'Transformers Universe' MMO opens doors to public

Designed by the studio behind long-running MMO "RuneScape" in conjunction with Hasbro, "Transformers Universe" is ready to welcome raw recruits.

Transformers-Universe-offers-a-range-of-Autobot-and-Decepticon-characters-to-unlock-Photo-AFP

Designed by the studio behind long-running MMO 'RuneScape' in conjunction with Hasbro, 'Transformers Universe' is ready to welcome raw recruits.

Players choose whether to ally themselves with the Autobot or Decepticon side, then set about filling a virtual hangar with vehicle-to-mechanoid shape shifting robots.

It's a third-person action game, not too dissimilar to previous 'Transformers' games, though taking some of its cues from the likes of 'Dota 2' and 'League of Legends,' and sending players into a variety of battlegrounds in which the toy franchise's factions can roll out and rumble with each other.

As a free-to-play title, participants that enjoy the game are encouraged to support it by purchasing extra Transformers, mining probes, health packs and other virtual resources; a bronze level pack -- the lowest of four tiers currently available -- goes for $22.50 (€17.50) and provides 60 days of premium membership.

The invitation comes as blockbuster movie 'Transformers: Age of Extinction' rides its second weekend on general release, while retail video game 'Transformers: Rise of the Dark Spark' coincided with the film's release and acts as a bridge between the Hollywood versions and the last few years' worth of pre-existing games.