FREE SHOW: Episode 1222: "My Reaction to Transformers"

PodcastAnalysis updated 2d agoMay 20, 202658 min listen

TL;DR

Kaneda criticizes Stern's Transformers for removing Optimus transformation, weak Megatron combat, and rapid-fire release strategy.

From the creator

It's more complicated than just looking at this game in a vacuum.

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Synopsis

Kaneda delivers a critical live reaction to Stern Pinball's Transformers G1 game, focusing primarily on the decision to keep Optimus Prime static rather than transforming despite evidence he was originally designed to transform. While praising the art direction, theme integration, and character work by Pat Lee and Peter Cullen, Kaneda identifies significant gameplay and design misses: Megatron's weak ball return mechanic, asymmetrical Autobot/Decepticon feature distribution, and insufficient LE exclusivity. He contextualizes his disappointment within broader criticism of Stern's rapid release cadence and manufacturing-driven business model, arguing the company is cannibalizing its own product portfolio and burning out internal talent by launching Pokemon and Transformers within weeks of each other.

Highlights

Optimus Prime was originally designed to transform but was removed shortly before release; George Gomez's promotional video shows Optimus transformed at the 33-second mark
Megatron's ball return mechanic is underwhelming: he tosses the ball underhand rather than firing it back like dragon-shot mechanics in other games
Pokemon LE buyers have only had the game for ~30 days, and launching Transformers so quickly creates market cannibalization and FOMO fatigue
Transformers (LE) lacks exclusive features compared to the Pro and Premium tiers: no exclusive mode beyond standard play
Stern's rapid release schedule and private equity investor pressure are driving internal burnout and preventing games from reaching completion before launch
Soundwave is the best implemented mech in the game; only Decepticons have active mechanical features while Autobots are largely static
The game uses a square aspect ratio display rather than full-screen, limiting visual impact of the classic cartoon assets
Transformers LE prices ($13,000) will not be hard to acquire despite early sellout to dealers; Pokemon LEs and other recent releases remain available

Notable quotes

“Stern Pinball has made a transformer pinball machine in which nothing transforms.”

Kaneda

“You know they engineered this game to sync up his transformation with it on the screen. You know that's what was there. And this thing was yanked out, ladies and gentlemen, I mean like just a few weeks ago because a lot of internet sleuths have like found this out.”

Kaneda

“Everything about it looks pretty damn cool. Everything else happening looks pretty awesome. It is one of the best art packages that nails the theme Stern's done in a long time. No complaints on the art. Pat Lee nailed it.”

Kaneda

“It's like Decepticon Pinball featuring the do nothing Autobots. And there's no other way around it.”

Kaneda

“I just don't see enough to separate these LE games. So if I'm going to spend $13,000, I'm going to spend $3,500 more than the premium buyer... I don't even get an exclusive mode.”

Kaneda

“Stern is Stern's worst enemy and Stern's biggest competitor and Stern's biggest issue is themselves. They're simply competing against themselves.”

Kaneda

“I'm not ready yet to date again. I think most of you can understand that analogy. I'm not emotionally ready to get back out there. And so when I have had a Pokemon that is empty, empty, and I just spent $14,250 on it... I'm not ready to date another game yet.”

Kaneda

“Before Jack Danger can even like finish X-Men, probably one of the most ambitious creative games the company's ever made, you forced them to release it. All because of the pressures of the manufacturing side of the business and the private equity guys.”

Kaneda

“Pokemon is worth about like $290 billion more than the Transformer franchise. I just don't think seeing that, seeing it's easy to get a Beetlejuice now, seeing that Sonic is right around the corner.”

Kaneda