The Transformers: Cybertron game series never got the continuation it deserved, but it’s still possible for an open-world reboot or sequel to give justice to the ending of the franchise. War for Cybertron and Fall of Cybertron, which came out in 2010 and 2012 respectively, cover the wartime era of the Transformers franchise before the Robots in Disguise made it to Earth. Unfortunately, they ended on a cliffhanger, with Fall of Cyberton concluding just before they arrive on the planet. That leaves a major gap in the timeline of the continuity, one that could be filled with an earth-based sequel to Transformers: Fall of Cybertron. Making it open world would make the most of the Autobots’ alt modes and allow players to explore a vast map while perhaps even making use of some stealth mechanics.
Transformers is full of different universes or continuities, ranging from G1-inspired media to the Transformers franchise’s Beast Wars spinoff. Technically, the Transformers: Cybertron games are based in Hasbro’s Aligned continuity, which does include some sequel books such as Transformers: Exodus and television shows like Prime. However, the series’ novels take place before the arrival to Earth, and Prime revolves the tail end of the war. There’s still a significant time gap that leaves out important events, namely the Autobot and Decepticons’ initial landing on the planet. A Fall of Cybertron sequel can show Transformers fans what happened to the other Autobots, filling in any holes and giving its predecessor the ending it deserves.
What The Fall Of Cybertron Sequel’s Story & Characters Would Look Like
War for Cybertron takes place right at the onset of the Cybertronian war, long before the events of most Transformers series, including G1, which typically take place on earth. Fall of Cybertron then carries the conflict out to the Autobots’ departure from the planet, leading to a cliffhanger ending the Transformers: Cybertron games never resolved. Because of that, players never get to see any environment other than Cybertron. They also never learn how many of the Autobot forces survived the exodus at the end of the war. The Transformers: Cybertron games have an expansive cast, whereas the sequel series feature a much smaller group of characters.
Fall of Cybertron includes iconic G1 characters such as Bumblebee, Optimus Prime, and Jazz, while War for Cybertron branches out even further to include the likes of Ratchet, Ironhide, and Sideswipe. The Decepticon side of things is equally assorted, adding in rarely-used characters like Brawl, Skywarp, and Breakdown. Of course, with such a massive cast, it isn’t unusual for Transformers games to branch out from time to time. Transformers: Devastation included a Nemesis Prime skin as a pre-order bonus, for example.
The abrupt reduction in the main cast after the Transformers: Cybertron games should ideally be reflected in a Fall of Cybertron continuation. If the game were to include multiple playable characters, as the two that came before it did, perhaps it might simply include one of each class: a scout, medic, and warrior, for example. As for the story, it could primarily cover the Autobots’ adjustment to earth, including their need to hide in vehicle mode and collect the planet’s scarce Energon deposits. It would be a great way to tie Transformers: Cybertron back to its G1 roots while still building off of the unfinished potential of the first games. Such a sequel would also be timely, given that Pokémon GO‘s studio canceled a Transformers game just recently in summer 2022.
What Gameplay Features An Open World Transformers Game Could Use
One big reason why a theoretical Transformers: Fall of Cybertron continuation should be open world is the transformation mechanic. War for Cybertron and Fall of Cybertron both allow players to transform into their character’s alt mode on a whim, letting them drive or fly into places they otherwise wouldn’t be able to reach. It also makes it easier to traverse long distances. An open-world game would have ample ground to cover, and given that Transformers characters on earth are required to blend in with human society in most continuities, that would serve as a fun objective for players to aim for as they drive around in vehicle form.
In that regard, an open-world Transformers title can emulate stealth gameplay, which seems to be making a comeback as of late. Even the new Assassin’s Creed game will reportedly re-introduce stealth as a main feature. Other potential mechanics could include human companions, who might be able to provide advantages while exploring the world. These could range from improving the player’s ability to blend in with humans, to increasing communication range or finding items around the world they might not be able to otherwise. Since both War for Cybertron and Fall of Cybertron were set pre-earth, it would be interesting to see the series bring the human element into play, particularly since human companions are a staple of most Transformers shows including G1.
An open-world game leaves ample room for random encounters, too. Some of the most immersive open-world games have come out in recent years. Searching out Energon caches, defeating Decepticon patrols, and helping to discreetly resolve human crises can all serve to add replayability and longevity to a theoretical Transformers game. Both of the previous Transformers: Cybertron games also included two separate campaigns, one for the Autobots and one for the Decepticons. That should continue into a prospective sequel.
How The Decepticons Could Still Appear In The Next Transformers Game
Although the Autobots are the heroes of the Transformers franchise, the Decepticons are equally loved by fans. A large part of War for Cybertron‘s success was due to the fact that players could fight their way through both sides of the war. A sequel could join the ranks of the best video games with playable villains. Arguably, it wouldn’t feel like a proper Transformers game without iconic staples like Megatron, Soundwave, and Starscream. The Decepticons would have just as much to do on earth, and the gameplay styles between both factions could be entirely different due to their unique combat techniques, alt modes, and the size of their ranks.
Furthermore, the ending of Fall of Cybertron ends on something of a cliffhanger, with both the Autobot Ark and the Decepticon warship the Nemesis being pulled into a space bridge. This clearly sets up the fact that both factions will be fighting in the same place moving forward, even though the idea was never properly explored due to the game series’ abrupt conclusion. Transformers could use a new and interesting game given its lack of big titles lately; one of the franchise’s more recent appearances in the video game world was just an Optimus Prime skin in Smite‘s Battle Pass. Whether the next game serves as a straightforward continuation or a reboot, Transformers: Cybertron left plenty to be explored, and the compelling story of the games deserves a proper wrap-up.