Transformers

Transformers is a third-person shooter game, where players assume the role of one of three Autobots: Optimus Prime, Red Alert or Hot Shot, who are all able to transform between robot and vehicle modes at the push of the triangle button. The game revolves around the collection of Mini-Cons, which can be equipped to the Autobot and provide various weapons and abilities. These include giving their blasters secondary weapons; support items, such as glider wings; and stat-enhancements, such as an armour boost. Up to four can be equipped at once, and with the exception of stat-enhancements, they can be activated using the shoulder buttons.

The primary weapon will always be assigned to R1, and its default fire can be altered by assigning certain Mini-Cons to the button (such as charging and firing blasts by holding and subsequently releasing the button). There is a limit to what Mini-Cons can be equipped with respect to power limitation, with more powerful Mini-Cons requiring more power. The more of the same colour Mini-Cons equipped, the stronger one's character will be alongside an increase in health. This is referred to as "Mini-Con linking."

The game doesn't follow the already established storyline of the Armada series, but has a similar premise. Millions of years ago, Mini-Cons - miniature Transformers who can grant Cybertronians special powers if merged with them - fled Cybertron and crash-landed on Earth, where they went into stasis. In the present, the Autobots, led by Optimus Prime, and the Decepticons, led by Megatron, are engaged in a deadly war for control of Cybertron. The game's opening sequence shows Megatron launching a final assault on the Autobot Headquarters on Cybertron, alongside his Decepticlones, a large army of Decepticon drones.

The Decepticlones soon overpower the Autobot resistance, as Megatron and Optimus engage in a one-on-one fight. Before the winner can be decided, a Mini-Con distress beacon activates on Earth. Well-aware of what this means, Megatron and his Decepticlone forces abandon the battle and head to Earth to find the Mini-Cons, believing their powers will guarantee the Decepticons' victory. Meanwhile, Optimus, Red Alert, and Hot Shot return to their headquarters, from where they operate a Space Bridge to travel to various locations across the planet and retrieve the Mini-Cons before the Decepticons can.

Prior to release, the game was titled Transformers Armada: Prelude to Energon. The worldwide debut of the Transformers PlayStation 2 demo occurred at TransformersCon on March 12–13, 2004. In September 2005, Atari released a Directors Cut of the game exclusively in the EU. This version includes several "Making of" movie clips and commercials on the game disc.

A playable demo was included on the disc for Driv3r. Australian band Regurgitator provided the soundtrack to the game. The song "Wishbone" by the band Dropbox was used to promote the game.

The game received "generally favorable" reviews, according to video game review aggregator Metacritic. GameSpot named it the best PlayStation 2 game of May 2004.