As a starting point, I must relate the obvious: video games based on movies are generally bad. But in the case of Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, this philosophy falls short. Yes, the new Transformers game has fast-paced action, dual campaigns consisting of the Autobots' plight as well as the Decepticons', intriguing multiplayer, and diverse characters each with unique weaponry.

Transformers' story and characters even seem to make more sense being a video game first and a movie second. It encompasses more action than plot and at the center has a good-versus-evil, gun-toting, actions-speak-louder-than-words (or, for that matter, guns-speak-louder-than-anything-else) core theme. The campaigns are based on the plot of the movie, which is unfortunate due to the fact that there barely was one, but the gem of the game is in taking on the role of the Decepticons. After watching the cartoons from the '80s and the modern day movies consistently look at the world through Optimus Prime and the Autobots' eyes, it’s a treat to feel this sinister riff on the genre.

As a whole, each campaign will hold your attention with numerous hours of play time. Although both campaigns can feel similar, they do feel different enough to keep you interested. What I found interesting was to go back and forth with each mission; one as an Autobot, then switching over to one as a Decepticon. The campaigns are mixed with missions like shoot 'em up, escorting, defending, and time trial check points. The controls can be tough to adapt to at first, but once you get the hang of them, it’s quite an experience. Transforming from car to bot and vice-versa at the drop of a hat never gets old. At the core, this feature keeps the game moving quickly no matter what situation you’re in. Climbing tall buildings (in similar style to those of you who have experienced Prototype) keeps you feeling like you have total control over the environment. Yes, the environments do feel quite bland and ordinary, but you’ll be either flying over or trampling them so quickly you won’t care. Each mission is also timed and offers medals if finished quickly. Ending a mission quickly entitles you to more Energon (like experience points) in order to upgrade your weapons in between missions.

But the voice acting is atrocious. Starscream sounds like a dominating evil demon, while Megatron sounds more like an irritated Englishman drunk at the pub. I won’t even start with the mediocrity of Megan Fox or Shia LeBouf’s sound bytes either. There are some camera issues, too. If you find yourself fighting underneath a city bridge, be prepared to be completely cut off from your line of sight, but fortunately this is not all too common.

And yes, multiplayer is a great addition to this game. I advise not signing into a match unless you’ve progressed through the campaign long enough to get used to the controls, though. The maps and play modes in this multiplayer are common throughout most FPSs and don’t offer much creativity in this realm. But the Transformers have exclusive weapons and vehicle types that allow you to feel creative in the way you decide to play and approach each match, whether it be by flight, car, or weaponry. It’s completely up to you.

So I guess what it comes down to is one simple question: is it worth the $60 price tag. The answer is maybe. The campaigns are long enough that you will have a thorough playing experience, while the multiplayer will only stand to increase the amount of time spent with the game. But in the end, though I finished both campaigns of Transformers and felt satisfied, I didn’t find myself looking forward to picking it up again. It’s a game that will feel much better for the consumer when it’s marked down to that $39.99 price tag. And just like every other movie game, we know that’s only a matter of time.