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After a soft launch as a browser-based MMORPG, Transformers Universe is slated to return at some point this summer, only with a new direction. Now, the title is being positioned as a tactical action game while retaining its massively multiplayer online billing.
While not too much is known about Transformers Universe at this time, developer Jagex has slowly been building a cast of Transformers that includes all of the key personalities of both the Autobot and Decepticon factions. Earlier today, the developer confirmed two more for Transformers Universe: the Autobot Showdown and the Decepticon Mismatch.
Showdown's vehicle form is that of a bright red and silver monster truck, which, if the trailer above is any indication, is an extension of his personality. Boasting a massive hammer and several laser-based weapons, Showdown seems like a formidable member of the Autobot team. Here's more about Showdown:
This crowd-pleasing, hard-scrapping Autobot built his celebrity hammering 'Cons in the Kaon fight pits back in the dark days on Cybertron.
Showdown always finds his way to the center of the battlefield where he is a big hit with his comrades, sharing his shield and taking damage for the whole squad. When backed onto the ropes, his systems will surge and he'll bust out the "Showdown Shuffle," putting on a spectacle that'll knock your fenders off.
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On the other side, representing the Decepticon faction, is Mismatch who, in a lot of ways, seems like the "bad" version of Showdown. With a vehicle form of a demolition derby car, Mismatch has all the qualities of a good bruiser, doubly so when in robot form. He boasts a chain gun and shoulder-mounted rocket launchers as offensive weapons, and is more than ready to scrap with the best of the Autobot squad. Read more about Mismatch below:
A fearsome amalgamation of metal, Mismatch hits the battlefield decked out in spare parts and blasting rockets from his launcher.
Notorious for raging in the red, his minigun has been known to overheat and blow up in his face - but he'll roll with that because his enemies will taste the shrapnel too. When the dust settles you'll find him scavenging for vital components - ignoring the burial rites of the dead, all he sees is second-hand steel.
Although the franchise has been out of the limelight for a little bit, it appears 2014 will be a great time to be a Transformers fan with several high profile series entries on the horizon. First and foremost is Transformers: Age of Extinction, a new cinematic adaptation courtesy of director Michael Bay. Age of Exctinction features a completely new cast of human characters and some revamped looks for its Transformers. It also boasts the first big screen interpretation of the Dinobots.
Then there is the imminent release of Transformers: Rise of the Dark Spark, which seeks to bridge High Moon Studios' Cybertron video game franchise with a movie tie-in for Age of Extinction. However, it's important to mention that High Moon is not working on the game.
And then, for those Transformers fans who want a more ongoing experience there will be Transformers Universe, which is taking beta registrations as we speak. It's true the title has been floating around for quite some time but Jagex is now ready to unleash it on the public.
Which of the new Transformers Universe characters are you more interested in? Who do you think should join the cast next?
Transformers Universe is expected to release some time later this year.
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Follow Anthony on Twitter @ANTaormina