Games

Wisely ignoring the recent movies, this latest Transformers game is a direct sequel to developer High Moon Studios' 2010 hit War for Cybertron. Featuring appearances by old 'Generation One' characters as diverse as Grimlock, Shockwave, Warpath and the gigantic Metroplex, the game serves as an enormous burst of nostalgia for anyone who grew up with the original toys and cartoon back in the 1980s.

In gameplay terms, Fall of Cybertron's third-person shooter action continues to draw inspiration from the Gears of War franchise, only swapping out the cover mechanic for the ability to transform into a futuristic vehicle and zip off to safety. Compared to its predecessor, the gameplay has been refined rather than rebuilt, resulting in an experience that feels rather more fluid and immediate, while still managing to give players the feeling of taking control of a giant robot.

It's the production values that really impress though. As great as the graphics are (and they look spectacular in HD on a big screen), the audio is some of the best I've ever experienced in a game. The DD 5.1 mix makes full use of the soundstage, continually surrounding you in the heart of the action, while the excellent voice acting helps raise the script up from its rather hackneyed origins.

Activision, Xbox 360/PS3/PC, £50 Approx, On sale now
HCC VERDICT: 3.5/5