Transformers: Devastation is an action game based on the Transformers franchise, specifically the original cartoon series from the 1980s now known as Generation 1 . It has the same bright visual style using cel-shaded graphics. The main story mode has five difficulty levels and tells how the Decepticons plan to cyberform planet Earth after Megatron finds a way to control plasma energy. He uses this technique to turn organic material into metal. The Autobots need to prevent this and eventually five different characters are playable: Bumblebee, Grimlock, Optimus Prime, Sideswipe and Wheeljack. The gameplay is similar to other titles by developer Platinum Games. The game is largely played as a 3D action brawler where missions are divided into smaller areas with short cut-scenes in between to further the story. The Autobots link light and heavy attack in different patterns to form combos. When a blue flash appears during a combo it can be finished off with an attack in vehicle form. Robots can freely switch between robot and vehicle form. The gameplay is fast-paced, with melee weapons including swords, gauntlets and hammers, and ranged weapons such as blasters, grenade launchers etc. Players can collect many melee and ranged weapons during missions and switch them on the fly. Ranged weapons have an energy meter and when empty require some time to recharge.
During gameplay, green and blue energon cubes can be picked up to restore health and weapon energy respectively. New missions are always started at the Ark headquarters. The player gets to select the Autobot and can define the loadout from the large inventory of weapons.
Additionally, players can purchase additional attacks, such as a parry move, and develop T.E.C.H. that provides enhanced abilities for their chosen Autobots. These abilities can be used in various missions and require quick timing mini-games to develop. The game also features many encounters with large robot bosses where weak points need to be exploited.
