Transformers: Earth Wars blasts onto mobile

New Transformers game for iOS and Android features iconic voices and a legendary writer.

Not every mobile game with a big IP behind it is a big deal, but Transformers: Earth Wars, out now for iOS and Android, kind of is. A joint production of Hasbro, Backflip Studios and Space Ape Games, it has a roster of instantly recognizable ‘bots that players command in real-time assaults on other players’ bases.

It’s also got high production values, with both Autobots and Decepticons (yes, you have to pick a side before you even get into the tutorial) rendered in impressive 3D fashion. But that’s not what makes this game stand out from the crowd.

Give a listen to Optimus Prime and Megatron and you’ll recognize the work of the two voices fans all around the world associate with those characters: Peter Cullen and Frank Welker, respectively. Simon Furman, the man who turned Transformers comics into so much more than a toy tie-in in the 80s, helped write the dialogue.

As for the gameplay, it’s familiar to anyone who’s played a real-time, build and battle title before, but with enough on-the-fly strategy to keep things interesting. Players assemble squads of Autobots and Decepticons and send them to raid the opposing faction’s bases for resources. Carefully positioning and well-timed use of abilities are crucial to defeat smart enemies’ defenses.

There’s also a single-player campaign, buildings to construct and upgrade and defenses of your own to plan. Dozens of Transformers across four tiers of rarity are in the game at launch, and it’s easy to see the potential for many more to be added over time.

The battle for Earth can also be joined by teaming up in Alliances with other players, leading to day-long Alliance Wars where all members engage in multiple raids.

“Transformers: Earth Wars offers players an engaging storyline and incredible gameplay experience,” Mark Blecher, Senior Vice President, Digital Gaming and Corporate Development at Hasbro, said in a press release.  “The game harnesses the unique strengths and abilities of hundreds of characters from Transformers lore, which really helps it to stand above existing real-time combat strategy games and delivers on the Transformers promise of More than Meets the Eye.”

Need to see more? This launch trailer should do the trick:

If you’re finding yourself possessed by the need to shout at others around you to transform and roll out, allow us to present an alternative: Head to the App Store or Google Play and download Transformers: Earth Wars for free right now.

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