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Later this summer Transformers Universe, the forthcoming browser-based MMO from Jagex, will roll out to fans, delivering a persistent Cybertronian experience. At one point the game was set to be a more traditional MMO, in the vein of World of Warcraft or Everquest, but Jagex has taken a new approach. Now Transformers Universe will feature a more familiar action strategy approach.

In the first of a new featurette series called 'Under the Hood,' the folks at Jagex are taking players behind the scenes of Transformers Universe, showing them what makes their MMO unique. With the title slated to hit later this summer, the developer wants players, and especially Transformers fans, to know why their game is worth playing.

Set within the Generations universe, Transformers Universe gives players the chance to step into the shoes (wheels?) of some unfamiliar Autobots and Decepticons, and do battle as a member of either faction. Make no mistake, though, key Autobots and Decepticons will make appearances, both as "mentors" for the player and potentially as playable characters.

Transformers Universe Featurette

The decision behind giving players a set of relatively unknown Transformers to choose from helps the game to offer choices without creating conflict. As the video explains, TU has a wealth of customization options, both cosmetic and gameplay-focused, and rather than invite cries of "Blasphemy!" as players mix up Optimus Prime's color scheme, Jagex decided to skip that headache altogether.

So far, Jagex has prepared several modes for players to try out, including Team Deathmatch, a capture and hold mode called Meteor Storm, and the more expansive Crisis Mode. Although details are somewhat slim, Crisis Mode appears to be Transformers Universe's version of a multiplayer Raid.

And finally, Jagex wants players to know about their Founders program, which comes in several different options and at several different price points. The game itself is free-to-play, but joining the Founders program gives players an advantage in the form of more playable Transformers, money to spend on customization items, special titles, and avatars that will only be available to Founders at launch. And if you want to go for the Cyberknight pack, you also get a pretty neat statuette.

Transformers Universe Showdown Mismatch Trailers

The road to release may have been a bumpy one for Transformers Universe, but Jagex is almost there and wants to ensure players know exactly what their game delivers. Free-to-play is a very crowded market these days, so it's important for developers to get out there and explain why their game sets itself apart from the pack. Like Peter Cullen voicing Optimus Prime for example.

What do you think of Transformers Universe so far? Does it seem like a game you might try?

Transformers Universe is slated to launch this summer.

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Follow Anthony on Twitter @ANTaormina