Cybertron Planet Mode

Lore & Background

Set between 70 and 65 million years ago, the story follows the final conflict on Cybertron. The planet has been left unable to sustain life due to prolonged warfare between the two factions. Key moments include the awakening of the city-sized Titan Metroplex, who helps destroy Decepticon Warp Cannons before being seemingly killed, only to return and crush Megatron. Later, Soundwave resurrects Megatron in a new body beneath Kaon. The narrative also covers an origins subplot for the Dinobots (Grimlock, Slug, Sludge, Snarl, Swoop), who were captured by Shockwave and experimented on to gain new alternate forms based on creatures from another planet. The conflict culminates with the Decepticons capturing the Autobot transport carrying salvaged Energon, leading to the formation of Bruticus and the eventual crash that loses half their fuel supply.

In Their Own Story

The plot begins six days before the final escape attempt, as Optimus Prime leads a defense against an attack on the docked Ark. After assisting Perceptor, Ironhide, and Warpath, Optimus accidentally awakens Metroplex. During the battle, Starscream and the Combaticons capture Optimus, but Metroplex returns to kill Megatron before Starscream assumes temporary leadership of the Decepticons. Meanwhile, Jazz, Cliffjumper, and Sideswipe track the missing Dinobots to the Sea of Rust, where they encounter Shockwave's Space Bridge tower. After destroying the tower, the Autobots salvage Energon but are ambushed by Starscream and the Combaticons. The Combaticons combine into Bruticus, causing their transport to crash. In a parallel thread, Megatron is resurrected beneath Kaon, challenges Starscream for leadership, frees the Combaticons, and activates the Decepticon Titan Trypticon to become the Nemesis. Grimlock escapes Shockwave's lab after being offered freedom by Starscream.

Reader's Guide

Players control transformers in both robot and vehicle forms using a shield and health system similar to Halo. Weapons can be upgraded at Teletran 1 kiosks, with one allowing fire rates up to 75% faster. Unique abilities are assigned to characters: Jazz uses a grappling hook, Optimus commands Metroplex, and Grimlock accumulates rage to transform into a Tyrannosaurus for massive damage. The cooperative campaign from the predecessor was removed in favor of single-player levels utilizing specific character abilities. The 'Escalation' survival mode returns, where players defend against enemy waves on 9 maps (Sewers, Spire, Abandoned, Bowels, Array, Corrosion, Tempest, Convoy, Desolation). In multiplayer, players customize one of four classes (Scientist, Infiltrator, Destroyer, Titan) using hundreds of parts and color options.

Did You Know?

• The game was released on August 21, 2012, in North America and August 24, 2012, in Europe for Windows, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360.
• Peter Cullen (Optimus Prime) and Gregg Berger (Grimlock) returned from the 1984 series to reprise their roles.
• The character Slag was renamed Slug in the game because 'Slag' is a derogatory term in some cultures.
• Mercenary Technology developed the Windows version, while Fun Labs handled the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One versions released in 2016.
• Grimlock accumulates rage during battle to transform into a robotic Tyrannosaurus and inflict massive damage.