Most crossovers exist somewhere on a spectrum that reads “Logical, But Boring” on one side and “This Makes ABSOLUTELY No Sense” on the other. When Rovio mashed together their Angry Birds with the furious fowl from Rio, the pieces fit together perfectly. On the surface, Angry Birds Transformers definitely seems to slide towards the latter option. How do you mix birds, pigs, and Robots In Disguise? I’m still not sure it makes any sense, but Rovio was somehow able to take these disparate elements and create a pretty good game.
I know, I’m as surprised as you are. But I probably shouldn’t be.
Platforms: Android, iOS
Publisher: Rovio
Developer: Rovio
Genre: Rail Shooter… But No Slingshots
Release Date: October 15, 2014
App Rating: 4+
Since every Transformer is packing at least six guns at all times, Rovio decided to trash the slingshot in Angry Birds Transformers. Instead, these laser beams and missile launchers are put to good use as the game actually takes the form of a rail shooter. And, as the opening cinematic shows, the Autobirds and the Deceptihogs have been forced to team up to combat rampaging bands of Eggbots that are blasting everything in sight.
Changing up the genre was a stroke of genius on Rovio’s part, as Angry Birds Transformers is actually an excellent rail shooter. At the beginning of each play session, a large overworld map shows the levels that have been claimed by the Eggbots. Players will select a stage and take their bot into battle by running left to right, blasting everything in sight. Tap the screen to aim your reticule at a target and the game fires for you. It’s that simple. You’ll collect a few Coins for every pig you pop as well as for destroying platforms. And if the return fire gets a little too intense, you can transform into your vehicle form and race across the level a bit faster. It sounds simple, but the gameplay becomes much more strategic as you add in special attacks as well as a tag-team partner. Knowing the best time to deploy your special attacks can be the difference between victory and defeat.
After completing each level, you’ll head back to the overworld map to try your hand at the next one… unless the Eggbots have put a timer on their attack. As a free-to-play game, Angry Birds Transformers erects a lot of barriers to prevent players from playing for as long as they want. When the Eggbots attack spots on the map, it takes a few minutes to a few hours for the battle to become available unless you “Intercept” the Eggbots by spending Gems to join the battle instantly. Of course, purchasing Gems requires real money.
However, Angry Birds Transformers is surprisingly liberal with its two-tiered currency system. Each unclaimed area on the map will produce Coins (up to 400 every four hours) and Gems can be acquired by completing Achievements or picked up when they appear randomly on the map. So while it might feel like the game is throwing up a stop sign every few minutes, you can easily buy your way into more playtime without spending any actual money. And if you agree to watch an advertisement whenever you complete a level, you’ll double the amount of Coins and popped pigs you collect.
Rovio did a great job melding the Transformers license with Angry Birds. The Autobird and Deceptihog designs are spectacular, and I’d love to see them on a bigger screen. The game’s music was even composed by Vince Di Cola… the same Vince Di Cola that provided the soundtrack to 1985’s Transformers: The Movie.
They may be a little bit corny, but Rovio just rolled out another excellent Angry Birds game. Forgoing the slingshot was the right move as Angry Birds Transformers is a surprisingly deep mobile shooter that will keep you occupied for a decent amount of time. It’s a free download on the iOS App Store and Google Play store for Android devices and I can’t recommend it highly enough.
Review Disclosure: Angry Birds Transformers is a free download from mobile device storefronts.
