Transformers: Galactic Trials Review (Mr. Cruel)
Man, I was excited to try this one out, but unfortunately, it's just OK. Not bad, but for the really cool concept of mixing racing tracks with intermittent battle arenas, it doesn't come together. Beyond mega Transformers fans, I have trouble recommending it over something like Victory Heat Rally, Parking Garage Rally Circuit, or Hot Wheels Unleashed for people who want arcade racers, or Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed for a more classic kart racer. Granted, none of those really deliver on the unique experience Galactic Trials promises, but I'd argue Galactic Trials doesn't really deliver it, either.
The mechanics all work, but they're all a little janky in ways that end up feeling disconnected and flat. The racing part mostly works well, but is brought down by a manual shunting system (pressing buttons to shove your car left or right as a pseudo-melee attack) with poor feedback that feels better ignored half the time. Car sections have no other attack option, either (no weapon drops or the like), so it's just the numb-feeling shunting and pretty basic kart racer drift mechanics and boosting.
The little fighting arenas, while an interesting idea to let slower racers catch up and mix up the gameplay, ultimately boil down to either having a big enough lead going into them that they don't matter much, or just navigating a complete mess and hoping the autoaim and inconsistent respawns are in your favor. You get two weapons, a basic gun that fits pretty cleanly into the standard video game archetypes (SMG, shotgun, sniper, etc) and a special attack you have to charge tied to the transformer you chose, but even then they stay pretty simple, like an explosive that leaves a damage area or a powerful shot that ricochets twice between enemies. Just like the racing, it ultimately feels kinda flat.
All this in a kart racer with only eight tracks with limited polish in the layout (enough odd corners and edges that you can catch on and stop you cold, keeping you from getting into the "flow" of a race), and it ends up feeling shallow and slim, despite the production value and mechanical promise. Could people have fun with this? Absolutely, but for $40 or less, you have better arcade racer options on Steam.