Neil Kaplan Cast in Video Game

From TFW2005, Neil Kaplan's facebook page reveals he has been cast as the voice of Long Haul and Protectobot (essentially a Ratchet repaint) in Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen video game.

I am THRILLED to announce my return to the "Transformers Universe". This summer you can find my work on "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen". This brilliant video game is from the geniuses at Activision. I play both sides of the fence as Decepticon - Long Haul and Autobot - Protectobot. So... I can help you save or destroy the Earth. Just try to let me know ahead of time... nothing worse than tearing down what was meant to be saved.

Kaplan's credits are long, sticking mostly to video games with some cartoon work including being the voice of Optimus Prime for the Transformers: Robots in Disguise cartoons back in 2001. Keep in mind that doing a voice in the game doesn't necessarily mean he is doing a voice in the movie or that Long Haul even has any lines in the movie. Thanks to Scorpio for the link.

Transformers 2 Game Voice Cast Video

Gametrailers.com has posted a video that introduces various members of the voice cast for Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen video game that Activision confirmed would be in the game. The video seems to confirm that James Arnold Taylor is the voice of The Fallen so its not a small leap to assume the same for John Di Maggio as Sideways. Thanks to v1p3rS for the link.

Activision TF2 Video Game Voice Cast

Activision has issued a press release about the voice cast for the upcoming Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen video game which will have a return of the first game's voice cast with a few additions.

ACTIVISION SECURES ALL-STAR TALENT LINE-UP FOR TRANSFORMERST: REVENGE OF THE FALLEN VIDEO GAME

Shia LaBeouf, Megan Fox, Peter Cullen and Frank Welker Return to Provide Voice-Over Performances

Santa Monica, CA - May 15, 2009 - Activision Publishing, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI ) has assembled an all-star cast for the upcoming Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen video game, including the film's leads Shia LaBeouf and Megan Fox, who will reprise their starring roles in the game, and fan favorites Peter Cullen and Frank Welker, the voices of OPTIMUS PRIME and MEGATRON from the original animated series. In the new game, developed under license from Hasbro, players are thrust into an adrenaline-pumping battle to defend Earth from a DECEPTICON attack that threatens mankind.

"Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen features an extensive line-up of film actors, along with the voice talent that fans will recognize from the classic animated series," said Rob Kostich, head of marketing for licensed properties, Activision Publishing, Inc. "The diverse cast allowed us to not only capture the epic storyline from the film, but also seamlessly expand the fiction to create a unique and authentic TRANSFORMERS experience that fans of all ages will enjoy."

In addition to Shia LaBeouf and Megan Fox, Peter Cullen (Optimus Prime), Mark Ryan (Bumblebee), Jess Harnell (Ironhide), Charles Adler (Starscream) and Robert Foxworth (Ratchet) reprised their film roles for the game. Voice-over veterans John Di Maggio (Sideways) and James Arnold Taylor (The Fallen) also join the roster.

The Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen video game is based on the upcoming live-action feature film from DreamWorks Pictures and Paramount Pictures in association with Hasbro, which opens nationwide on June 24, 2009.* The game lets players take on the role of their favorite AUTOBOTSR or DECEPTICONSR, picking from the largest, most diverse range of playable Transformers - each with their own distinct abilities and weaponry. Set in unique environments across the globe such as Cairo and Shanghai, the game allows players to instantly switch between vehicle and robot modes as they drive, fly, fight and blast their way through intense, pressure-packed levels. After engaging in single player action, players for the first time ever will be able to go online and battle friends in all-new multiplayer modes.

John Di Maggio and James Arnold Taylor are joining the video game cast but this isn't confirmation they are part of the movie. However, looking at their IMDB.com entries with many televisions shows and animated movies between them, the odds are high that they are part of the movie voice cast. The game will be released on June 24th, the same day as the movie. Thanks to Darian for the heads-up.

Transformers 2 Video Game Playable Characters

Activision has released the full list of playable characters for Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen video game.

Autobots:
Optimus Prime
Ironhide
Breakaway
Bumblebee
Ratchet
Aerialbot (Multiplayer-Exclusive)
Protectobot (Multiplayer-Exclusive)

Decepticons:
Starscream
Sideways
Grindor
Long Haul
Megatron
Seeker (Multiplayer-Exclusive)

Based on the screenshot (above), I guess Seeker is really Skywarp and they couldn't use that name for some reason. Alternatively, they could mean any number of seekers (Thundercracker, Dirge, etc) who would all share the same character model of Starscream and simply have a different pallet of colors. Not sure what Aerialbot or Protectobot means either in this context. In G1, that is like the Constructicons as 5 Aerialbots merge to form Superion and 5 Protectobots merge to form Defensor. In this case, Aerialbot probably the name for the Breakaway character repaint and Protectobot is the rename for Ratchet. Thanks to D-Squared and Gregory for the link.

Another link here to some screenshots which had the great picture of Long Haul.

Transformers 2 Video Game Trailer

A new trailer has come out for the 360/PS3 version of the Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen video game. It shows off some of the game play footage, few new characters such as Rampage and a sequence involving Devastator. The video (HD link) below is actually two seperate trailers, one for the Autobots and one for the Decepticons.

DS Transformers 2 Covers, Info

IGN UK has posted a fact sheet on the DS version of the Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen video games which will be broken down into an Autobot and Decepticon version and gameplay similiar to the first movie's DS game. For a few screenshots, click here.

KEY FEATURES:
• Take On TRANSFORMERS from Around the Globe – Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection allows players to help their side win the epic battle by engaging in global "AUTOBOT vs. DECEPTICON" competitions through downloadable challenge missions.
• Play as Your Own Personalized TRANSFORMERS Robot – For the first time, players can customize their own TRANSFORMERS robot with a modular body part system. Throughout the game, players will have the ability to scan objects to unlock new parts and upgrade their character by installing new unlockable parts in the Medical Bay as they progress through the game.
• Diverse Missions and Locales – Players will drive, fly and fight their way through over 25 single player levels across different world locations as they fight to decide the fate of the human race as the AUTOBOTS or DECEPTICONS.
• Battle With Friends – Players can challenge friends to intense, head-to-head battles through local wireless multiplayer in Deathmatch mode.

Thanks to Scorpio for the links and image info and RT for the screenshot link.

Transformers 2 Video Game Cover Revealed

Gamestop has updated its listing for Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen The Video Game listing to include the game cover. Not particularly dramatic but still eye catching. Thanks to Scorpio for the link.

New Secret Site, AllSpark Code from Trailer

It turns out that Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen may have a new ARG (alternate reality game) marketing campaign just like they did with Sector 7 for the first movie. As site reader Mauri noted, if you watch the new trailer, at the 1:08 point, you will notice that Sam has a jacket on and along the back it says "www.therealeffingdeal.com" (left pic). If you go to that site you are then asked for login credentials.

So I did a search to see if any Transfans found the username and password. No luck but the guys over at TFW2005.com did discover another Easter Egg in the trailer, a code (right pic, circled) that gives you access to Stormbringer, a gold character in Battle of the AllSpark game. No idea how they decoded it but it becomes 091784 or 09/17/84 the day that the original Transformers cartoon debuted.

I checked the first trailer and didn't spot anything but then I didn't notice anything in the second trailer either. Hopefully more clues and fun will come out as we reach June 24th.

Official Transformers Sites Update

The two main official sites for Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen has added some content.

The main movie site has altered the backdrop to look like the theatre standee and a few new desktop images.

The official video game site also updated, this time with the "Battle for the AllSpark" version two of the game that was part of the promotion for the first video game. Once again players get to choose their faction and character as they fight against other online players for points and territory. I haven't played yet but it appears the game has improved graphics and new character models to play as. Thanks to The Chief for the heads-up.

GameStop Golden Offer for Transformers 2 Game

Via TFW2005, Destructoid.com is reporting that GameStop is offering a little something extra for people that pre-order Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen game through them.

From GameStop:

Reserve The Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen and receive a keychain containing a GameStop Exclusive download of Gold Optimus Prime and Megatron character skins. Internet connection required to redeem code. Available for online and in-store customers, while supplies last.

Online Customers: The keychain containing exclusive download code will ship with your order.

In-Store Pickup / Store Customers: The keychain containing exclusive download code will be available at time of game pick-up.

Wii ROTF Video Game Screenshots

For those curious, below is slideshow/video of screenshots for the Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen video game for the Wii. It appears the gameplay is similar as seen for the PS3/360 but the hardware's lack of graphics power isn't doing this version any favors. Thanks to Gregory for the link.

Devastator and Other Video Game News

More details are coming out about the upcoming 360/PS3 versions of Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen game. The latest comes from MTV were they report that Devastator and the Constructicons will be in the game as part of a story point derived from the movie.

While the game’s developer had to keep quiet on the biggest (literally) addition to the film’s roster of giant robots due to how closely the game is modeled on the movie, there were a few Devastator-related bits and pieces to glean from the event (though no images, unfortunately). Production coordinator Mike Mejia took MTV News through a climactic battle with the massive Decepticon set in streets of Cairo late in the demo — an encounter that Mejia said was pulled directly from the plot of the film.

And that wasn’t all there was to learn about Devastator and (as fans of the series will be glad to hear) the Constructicons that unite to form the villain.

Along with taking us through a battle between Optimus Prime and Devastator, Mejia took a moment to pan the in-game camera around the massive villain and provide an up-close peek at the robot’s design. Composed of several different Decepticons like his cartoon (and comic book) counterpart, Devastator maneuvered around the Cairo cityscape on all fours, with his various construction-vehicle components clearly visible during the slow-pan peek.

It’s also worth noting that “Demolisher,” the Decepticon with a giant wheel seen in several of the “Revenge of the Fallen” trailers (seen in the concept art [above]), is clearly visible as the primary torso and neck component of Devastator. Originally rumored to be Devastator, the wheel-wielding Demolisher robot is actually just the bulk of Devastator’s chest in the game — giving you an indication of how large the character will likely be in Bay’s CGI-fueled sequel.

Of note is the continued confusion over Demolisher or Scavenger. The question is they the same character with naming confusion or two separate characters? The first movie also had naming confusion with Brawl being called Devastator in the movie. The confusion initially started as Toy Fair 2009 images leaked and people (including me) just assumed that the naming of Demolisher and Scavenger were confused and are the same thing.

They are probably two separate characters. The primary reason is story logistics. The movie opens with NEST tracking down Demolisher (as seen in trailer) in Shanghai, China. As the above indicates, the battle with Devastator takes place in Cairo, Egypt. Which do you think is easier to do story wise - have to explain how a character escaped and traveled thousands of miles to Cairo or simply introduce a new character? Another reason is official information from Paramount for a USA Today article lists them separately. Official information trumps speculation. Last, as the toy image below shows, they are two separate toys, with similar but clearly different designs (SCVGR on side is its own hint).

Back to the video game, another blog entry from MTV highlights that homages to the various G1 gestalt characters will make appearances in the game and briefly mentions online play possibility of playing as Devastator.

The developers behind the games are Transformers nerds themselves, I was told. They have used Aerialbots, Stunticons, Combaticons, Protectobots and Omnibots as inspiration for the unnamed robots players will encounter in the game. There was no sign that these modern-day Protectobots will merge into the mighty Defensor. Instead they seem to be foot soldiers — extra robots to shoot and be shot by. The group names are classifications as these robots won’t have names.

The Xbox 360 and PS3 versions of “Revenge of the Fallen” include online multiplayer deathmatch and capture the flag modes. Up to eight gamers can play online. The new “Revenge of the Fallen” version of Devastator is, like his 1980s predecessor, a giant robot made up of smaller robots. So, I asked, can online players each play as one of Devastator’s component robots and then merge so that multiple players control a single, towering Devastator? The Activision reps gave me a stalling laugh and then one said: “We do have a lot of Transformers available [in the game.]

My read on that is you can play as a Constructicon but you and your buds will not get to merge and form Devastator. He is probably reserved as a boss character only.

Last, but not least, is from TFW2005. They have posted information from the Activision's New York press conference yesterday. It is worth the read as breaks down many elements of the upcoming video game. That can be found here. Also they have posted a video interview with a Transformers 2 developer that sadly has no spoilers. Thanks to Patrick and Scorpio for some of the links.

Transformers 2 Video Game Preview (Updated)

Various sites have posted articles describing a preview of the upcoming Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen video game complete with screenshot. The previews appear to based on the 360/PS3 versions not the Wii/DS/PSP that are also in the pipeline. Highlights below, click links for details and plenty of screenshots including Wii and DS/PSP versions of the game. Thanks to Michelle, Scorpio and others for the links. Forgot to mention, the game is getting released June 23rd in the states (don't know the international release dates).
Kotaku | TFormers | Team XBox | Joystiq | Movie Chronicles
- Follows along with film plot but missions are chosen from central hub (a faction war room) rather than linear storytelling
- Still chance to choose faction and Transformer to play as
- Larger mission environments then first games, improved interaction with environment (climb buildings, step over objects, etc)
- Various mission objectives, demo level was find and kill Sideways.
- One button Transformation that seems to improve combat.
- Each Transformer has a special ability (Sideways has a sniper rifle, Starscream can hover).
- Improved melee control include a transformation kick flip (ex: drive at target > transform > brutal melee attack > land back in vehicle mode and drove away).
- Not all missions are open to all Transformers (example one mission is Starscream destroying battleships, not exactly something Autobots would do).
- There are babysit human levels (example was driving Shia to a location and prevent building he is in from being destroyed).
- There is a level in the game of Optimus Prime vs. Devastator (his weakness is bulk equals slowness)
- Robot designs are based off of the ILM creations.
- Sequel has a new type of drone, various classes of robots that join the factions but appears Arielbots, Protectobots, Stunticons, etc where used as inspiration to create the cannon fodder.
- Stats are maintained via Leader boards so can see how doing in regards to kills, awards and other details for both single and multi-player modes.

Update: Added links to two more video game related articles. Also added possible picture of the sun harvester (as mentioned in comics and coloring book) from Movie Chronicles.

Interview About TF2 Video Game

Siebertron.com has posted an interview with Luxoflux's Joby Otero. He is the game designer for Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen video game for XBox 360 and PS3. Based on the interview it appears the game will be using most of the game elements (play as Transformers, choose a side, etc) that were part of the first movie's game. Below are snippets of the interview with the full transcript here.

F G: Transformers the Game (2007) was a huge treat for fans and allowed players to follow the storyline of the first movie without completely copying the movie script itself. Can we expect the same thing from the second installment?
JRO: Our game begins and ends in the same places as the film and there are key events where we synchronize with the film. However, the film tells a story from a human perspective and ours is told from the perspective of the Transformers. Players can also expect to play sections that expand on the film and bring in additional characters.

F G: Something us Transformers fans absolutely love is giant Robot action! One of the best kickers to the 2007 game was the ability to "Choose your side". Will Revenge of the Fallen give the same capabilities?
JRO: Most definitely. There's an Autobot campaign and a Decepticon campaign and they can be played in either order.

F G: A big question most gamers have is will Revenge of the Fallen feature online gaming capabilities?
JRO: Yes, and we're particularly excited about our multiplayer. For the first time in a Transformers game, players can take their favorite characters online in intense matches where the game's mix of driving, flying, shooting, melee and acrobatic transformation, results in something not quite like any other online experience. It's fast and intuitive, yet difficult to master and we hope players will agree that it's an addictive, full-on, ‘Transformers' experience!

F G: Transformers the Game also features "side missions" that unlocked certain bonus materials such as movie trailers and photos, will ROTF feature anything of the sort?
JRO: We're proud to say that Hasbro has really opened up their vaults to a lot of cool content for us. Our game has lots of bonus material, but the system is different this time. Extra content is unlocked by completing a variety of objectives, some of which are in story missions, some are in non-story missions and others are elsewhere. We'll have to leave it at that – all secret and stuff.

F G: Yet another cool bonus in the first game was that it featured characters that were not in the first film, and as far as we can tell, have not been slated for an appearance in the second film. Can we expect bonus characters from ROTF?
JRO: There will definitely be surprises. We have familiar characters as well as variations that I can't say much about yet. We also worked closely with Hasbro and reference from the two movies to create many new characters that are uniquely designed for the game. There's a little something for everyone – Autobot or Decepticon.

Update:FYI, as the new pic above shows, the offical video game site has updated with screenshots and other information.

Transformers 2 Video Games Dated

According to Amazon.com's pre-order page for Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen video games, the scheduled release date for the games on all platforms is June 16th, 2009. I don't know if this is a stateside only release date or worldwide.

Ironhide, Twins and Megatron Robot Images

Thanks to Phil who sent me the below pictures that I think came from the Transformers The Game website joining the previous leaked pictures of the Twins. Nowadays its hard to tell but the detail isn't up to the level of Empire's Optimus Prime image making me think they are all based on ILM's designs but modified for the game's graphics engine. Ironhide looks slightly different, I just can't pin down why. The new angle on the Twins just makes them even stranger looking. As for Megatron, in the bottom right you can see potential tread and he has two claw-hands instead of a cannon arm, either a game design change or maybe the cannon is not permanent but a sub-transformation similar to his weapon in the first movie.


Update: Just a side note, as the below image proves, final verification that those images leaked back in September where related to "Mudflap". Apparently the buggy look eyes were related to his head design. Thanks to Phil for the image below.