<img align="right" src="http://www.the-nextlevel.com/news/0307/transformers.jpg">It's somewhat difficult for most of us here at TNL (both staff and patrons alike, unless you're Kidnemo) to get overly excited about the <b>Transformers Armada</b> franchise, especially if you're one of the few watching the animated series on the Cartoon Network (ugh!) It's downright cheesy (yes, even as a purist of the original series - I must admit that the original 1980's franchise wasn't exactly epic either).

<b>Well that's just Prime...</b>

Ready or not, Atari has announced plans to bring <b>Transformers: Prelude to Energon</b> to the PS2 later this year. The 3D action/adventure game allows gamers to assume the role of one of three Autobot characters.

<b>Autobots wage their battle to destroy the evil forces of the Decepticons...</b>

<i>Prelude to Energon</i> is essentially based around a new robot race known as the Mini-cons who possess the power to enhance the strength of whomever acquires them. It doesn't take the power of the Matrix to figure out that both the Autobots and Decepticons seek this advantage (as if energon cubes have gone out of style)

In short, whomever has the Mini-cons, gains the advantage. Players take control of one of three (yes, three) Autobots (Optimus Prime, Hotshot and Red Alert, respectively) Throughout the game, you'll engage numerous Decepticons (many of which are nameless clones), battling in robot form or your native form.

Melbourne House has established a successful track record of quality titles, and it seems that they're taking this project in the right direction...

"We're working diligently to develop a game that expands upon the
TRANSFORMERS ARMADA brand to provide a truly unique experience with intense gameplay, vast environments and an emphasis on combat," said Andrew Carter, vice president of product development for Atari's Melbourne House. "Every massive environment and character model will be delivered with an unprecedented level of visual realism by harnessing PlayStation 2 system's powerful graphics technology and techniques - resulting in incredible rendering effects and absolute immersion for players."

<b>More than meets the eye?</b>

<i>Tranformers Armada: Prelude to Energon</i> lands on the PS2 in Spring 2004. We'll be keeping a close watch on this game. Stay tuned for additoinal updates as they become available.

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(Visit www.dreamwaveprod.com for more info and artwork on the <i>Transformers</i> series.)