quick to master. The controller layout is basic and you’ll be up and running in no time. Drifting and high-speed curves take some practice on the tighter courses. Accordingly, some advanced driving elements must be tackled.
TRANSFORMERS: Galactic Trials has a basic character upgrade system and plenty of robots to unlock. Each of these unlockable characters is hidden behind challenges and race progression. Consequently, you must be invested if you wish to unlock everyone. This approach increases replay value and will make its intended youthful audience return for more.
TRANSFORMERS: Galactic Trials doesn’t break the mould.
Though I enjoyed TRANSFORMERS: Galactic Trials, it doesn’t break the mould. It’s a familiar racing game with an interesting adventure twist. Sadly, neither of these layers excels and this was a shame. However, it does enough to keep you interested as you test your driving skills. Accordingly, though it wasn’t spectacular, I recommend buying it here! Can you gather every Prime Relic? Pick your racer, choose your perks, and win every race.
