It's not just about feelings. Why is the Chinese PS4 version of "Transformers: Destroyer" so popular?

As early as the beginning of 2016, the appearance of "Transformers: Destroyer" in the list of games approved by the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television began to attract the attention of many players. After nearly three months, this game, which was produced by Platinum Games and published by Activision in October last year, finally appeared on the stage of the Chinese version on March 3. At the same time, this is also the first time that this game has been released in simplified Chinese worldwide (unfortunately, the Hong Kong version does not have traditional Chinese).

For "Transformers: Destroyer" which was released on consoles last October, whether this game, which has the style of the past G1 animation series as can be seen from the cover, can attract Chinese players may be a small gamble for Sony. However, judging from the recent online shopping situation, with JD.com's out of stock and Tmall selling more than 200 in 4 days, Sony seems to have made the right bet.

Why is it so difficult to release products simultaneously around the world?

"Transformers: Destroyer" was released as early as October last year. Although Sony submitted the application as soon as possible, it took five months for everyone to see this game. For Sony, which once released "Gravity Rush: Remastered" simultaneously around the world, this seems to have disappointed many players.

Players who have experienced the censorship of a large number of contents in Halo: The Master Chief Collection on the Chinese version of Xbox One are very lucky that Transformers: Destroyer has entered the Chinese market without censorship. The exclusive simplified Chinese version may be the key to the late release of this game. For Chinese players, the issues of localization, censorship and censorship of games have always been a concern.

Although the development of Chinese localization allows domestic players to directly enjoy international masterpieces, it takes a lot of time and resources for manufacturers. Take "Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain" for example. It was released in September last year, but the Chinese version was not released until December, and it was not fully translated, but only a semi-finished product.

Although Transformers: Destroyer is more comfortable to watch with the simplified Chinese version, including the familiar faces of the Autobots and Decepticons, as well as the most familiar Chinese names, this "comfort" still makes players feel uncomfortable. After all, the Chinese version is always one step behind the world, which is also a bit worrying.

This is how strong IP is used

At this stage, many anime-to-game works are mostly fan-oriented. Just by keeping the content close to the original, and without rich game content, they can incite many fans to buy. For example, the recent "Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 4" fully demonstrated the characteristics of the original in terms of graphics and story, but the AI ​​was stupid and the subsequent content was pitifully short, which made people feel that it was anticlimactic.

Although Transformers: Destroyer only has two modes to choose from, story mode and challenge mode, the degree of difficulty increases the operability of the game. For example, in scout mode, players can lure monsters and kill them instantly without restraint, but in commander mode... well, you should take it easy, because every monster is your boss. This is really precious for an IP game.

In comparison, Japanese IP games have turned against their rivals and have long been reduced to the fat meat that manufacturers use to squeeze the last bit of oil from fans. Both the Three Kingdoms series and the two-dimensional anime have shown signs of decline in games. Even the formerly popular anime "Saint Seiya", after producing the game of the same name, tried to fool fans and players with a simple fighting scene and bad character animation that made people want to smash the controller, which was completely disappointing.

It has to be said that long narratives are exclusive to anime IP games, but Platinum Games does not seem to be following the same path as its Japanese predecessors. Short conversations and cutscenes are enough to meet the needs of players. As the foundation of ACT games, "Transformers: Destroyer" is also inseparable from those routine moves, melee combos, long-range shooting, and the coordinated use of several routines, plus the bullet time after a successful emergency avoidance, it is basically easy to get started.

As a feature of Transformers, Platinum has put a lot of effort into "transformation". Whether it is the fast movement of the transforming car or the additional attack method of changing form, it can be regarded as a good explanation to the players.

In addition, based on the content, the upgrades and replacements of weapons and equipment, the spoils of boss battles, etc., even though it seems that the only playable characters are Optimus Prime, Bumblebee, Sidewinder, Wheeljack, and Grimlock, it does not have the atmosphere of the 70-plus character version of the game, and it does not make people feel that this is a game that comforts fans. Of course, compared with the international version, the lack of castration may also be the reason why this game is supported in China.

After becoming proficient in it, you can basically perform a wave of "shooting and fighting transformation" cycles smoothly. It is indeed pleasing to the eye and in terms of feel, and you can find the sense of immersion when watching the animation. However, the attack effects do not change much, and the special effects are not gorgeous. Perhaps this is a small regret brought about by using the original style.

In comparison, domestic game manufacturers' exploitation of IP is completely driven by profit. Given the Android system, most domestic TV games are ported, and many IP mobile games are gradually being launched on large-screen TVs. However, problems such as rough graphics and operational adaptation have greatly reduced the gaming experience. Many manufacturers focus on the short term and squeeze the last bit of oil from IP.

Even after its release, "Chinese Paladin 6" was plagued by problems such as "the four Titans cannot support the game" and plagiarism, which turned a fan-favorite IP game into a mediocre work that sells sentiment. Even after the announcement of its launch on the Xbox One console, there seems to have been no news since then.

The feelings of the older generation, the persistence of Platinum, simplified Chinese and familiar characters, these are the foundation of this game. IP is not to be squandered, but to further enhance its value. For many Japanese manufacturers who still rely on IP for their old capital and domestic game manufacturers who exploit IP, a good action game can be further sublimated into a special work with excellent performance. This is the IP game that truly meets the players' hearts.

Selling out of stock: Is it a benefit or a disadvantage?

However, looking around, there are very few games in the stores, whether it is the domestic PS4 or Xbox One, which is indeed disappointing. Although there are many excellent games, there are basically no games that can be played for a long time by players. Even routine games like "Dynasty Warriors" feel a bit tired.

The launch of "Transformers: Destroyer" in China seems to have helped domestic consoles to recover from their decline. To promote this game, Sony not only launched the game in an iron box, but also released a limited edition console set. Of course, the out-of-stock situation on JD.com and the sales of 200+ on Tmall in 4 days show that this game is indeed popular among players.

However, the three-hour quick-pass content of "Transformers: Destroyer" is still a bit short. Although the content is detailed, it is not a first-line masterpiece. After becoming proficient in it, you can basically play a wave of "shooting, fighting and transformation" cycles smoothly. It is indeed pleasing to the eye in terms of visuals and feel, and you can find the sense of immersion when watching the animation. However, the attack effects do not change much, and the special effects are not gorgeous. Perhaps it is a small regret brought about by the use of the original style.

Compared with the international versions of the masterpieces, "Transformers: Destroyer" cannot be classified as 3A in terms of content or size. Although the name of Platinum Games and the theme of Transformers have attracted praise from many players, there is still a big gap compared with works such as "Bloodborne" and "The Witcher 3".

The lack of Chinese blockbusters has made Transformers: Destroyer a hot seller, which is a pity for Chinese players. However, Sony seems to have started to increase its enforcement in China since the end of last year, from Gravity Rush: Remastered to Tearaway: Origami to Transformers. According to rumors, the Chinese version of Romance of the Three Kingdoms 13 is being prepared. Although it is not clear whether this is true, it can be proved that the Chinese version of PS4 has never stopped its commitment to players.

Compared with its old rival Microsoft Xbox One, not to mention that the "Warriors Orochi 2" that passed the review last year has not even been seen, and the only new game recently is Tencent's "Infinity Blade". Not to mention, Microsoft has been playing WIN10 very well recently. Regarding the games for the Chinese version of Xbox One, it has been a while since I heard Xie Enwei talk about it on Weibo.

After all, the console does not represent the quality of the game. However, from the perspective of the game, "Transformers: Destroyer" always exudes the atmosphere of buying, buying and buying. For Platinum's action game enthusiasts or loyal viewers of the Transformers series, it is undoubtedly the right choice. Of course, the recent approval of "Uncharted 4" is enough to prove Sony's unchanging statement "Everything is for the players."

As a winner of Toutiao's Qingyun Plan and Baijiahao's Bai+ Plan, the 2019 Baidu Digital Author of the Year, the Baijiahao's Most Popular Author in the Technology Field, the 2019 Sogou Technology and Culture Author, and the 2021 Baijiahao Quarterly Influential Creator, he has won many awards, including the 2013 Sohu Best Industry Media Person, the 2015 China New Media Entrepreneurship Competition Beijing Third Place, the 2015 Guangmang Experience Award, the 2015 China New Media Entrepreneurship Competition Finals Third Place, and the 2018 Baidu Dynamic Annual Powerful Celebrity.