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.

Nick Jr Party Adventure is a wholesome experience that is perfect for primary school children. The familiar characters, short levels, and high-energy aesthetic are enough to keep them entertained. However, the simple puzzles will not test older children and this creates an unfortunate niche. Despite the limited appeal, I believe that younger children will fall for its charms.

This puzzle adventure title was developed by Melbot Studios and published by Outright Games. Furthermore, it is a single-player and couch cooperative title. Therefore, if your children need help, you can jump in and give them a hand. Alternatively, they can go it alone and complete every puzzle they encounter.

Nick Jr Party Adventure tells a simple tale. 

The action is divided into 6 unique worlds. Each area has 12 levels and 3 collectables per stage. On top of this, some familiar antagonists wish to spoil the fiesta. These villains can be stopped easily and this is a key element in the more advanced stages. As you explore each world, you collect cosmetic items to customise your character. Though this has no impact on the gameplay, it was fun nonetheless.

Dora is throwing a fiesta and she wants her friends to come. Unfortunately, though, they are stuck in their worlds and need a hand to escape. This is where you come in! You’ll navigate each puzzle and help the guests get to the party. Each area is small and completing the tasks was simple for an adult. However, young children will have to use their brains to complete every objective.

Easy mechanics. 

Each world has a unique backdrop and objectives to complete. You’ll have to control gates and power springs. Furthermore, you must move platforms and adjust pathways. As you progress, you’ll be expected to leap chasms, avoid obstacles, and thwart each antagonist. Thankfully, you can speed up or slow down the action. 

This was perfect as the gameplay is pretty slow. Accordingly, once the puzzle is solved, you don’t want to hang around as each team member walks across the stage. What I love about Nick Jr Party Adventure is the lack of violence or a fear of failure. If you make a mistake, the game reverts you to a safe location and you try again. This approach was ideal for younger minds as they can experiment without concern.

Nick Jr Party Adventure is colourful but rough. 

I had low visual expectations when installing this. Most child-friendly titles focus on the gameplay rather than the graphics. Unsurprisingly, Nick Jr Party Adventure is colourful but rough around the edges. The low-key graphics will not wow you. However, its vibrant colour palette and fun characters were pleasant to look at. Moreover, the stage design was interesting and my kids enjoyed each varied backdrop.

The audio is a little annoying. The repetitive soundtrack outstays its welcome pretty quickly. Yet, my daughters loved the sound bites and the fun sound effects. Consequently, it is a mixed bag and will drive adults mad.

Simple controls. 

Like the puzzles, the controls are simple and easy to follow. The basic controller layout and clean UI ensure that youngsters require little assistance. However, if they need help, there are helpful prompts and voice notes to keep them on track. 

Replay value and longevity are unfortunately limited. Once you hammer through every stage, there is no reason to return. This was unfortunate as the 72 levels come and go in a flash. Yet, the bite-size levels are perfect for short attention spans.

Nick Jr Party Adventure is nice but flawed. 

I tested a pre-release build that unfortunately has some flaws. Visual glitches and an issue with save files undermine the current status. I’m assured that these issues will be ironed out before release and my opinions are based on this promise. Subsequently, despite its problems, it is a fun game for youngsters. Additionally, the puzzles are well-balanced and will test primary school kids. Accordingly, I like it and I recommend buying it here! Can you rescue every guest and make it to the fiesta? Design your hero, explore every world, and avoid the villains.