Software:Transformers: Beast Wars Transmetals

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Short description: 1999 video game

Transformers: Beast Wars Transmetals
Transformers: Beast Wars Transmetals box art. North American box art for Nintendo 64
North American Nintendo 64 box art
Developer(s)
  • Locomotive (N64)
  • WAVEDGE (PS1)
Publisher(s)
  • JP: Takara
Director(s)
  • Aaron Endo
  • Akimasa Konishi (N64)
  • Akira Toba (N64)
  • Katsuyuki Nishikawa (PS1)
Producer(s)
  • Tsuyoshi Igarashi
  • Shunichi Okusa
Designer(s)
  • Katsumi Kawagoe (PS1)
Programmer(s)
  • Tsutom Makamura (N64)
  • Toshio Yakuwa (N64)
  • Osamu Matsuki (PS1)
Composer(s)
  • Kazuhisa Kamifuji (N64)
  • Katsuhiro Hayashi (PS1)
  • Koichi Namiki (PS1)
SeriesTransformers
Platform(s)Nintendo 64, PlayStation
ReleaseNintendo 64
  • JP: October 2, 1999
  • NA: July 12, 2000
PlayStation
  • JP: December 9, 1999
  • NA: July 12, 2000
Genre(s)Fighting
Mode(s)Single player, multiplayer

Transformers: Beast Wars Transmetals is a 1999 3D fighting game for the Nintendo 64 and PlayStation, based on the Transformers: Beast Wars cartoon series and toy-line, It was published in Japan by Takara in 1999, and in North America by Bay Area Multimedia in 2000. Each version features different game mechanics and playable characters.

The Nintendo 64 version of the game, known as Transformers: Beast Wars Metals 64[lower-alpha 1] in Japan, was developed by Locomotive Corporation. It contains arcade mode endings for all characters and several mini-games. In North America, this version was a Blockbuster Video exclusive that was initially only available for rental.[1]

The PlayStation version of the game, known as Transformers Beast Wars Metals: Gekitotsu! Gangan Battle[lower-alpha 2] in Japan, was developed by WAVEDGE. It features alternate story campaigns for the Maximal and Predacon factions.

Gameplay

In both games, players take control of one of the Maximals or Predacons in a 1-on-1 battle and attempt to deplete their opponent's life through the use of projectile and melee attacks. Each character can change between three different modes: a Beast Mode, a Vehicle Mode, and a Robot Mode. Players can battle against CPU opponents in each game's single player mode, or against a second player in versus mode.

In the Nintendo 64 version, gameplay takes place in a flat 3D arena. Each of the three character modes has different strengths and weaknesses: Robot Mode is the strongest, but usage depletes an "energon resistance gauge" that will prevent the character from attacking when fully depleted. Beast Mode recharges the gauge and has high defense, but its attacks are less effective. Vehicle Mode has higher mobility and does not charge or drain the gauge, but has low defense and uses projectile attacks that are easily avoided. The game features a single-player arcade mode, with unique text-based endings for each character. A versus mode, team battle mode and several mini-games are also available for play.[2] The Japanese version is compatible with the Transfer Pak accessory; connecting different Game Boy games will positively or negatively affect the player character's maximum health and energon resistance gauge consumption rate.[3]

The PlayStation version features a top-down viewpoint. Characters move around 3D battlefields, each of which features various interactable objects and environmental hazards that can deal additional damage to the combatants. Dealing and receiving damage will also build up each character's super meter, allowing them to use powerful super attacks. The game features a single player story mode, in which each faction attempts to move across a map to reach the opposing faction's base, participating in battles along the way. Story mode is split between Maximal and Predacon campaigns, and features FMV cutscenes. The game also includes versus, survival and training modes, while various images and videos can be unlocked in an in-game gallery.[4]

Playable characters

The original Japanese releases each feature eight playable characters, including three characters exclusive to each version. This was expanded to 12 each for the North American releases through the addition of four secret characters, all of which are palette-swapped versions of existing characters given unique voice lines. The Nintendo 64 version features an original character, Megatron X, who appears as a secret boss in the arcade mode. In the Japanese release, Megatron X can be unlocked as a playable character by connecting to Kettō Transformers Beast Wars: Beast Senshi Saikyō Ketteisen via the Transfer Pak.[3][5] In addition to the playable cast, the Maximal Rhinox appears as a non-player character in the PlayStation version's story mode.

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 Exclusive to the Nintendo 64 version
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 Secret character added to the North American release
  3. ↑ Boss character in all releases; secret playable character in the Japanese release
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 Exclusive to the PlayStation version

Plot

Transformers: Beast Wars Transmetals is set in an alternate version of the second season of the animated series, following the introduction of the Transmetals and Fuzors. While being transported back to the planet Cybertron after his defeat, as depicted in the final episode of Beast Wars, Megatron sends a message through time to his past self, warning him of his own defeat. This action creates a divergent timeline in which several Maximals and Predacons gain new Transmetal forms and resume their battles on prehistoric Earth.

The Nintendo 64 version features unique story endings for each character, detailing their actions after defeating the opposing faction leader. The PlayStation version features two story campaigns: the Maximal campaign, in which Optimus Primal leads a team to infiltrate the Predacon ship and retrieve the stolen Golden Disk; and the Predacon campaign, in which Megatron and his henchmen lure the Maximals out of their ship in an attempt to finish them.

Reception

Reception
Review scores
PublicationScore
N64PS
Famitsu23/40[10]23/40[11]
GameFan55%[7]N/A
IGN3/10[2]3/10[4]
Nintendo Power6.1/10[8]N/A
OPM (US)N/A1/5[9]
PlayN/A10%[12]
Aggregate score
GameRankings48.67%[6]N/A

The game was met with negative reception upon release, with the Nintendo 64 version receiving a score of 48.67% from review aggregator GameRankings.[6]

Notes

  1. ↑ Toransufōmā Bīsutou~ōzu Metarusu 64 (Japanese: トランスフォーマー ビーストウォーズメタルス64)
  2. ↑ Toransufōmā Bīsutou~ōzu Metarusu: Gekitotsu! Gangan Batoru (Japanese: トランスフォーマー ビーストウォーズメタルス 激突!ガンガンバトル, Transformers Beast Wars Metals: Clash! Intense Battle)

References

  1. ↑ Johnston, Chris (June 2000). "TGS Tidbits". Electronic Gaming Monthly (131): 33. 
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Nix, Marc (July 11, 2000). "Transformers: Beast Wars Transmetals (N64)". http://www.ign.com/articles/2000/07/12/transformers-beast-wars-transmetals. 
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 "トランスフォーマー ビーストウォーズメタルス64". The 64Dream (Mainichi Communications) (38): 38. November 1999. 
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 Nix, Marc (June 26, 2000). "Beast Wars: Transmetals [sic]". http://www.ign.com/articles/2000/06/27/beast-wars-transmetals. 
  5. ↑ "Takara's Treasures". August 27, 1999. https://www.ign.com/articles/1999/08/28/takaras-treasures. 
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 "Transformers: Beast Wars Transmetals for Nintendo 64". GameRankings. http://www.gamerankings.com/n64/576667-transformers-beast-wars-transmetals/index.html. 
  7. ↑ "REVIEW for Transformers: Beast Wars Transmetals (N64)". GameFan. 2000. 
  8. ↑ "Transformers Beast Wars: Transmetals [sic]". Nintendo Power (Nintendo of America) 138: 128. November 2000. 
  9. ↑ "Transformers: Beast Wars Transmetals". Official U.S. PlayStation Magazine (Ziff Davis Media) (36): 104. September 2000. 
  10. ↑ "新作ゲームクロスレビュー". Weekly Famitsu (Enterbrain) (564): 36. October 8, 1999. 
  11. ↑ "新作ゲームクロスレビュー". Weekly Famitsu (Enterbrain) (574): 30. December 17, 1999. 
  12. ↑ "Transformers Beast Wars: Transmetals". Play (Future plc) (67): 75. October 2000. 
  • MobyGames is a commercial database website that catalogs information on video games and the people and companies behind them via crowdsourcing. This includes over 300,000 games for hundreds of platforms.[1] Founded in 1999, ownership of the site has changed hands several times. It has been owned by Atari SA since 2022.

Features

Edits and submissions to the site (including screenshots, box art, developer information, game summaries, and more) go through a verification process of fact-checking by volunteer "approvers".[2] This lengthy approval process after submission can range from minutes to days or months.[3] The most commonly used sources are the video game's website, packaging, and credit screens. There is a published standard for game information and copy-editing.[4] A ranking system allows users to earn points for contributing accurate information.[5]

Registered users can rate and review games. Users can create private or public "have" and "want" lists, which can generate a list of games available for trade with other registered users. The site contains an integrated forum. Each listed game can have its own sub-forum.

History

Logo used until March 2014

MobyGames was founded on March 1, 1999, by Jim Leonard and Brian Hirt, and joined by David Berk 18 months later, the three of which had been friends since high school.[6][7] Leonard had the idea of sharing information about computer games with a larger audience. The database began with information about games for IBM PC compatibles, relying on the founders' personal collections. Eventually, the site was opened up to allow general users to contribute information.[5] In a 2003 interview, Berk emphasized MobyGames' dedication to taking video games more seriously than broader society and to preserving games for their important cultural influence.[5]

In mid-2010, MobyGames was purchased by GameFly for an undisclosed amount.[8] This was announced to the community post factum , and the site's interface was given an unpopular redesign.[7] A few major contributors left, refusing to do volunteer work for a commercial website.{{Citation needed|date=June 2025} On December 18, 2013, MobyGames was acquired by Jeremiah Freyholtz, owner of Blue Flame Labs (a San Francisco-based game and web development company) and VGBoxArt (a site for fan-made video game box art).[9] Blue Flame Labs reverted MobyGames' interface to its pre-overhaul look and feel,[10] and for the next eight years, the site was run by Freyholtz and Independent Games Festival organizer Simon Carless.[7]

On November 24, 2021, Atari SA announced a potential deal with Blue Flame Labs to purchase MobyGames for $1.5 million.[11] The purchase was completed on 8 March 2022, with Freyholtz remaining as general manager.[12][13][14] Over the next year, the financial boost given by Atari led to a rework of the site being built from scratch with a new backend codebase, as well as updates improving the mobile and desktop user interface.[1] This was accomplished by investing in full-time development of the site instead of its previously part-time development.[15]

In 2024, MobyGames began offering a paid "Pro" membership option for the site to generate additional revenue.[16] Previously, the site had generated income exclusively through banner ads and (from March 2014 onward) a small number of patrons via the Patreon website.[17]

See also

  • IGDB – game database used by Twitch for its search and discovery functions

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Sheehan, Gavin (2023-02-22). "Atari Relaunches The Fully Rebuilt & Optimized MobyGames Website". https://bleedingcool.com/games/atari-relaunches-the-fully-rebuilt-optimized-mobygames-website/. 
  2. ↑ Litchfield, Ted (2021-11-26). "Zombie company Atari to devour MobyGames". https://www.pcgamer.com/zombie-company-atari-to-devour-mobygames/. 
  3. ↑ "MobyGames FAQ: Emails Answered § When will my submission be approved?". Blue Flame Labs. 30 March 2014. http://www.mobygames.com/info/faq7#g1. 
  4. ↑ "The MobyGames Standards and Practices". Blue Flame Labs. 6 January 2016. http://www.mobygames.com/info/standards. 
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 Miller, Stanley A. (2003-04-22). "People's choice awards honor favorite Web sites". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. 
  6. ↑ "20 Years of MobyGames" (in en). 2019-02-28. https://trixter.oldskool.org/2019/02/28/20-years-of-mobygames/. 
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 Plunkett, Luke (2022-03-10). "Atari Buys MobyGames For $1.5 Million". https://kotaku.com/mobygames-retro-credits-database-imdb-atari-freyholtz-b-1848638521. 
  8. ↑ "Report: MobyGames Acquired By GameFly Media". Gamasutra. 2011-02-07. https://www.gamedeveloper.com/game-platforms/report-mobygames-acquired-by-gamefly-media. 
  9. ↑ Corriea, Alexa Ray (December 31, 2013). "MobyGames purchased from GameFly, improvements planned". http://www.polygon.com/2013/12/31/5261414/mobygames-purchased-from-gamefly-improvements-planned. 
  10. ↑ Wawro, Alex (31 December 2013). "Game dev database MobyGames getting some TLC under new owner". Gamasutra. https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/game-dev-database-mobygames-getting-some-tlc-under-new-owner. 
  11. ↑ "Atari invests in Anstream, may buy MobyGames". November 24, 2021. https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2021-11-24-atari-invests-in-anstream-may-buy-mobygames. 
  12. ↑ Rousseau, Jeffrey (2022-03-09). "Atari purchases Moby Games". https://www.gamesindustry.biz/atari-purchases-moby-games. 
  13. ↑ "Atari Completes MobyGames Acquisition, Details Plans for the Site's Continued Support". March 8, 2022. https://www.atari.com/atari-completes-mobygames-acquisition-details-plans-for-the-sites-continued-support/. 
  14. ↑ "Atari has acquired game database MobyGames for $1.5 million" (in en-GB). 2022-03-09. https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/atari-has-acquired-game-database-mobygames-for-1-5-million/. 
  15. ↑ Stanton, Rich (2022-03-10). "Atari buys videogame database MobyGames for $1.5 million". https://www.pcgamer.com/atari-buys-videogame-database-mobygames-for-dollar15-million/. 
  16. ↑ Harris, John (2024-03-09). "MobyGames Offering “Pro” Membership". https://setsideb.com/mobygames-offering-pro-membership/. 
  17. ↑ "MobyGames on Patreon". http://www.patreon.com/mobygames. 
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  • Transformers: Beast Wars Transmetals (PS) at TFWiki.net: The Transformers Wiki
  • Transformers: Beast Wars Transmetals (N64) at TFWiki.net: The Transformers Wiki

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