Developed by Tencent, Transformers Online is an online shooter based on the free-to-play business model. The game is based on the popular license of a popular brand Hasbro that reigns throughout the cinemas. Older fans might also remember Transformers from comic books, animated movies, and toys that started the whole phenomenon. The game allows players to participate in dynamic multiplayer battles as one of the characters from the popular franchise, such as Optimus Prime, Megatron, and Bumblebee.

### Plot

The action of Transformers Online is set in the fictional universe, in which eons ago there a war broke out between two factions of Transformers – gigantic intelligent robots that can instantly assume different forms. Because of this conflict, Cybertron (Transformers’ home plane) was obliterated. Both Autobots and evil Decepticons are forced to look for refuge across the galaxy – of course, they choose Earth which has now become their new battleground.

### Mechanics

Transformers Online is an online shooter in which players observe the action from the first or third person perspective. The game features gameplay similar to that known from Blizzard’s big hit, Owervatch – one can control different characters, each one with unique skills, utilized weaponry, and features. For example, Bumblebee is a killer, Ratchet supports his team as a medic, while Bluestreak eliminates enemies from large distances as a sniper. Player’s target is to eliminate the opposing team or completing a particular task – e.g. escort a vehicle throughout a large map. The battles are very dynamic and exciting.

Nonetheless, Tescent has added something to the formula seen in Overwatch – as befits Transformers, they can assume different forms. Some of them can become fast cars, others can turn into trucks, jeeps or a mighty tank. This is why each character has a sort of the second layer that the player has to consider when selecting the character for each battle. Another novelty is the ability of melee combat using different weapons – the game introduces a mode in which players have no other way to fight their opponents apart from melee combat.

### Technical aspects

Transformers Online is based on Unreal Engine 4 that is known for providing high-quality visuals. Both the locations and character models feature a distinctive cartoonish style that translates the atmosphere of the source material.

### Misc.

Transformers Online is a free-to-play game with optional microtransactions.