DS Game Profile: Transformers Decepticons/Autobots

Activision is giving players the ultimate choice on the DS when it comes to this year’s hottest movie tie-in: you can opt to join either the Decepticons or the Autobots in separate Transformers SKUs for the Nintendo handheld. We are obviously biased toward portable games here at PVG, but when it comes to movie licensed titles, sometimes it seems like the handheld versions turn out the best. While it may seem slightly gimmicky to release the same game under two different titles, there could be some practical reasons for this choice. For one, it allows developers to squeeze even more voices and textures onto each cart. Secondly, it allows Decepticon fans to focus on the task of world domination without all of that Autobot garbage getting in the way. The real question that needs answering is, what side will you choose when the game arrives on June 26? Continue reading to check out some screenshots and find out everything we know about the DS Transformers game so far.

What? Both games will offer roughly the same gameplay experience, however Activision claims that each side will feature its own story and content. Each game places you in the shoes of a rookie soldier, and forces you to earn the privelege of piloting robots like Optimus Prime and Bumblebee as you progress through the game. Action playes out in 3D on the top screen, while the touch screen is used for control input and naviagtion. So far the graphics are looking very strong for a DS title.

The game will be somewhat free-form, as it lets you loose in a giant city, while you receive mission objectives over the radio. In a cool touch, scanning vehicles found in the gameworld will give you the ability to transform into them.

Multiplayer? Both games will feature an innovative multiplayer experience over Wi-Fi. Players from each faction can log on to a worldwide server each day to download specific missions. Depending on how well each faction does, their progress will be updated on the “Allspark Wars” leaderboard. Sounds like great stuff if they pull it off successfully.

Who? These titles are being developed for the DS by Vicarious Visions, who have a long track record of successes for portable systems (The Spider Man series and Marvel: Ultimate Alliance for PSP). This helps fuel our conviction that the DS version of Transformers will be the best one around.

When? Transformers: Decepticons and Autobots will hit stores in North America on June 26, 2007.

Screenshots added May 31, 2007: