The game puts players in the role of either Autobot or Decepticon factions with different story-based goals set on various locations. Players can choose between the two teams, each with unique objectives, and interact with the environment in a 3D sandbox setting. The storyline for the heroic Autobots follows the plot of the original movie, while the villainous Decepticons' storyline allows them to destroy both their home planet and aggressively defeat their foes.
Throughout the game, players can collect various items, such as promo images and artwork, or playable versions of original "Generation 1" characters. The gameplay is largely identical across different platforms, but certain features are exclusive to specific versions.