Watch Transformers Dark of the Moon Video Game (Xbox 360 Version)

It’s not everyday that a video game that’s based on a movie has what it takes to impress more than the diehard fans of the source material. Then again, Transformers: Dark of the Moon was not designed as an everyday, run-of-the-mill movie game. Developed by High Moon Studios, Dark of the Moon comes fully equipped with all of the explosive, transformative action that fans have come to know and appreciate from the Transformers film franchise, as well as a slate of standardized third-person shooter mechanics that provide the game with a pick-up-and-play element that’s perfect for the mainstream crowd.

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Dark of the Moon features two core gameplay systems: vehicular combat and third-person, Gears of War-style shooting. In both cases the player can lock-on to nearby enemies, fire two core weapons (a machinegun and the equivalent of a grenade launcher), and unleash a couple of charge attacks that are as explosive as they are damaging. It’s a powerful combination, to say the least, and it’s one you’ll be taking advantage of very frequently.

Unlike the Transformers films, which like to slow things down to tell the viewer how Shia LaBeouf and his fictional parents are doing, the Dark of the Moon video game is focused squarely on the battle missions, which are jam-packed with non-stop action. If you ever need a breather, you’re going to have to hit the pause button – there aren’t many moments when it is possible to take an actual break. In fact, just when you think you’ve seen the last batch of enemies within a level, chances are you will find another batch around the corner.

In vehicle mode, Dark of the Moon takes a page from Halo and attempts to redesign the way we drive. Instead of using the left analog stick to steer left and right, and assign the gas and brake pedals to two buttons, this game will have you steering with the right stick, which also functions as your camera adjustment and targeting device. This can be somewhat of a pain initially, as players will likely come to this game expecting more of a Grand Theft Auto experience. But it’s more Twisted Metal than Grand Theft Auto, and more Gears of War than Halo. Once you’ve gotten used to the driving system, it shouldn’t pose too much of a problem for most players. Considering how many people have already jumped online with the game, it’s safe to say that assumption is accurate.

While controlling Bumblebee and other favorites in transformed (third-person shooter) mode, Dark of the Moon uses a more traditional gameplay setup: you walk/run with the left stick, control the camera and aim with the right stick, fire weapons with the right trigger, and lock-on with the left trigger. Dark of the Moon makes good use of these familiar mechanics, but it’s the implementation of them – along with the vehicular combat – that allows this game to shine.

Nearly every level in the game could be described as the destruction site of a city wasteland. Without giving away any part of the story, it should be clear from the screenshots alone that the Decepticons have invaded and intend to destroy everything in their path. Once you’re thrust into this battlefield, it is non-stop carnage. Vehicles of all shapes and sizes cruise through the rundown environment and immediately open fire. Others take the time transform first, adding to their attack flexibility while increasing their vulnerability.

To say that there are a lot of enemies in this game would be a bit of an understatement. Dark of the Moon features so many evil “robots in disguise” that it doesn’t even bother to briefly reduce the number of enemies that are dispersed during a boss battle. Nope, in addition to the boss-of-the-moment, you will still have to fight just as many baddies as before, ensuring that if you don’t find cover, you will most certainly find death.

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As one of the top movie games of 2011, Transformers: Dark of the Moon delivers the kind of video game experience that Transformers fans have been craving. Online, Dark of the Moon is equally action-packed, and at times, even more intense. Up to 10 Transformers can battle online simultaneously, allowing for some great multiplayer skirmishes.