Transformers: Galactic Trials brings the iconic world of Autobots and Decepticons into a fresh and unexpected arena: a blend of arcade racing and combat that feels accessible yet packed with that familiar Transformers look and feel. Developed by 3DClouds and published by Outright Games, this title combines racing with intense on-foot battles in a way that aims to engage both younger audiences and longtime fans of the franchise. We played it on a PlayStation 5.
The premise centers around the quest to recover Prime Relics, which have been stolen by Nemesis Prime. These relics offer immense power, and it’s up to the player to choose between Autobots or Decepticons as they battle to secure them. This setup gives players a reason to engage in fast, action-packed races, although the story itself feels more like a backdrop than a deeply fleshed-out narrative – which is a shame because this could have made for a nice TV show/episode-like approach.
In terms of gameplay, Transformers: Galactic Trials borrows from popular arcade racers by combining the thrill of high-speed racing with the excitement of vehicle-based combat. Players drift, boost, and charge up Energon, which allows them to unleash powerful special moves that feel true to each character’s identity. Characters like Optimus Prime, Soundwave, and Megatron are not just skins – each has distinct abilities that can turn the tide of a race, especially when timed correctly during a battle sequence.
The game also includes a leveling system, allowing players to unlock new skills, characters, and skins as they progress. This is a welcome feature that adds a sense of progression beyond just racing for victory. However, the game’s ten tracks, while action-packed and visually appealing, don’t always feel diverse enough to maintain long-term interest, and repetition can set in after a while.
Visually, Galactic Trials does a good job of capturing the essence of the Transformers universe. The character models are detailed and true to their animated counterparts, and the environments reflect the mechanical feel of Cybertron. The tracks themselves are filled with dynamic elements, from collapsing structures to explosive set pieces, keeping the visual experience exciting. That being said, the game doesn’t fully capitalize on the power of the PlayStation 5 hardware, not quite pushing the envelope in terms of next-gen visuals.
When it comes to audio, the game’s soundtrack and voice acting complement the experience, with energetic tunes that fit the racing and battle action. The voice work, featuring classic Transformers characters, adds authenticity and nostalgia for fans as the soundalikes do a decent job. The sound effects, particularly during combat and special moves, bring a satisfying sense of impact, but the audio design could have benefited from more variation to avoid becoming repetitive over time.
Controls in Transformers: Galactic Trials are responsive and easy to grasp, which makes the game accessible to younger players and those who might not be familiar with more complex racers. The simplicity of drifting, boosting, and attacking ensures that anyone can pick up a controller and start playing, but it may lack the depth that more experienced players expect from a racing combat hybrid. Speaking of which – the on foot combat sequences are a bit underwhelming and don’t make your bots feel powerful at all, and we probably would have preferred a regular racer with some cool Transformer-style special attacks.
One of the game’s stronger points is its local multiplayer mode, where you can race against a friend in Versus mode. This mode adds to the game’s replayability and offers a fun, competitive experience that enhances the overall enjoyment. However, the lack of online multiplayer could be seen as a missed opportunity, especially for those looking for more competition.
In summary, Transformers: Galactic Trials delivers an accessible racing and combat experience that caters well to younger audiences and Transformers fans. While it doesn’t push boundaries in terms of gameplay innovation or next-gen visuals, it offers enough excitement through its character roster, fast-paced action, and engaging multiplayer mode to provide some solid entertainment. It’s rough around it’s combat-centered edges, but those looking to immerse themselves in a Transformers-themed racer will have fun here.
Score: 6.8/10
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