Game review: Transformers: Rise of the Dark Spark

Transformers: Rise of the Dark Spark, Edge of Reality, Xbox One.

Giant robots that transform into vehicles, animals and a few other interesting objects -- has there ever been a premise more purpose-built for gaming?

Making a first-rate Transformers game should be a piece of cake considering the storyline and characters are already laid out. So why is it, then, that every single Transformers game has been a load of rubbish? Okay, there have been a couple in the last generation of consoles that were passable, but hey, even a broken clock is right twice a day.

As Transformers: Age of Extinction hits the big screens, the tie-in game simultaneously hits the small screens. Rise of the Dark Spark does echo some of the latest movie, but also serves as a continuation of the War of Cybertron series.

The Dark Spark artefact is capable of tearing holes in dimensions and the battle for its control should have been a fairly straightforward storyline.

But developers Edge of Reality still manage to make a confusing mess of it. There's universe jumping, the significance of which is never really explained, and playing as both Autobots and Decepticons during the same campaign makes a hash of any plot fluidity.

When combined with repetitive, bland gameplay that has you entering a room, smashing nameless enemies before moving on to do it all again, you just can't help but let out a big sigh of disappointment as yet again, a perfect premise for a perfect game is utterly wasted.