Transformers: Reactivate was a surprise reveal at The Game Awards 2022, with its trailer revealing a post-apocalyptic clash between the Autobots and a new set of enemies later revealed to be called The Legion. Developed by Splash Damage, Reactivate is the first major Transformers game to release since 2015's Transformers: Devastation. Unlike Devastation, Splash Damage's new game will have a co-op focus, with up to four players being able to team up as the Robots in Disguise to save humanity from a new threat.
The Transformers: Reactivate trailer revealed at The Game Awards didn't give away too much story information, with it only being apparent toward the end of the teaser that it was based on the Transformers license. The trailer shows a post-apocalyptic setting and humanity suffering attacks from an unknown alien threat, until a Transformer - speculated to be Autobot Bumblebee by some fans - is reactivated. Other potential Autobots can also be glimpsed, but the trailer itself didn't do much to clue viewers in on the game's premise, which looks to be a departure from the typical G1-inspired settings of the animated shows and High Moon studios' Cybertron games.
Transformers: Reactivate Will See The Autobots Take On The Legion
Although the non-Cybertronian Transformers game enemies were not specifically named in the teaser for Transformers: Reactivate, a press release shared by Splash Damage has confirmed that they are called The Legion, and that they are "the greatest threat the Autobots have ever faced". The press release also confirms the game's post-apocalyptic setting, with humanity now turning to the Transformers to reclaim the Earth from The Legion. No specific Autobots have been revealed by Splash Damage, but the game will see Transformers fans get to play as their "favourite" characters, according to the developer, which should mean fan-favorites like Bumblebee and Optimus Prime will hopefully make the cut.
Transformers: Reactivate Story Leaks Hint At Autobots & Decepticons Uniting
Prior to its full reveal at The Game Awards 2022, leaks for a new, unannounced Transformers game now thought to be Transformers: Reactivate emerged online, including both cutscenes and concept art. Although these leaks haven't been corroborated, if accurate, they do suggest a story involving Decepticons and Autobots uniting with remnant humans to defeat a nanomachine swarm - which could be The Legion seen in Reactivate's trailer. Both Cybertronian factions have been spread thin and decimated by this force, with Optimus Prime apparently missing in action. The combined leftovers of Cybertronians and humans are depicted in two leaked Transformers game cutscenes trying to find a way to counteract the corruptive ability of the Legion.
Although there isn't much to go off currently - and leaks should always be taken with a grain of salt - the story for Transformers: Reactivate seems packed with intrigue. By having such a vague and mysterious teaser, Splash Damage has got the perfect setup to pique interest for its new Transformers game and keep fans guessing until more official details are later revealed. If the Transformers: Rise leaks are connected - and the game will indeed see a team-up between Autobots and Decepticons - then players should have a unique story to look forward to.
Sources: Splash Damage, Hasbro Pulse/YouTube