Transformers fans (like ourselves) are in for a treat with Transformers: Galactic Trials, a fresh take on the iconic franchise by Outright Games that’s being developed by 3DClouds. Combining high-speed racing and action-packed combat, the game offers a thrilling new way to experience the ongoing war between the Autobots and Decepticons. We had the opportunity to go hands-on with a near-final build at Gamescom, and we’re eager to share what we’ve learned about this ambitious project.
What we know
Transformers: Galactic Trials is an action-racing hybrid that features some of the most beloved characters from the Transformers universe. The game is set against the backdrop of Nemesis Prime’s latest scheme to steal the Prime Relics, which are powerful artifacts that could change the future of Cybertron. Players will choose between Autobots and Decepticons, racing across ten different tracks in pursuit of the relics while engaging in combat to outmaneuver and outgun their opponents.
The game offers a roster of 11 iconic Transformers, including fan favorites like Optimus Prime, Bumblebee, Megatron, and Soundwave. Players can level up and unlock new abilities, customizing their Transformers with different skins and skills. Transformers: Galactic Trials supports local multiplayer, allowing players to go head-to-head with friends in a Versus mode. The game is set to release across multiple platforms, including PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, and PC, making it accessible to a wide audience.
What we saw
At Gamescom, we met with Outright Games and went hands-on with the game. We had the chance to select characters from both the Autobot and Decepticon rosters and took part in a few battle-race circuits. The demo allowed us to experience the core mechanics firsthand, as we alternated between high-speed racing and intense combat sequences.
What we thought
One of the first things that stands out about Transformers: Galactic Trials is its visual style, which draws heavy inspiration from the G1 Transformers era. This will undoubtedly delight longtime fans, as the game faithfully captures the look and feel of the classic animated series. Characters like Soundwave and Bumblebee are instantly recognizable, and the environments, though designed for racing, evoke a nostalgic sense of the Transformers universe. However, while the visual design is a clear highlight, the sudden shifts between racing and third-person action can feel jarring at times, especially for younger players who may struggle with the transition. This could affect the game’s learning curve, as mastering both playstyles requires some adaptation.
The combination of racing and combat is an intriguing concept though, and when it works, it adds a layer of excitement to the usual racing formula. Drifting and boosting to charge up Energon, then unleashing a special move to take down an opponent, feels satisfying. However, the execution isn’t always seamless. The switch between racing controls and third-person combat can be a little awkward, particularly in the heat of battle, and it takes some getting used to. That said, the game has plenty of potential for chaotic fun, especially in multiplayer mode, where the frenetic pace and competitive edge are sure to keep players engaged.
In terms of gameplay depth, the ability to level up and customize your characters is a nice touch, giving players a reason to keep playing and experimenting with different strategies. The character roster feels varied enough to offer distinct playstyles, with each Transformer boasting unique abilities. Whether you prefer the brute force of Megatron or the agility of Bumblebee, there’s a Transformer to suit every kind of player. However, with only 10 tracks, the long-term variety of the racing environments may feel limited, though the addition of combat mechanics helps keep things fresh.
Overall, Transformers: Galactic Trials offers a unique twist on the Transformers franchise, blending racing and combat into a single experience. While the sudden shifts between gameplay styles may not be for everyone, the game’s visual appeal, nostalgic nods to G1 Transformers, and accessible multiplayer make it an intriguing title to watch, especially for fans of the series. We’re eager to see how the final release addresses some of the early challenges we encountered and how the game will resonate with its target audience.
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