Transformers: Beast Wars Transmetals Game Sample - N64
0"Transformers: Beast Wars Transmetals" is a 1999/2000 fighting game based on the "Beast Wars" cartoon series released for both PlayStation and N64, but both feature many differences from each other. Most notably, the N64 version was a "Blockbuster Exclusive" back in the day and is somewhat rare, commanding a high price tag for complete copies, and the N64 game has endings for all the characters, whereas the PS game has only one ending for each side (Maximal or Predacon). Each version also has characters exclusive to one another.
Developed by Takara and Genazea (who is seldom credited and constituted of four members: Erik Suzuki, Chris Tang, Susan Hart and Al Lee) and published by BAM! Entertainment and Locomotive, it is widely perceived as a horrible game and there is not much I can really say to defend it: The game is buggy, incredibly unbalanced, unattractive, and generally dull. The goal is to defeat your opponent using three modes: Beast Mode, Vehicle Mode, and Robot Mode (the "main" combat mode). Robot Mode harbors most of your attack moves from long range shots to (rare) close-range melee combat... Robot Mode's mileage will vary, but characters can use their strongest attacks in this mode by charging/holding a few buttons. Vehicle Mode is useless as it doesn't really charge your energy and you can't fight back. Beast Mode is what really makes or breaks combat; while their combat abilities are limited, players can recharge energy in this mode and some characters can utilize really cheap beast actions that NULLIFY DAMAGE and HURT THE OPPONENT. This allows even a novice to clear the game without losing a single round on the highest difficulty. I kid you not, I "practiced" fighting for all of five minutes - just enough to familiarize myself with the buttons and what attacks do what.
There are also other modes and mini-games that are somewhat rigged and add nothing to the overall experience and sadly, this is a scathing reminder of my childhood... I might be in the minority, but I liked the Beast Wars cartoon, and this game did nothing for the nostalgia factor. On the positive side, the music is not horrible and most of the voice actors from the show reprized their roles for the game... I still chuckle for Rattrap's sarcastic wit. Also of note is the N64 game's compatibility with the Japan-only game, "Kettō Transformers Beast Wars: Beast Senshi Saikyō Ketteisen" through a Transfer Pak.
Overall, this game is recommended for collectors only, though the PlayStation game is somewhat better. This a sample of the game in action, played on the highest difficulty and captured on original hardware through the "XRGB-mini Framemeister Compact UpScaler". Note that all sorts of tests will be done with the XRGB-mini as its results vary from system to system and game to game (beats the pants off the old quality though). Enjoy.