Autobots have descended upon us

Say the phrase "Robots in Disguise" to any male from the age of 15 to 35 and they will most likely respond to you with a single word.

No young boy throughout the history of ever has ever escaped the alluring fantasy that is the Transformers. Lets face it guys Barbie is to girls, as Transformers are to boys (and I'm totally ok with that.) Giant robots that changed not only from, cars, trucks, and jets, to other more fantastic things like beasts, dinosaurs, and in some cases even Star Wars icons. Some of the best memories of my youth were spent with my friends replicating the grand battles that happened on Earth or Cybertron. I'm sure any of you that ever played with these toys as children know exactly how I feel.  Hell, the cartoons, the comics, the action figures (they’re not toys) are enough to make a grown man feel like a kid again.

This being said, I'd like to take a quick moment to invite you to visit the USF library in St. Petersburg. As you read this Transcending the Toy Box - A Visual History of the Transformers is on display. This exhibit is showcasing a large assortment of both Autobots and Decepticons. Everything from vinyl records, to animated movies, Japanese imports, beast wars, video games, playing cards, a film reel, and even a rare Unicron figurine. I had the pleasure of visiting the display earlier this week with three friends and can honestly say that it was great to reminisce with those old robots while learning about some of the new ones. The best part about the exhibition is its free. Do yourself a favor and don't wait long as this showcase will only be on exhibit until May 19th.

Optimus Prime?

Transformers 35 mm teaser trailer reel

Gen 1 Jazz

1987 - Japan

On another note, if you ever played a Transformer video game you know that they where all hellabad. From the original NES to the PS2 version, they've all been awful. The only exception to this rule is last years, Transformers: War for Cybertron that debuted on the Sony Playstation 3 and the XBOX 360.  The team over at High Moon Studios did an amazing job working with the original writers of the cartoon series to create an experience that felt balanced in terms of both gameplay and mythos. The game has everything, a compelling story, unique Autobot and Decepticon campaigns, co-operative campaign, a solid multiplayer, an endless wave mode, as well as a whole slew of your favorite old school robots. If you’re a Transformer fan this is hands down the definitive game you need to have in your robot arsenal.

The team at High Moon Studious did such a good job in fact, that the guys over at Activision decided to hand them free reign over the new game Transformers - Dark of the moon to coincide with this summers blockbuster movie debut. I know what your thinking. Movie license game = suck. I have faith though that these guys can pull through and break the vicious cycle. They've already demonstrated that they can make a great transformers game, and as of right now, they're incorporating the new movie robots, some old school favorites and even an all new line of aerialbot action figures that are due out soon. 


Just below are the trailers for the new game and movie set to come out this summer. The game as expected, looks solid. The movie looks like more of the same but come July 1st, I'll be in line to have the new Transformers movie take me back to that same old childish fantasy of giant, supercool robots that save the universe.