The official Transformers community page on Facebook posted a image of Insecticon Hardshell from the upcoming Transformers: Fall of Cybertron video game last night.  The image has been mirrored below and you may well recognise him as Bombshell.

IGN have posted a trailer for the upcoming Nintendo Wii and DS video game Transformers Prime onto the video sharing website YouTube. The trailer, which can be viewed using the plug-in below, is just over 1 minute in length features the main cast of the Television series.

The promotion drive for High Moon Studios pcoming Transformers: Fall of Cybertron video game continues in the form of an interview their president, Peter Della Penna, and Marketing Manager, Greg Agiu, have held with TheAlistDaily.com in which they discuss Transformers both at a brand level as well as specifically regarding Transformers: Fall of Cybertron. Some of the highlights include how they obtained the license to make a Transformers game in the first place, how they were tapping up the veteran voice actors to wokr on the products and how they managed to get the Dinobots into the new game. Check it out by following the link within this story.

The Allspark member Corgsopalposted news that the current issue of Game Informer magazine, issue 227, has pictures of the Transformers: Fall of Cybertron Brawl, Swindle AND Bruticus!!!  According to Corgsopa, Bruticus is made up of all 5 members of the Combaticons who will be deluxe scale figures.  You can view the initial post along with the images on their forum here.  Expect more images of these toys, along with the other members, to come out after the US Toy Fair.

Transformers Universe MMO Panel At Auto Assembly 2011!

You may have thought that you had seen all of our major announcements regarding Auto Assembly 2011, but we said we had a few more special announcements that we had held back - and here's one of the biggest that we have been wanting to tell you all about for quite some time...

The upcoming Transformers Universe MMO is on course to be one of the most eagerly awaited Transformers games EVER. The online MMO will be giving players the chance to take charge of a brand new self-created Autobot or Decepticon and play against thousands of other players across the globe!

The game is being created by Jagex, the British developers who are responsible for Runescape which is the world's most popular free-to-play MMOG and over 40 other online titles.

Jagex will be at Auto Assembly 2011 and will be taking to the stage for a presentation on the game and for a Q&A Session on the Saturday afternoon which promises to be one of the hits of the convention, where they will be revealing some new information about the game EXCLUSIVELY to Auto Assembly attendees!

That's not all though, we can also now reveal that we are being joined by our SIXTEENTH guest! A late addition to our already stunning line-up is Marvel G1 artist and inker Stephen Baskerville who will be making his Auto Assembly debut this year. He will be taking to the stage as part of our revised comic panel on Saturday afternoon joining Simon Furman and Andrew Wildman to talk about Transformers #81...

Auto Assembly 2011 is taking place over the weekend of 12th - 14th August 2011 at the Holiday Inn Birmingham City Centre, Birmingham, England and tickets are available from the website now. For more details on the convention, to see a full list of all the guests and activities taking place over the weekend, or to book your tickets, visit the website at www.autoassembly.org.uk

We hope to see you all in August!

The Auto Assembly 2011 Team

Web: www.autoassembly.org.uk
Youtube: www.youtube.com/autoassembly
Twitter: www.twitter.com/auto_assembly
Forum: http://autoassembly.proboards.com
Email: autoassembly@aol.com
Tel: +44 (0)7860 948296

Auto Assembly 2011 is sponsored by

Toyz and Gamez - www.toyzandgamez.co.uk
Transformers @ The Moon - www.transformertoys.co.uk
TransformersAnimated.com - www.transformersanimated.com
Science Fiction Collectables - www.sf-collectables.co.uk
The Transformers.net - www.thetransformers.net
Titan Books - www.titanbooks.com
Big Bad Toy Store - www.bbts.com
Full Metal Hero - www.fullmetalhero.com
3 Darths Comics - www.3darths.co.uk
Robot Kingdom - www.robotkingdom.com
Xyber Toys - www.xybertoys.com

GameChronicles.com have published their review of the X-Box version of Transformers: Dark of the Moon.  They game the score 8.3 our of 10 with the breakdown being 8 for gameplay, 8 for graphics, 9 for sound and 8 for value.  The game, which uses the Transformers: War For Cybertron engine and is a direct prequel to the live action movie is out now on all formats.  Here is how they summed up the review at the end.

"While Transformers: Dark of the Moon is certainly the best of the movie-inspired Transformer games it still falls short of last year’s amazing War for Cybertron. There was just something so imaginative and inspired about taking the franchise to the Transformers' home world. Dark of the Moon still offers a great deal of varied and challenging gameplay in both solo and online modes. I loved the new Stealth Force combat mode almost as much as I hated the conventional driving sections of the game. Fortunately, those moments are few and far between.

The bottom line is that any action gamer looking for awesome multiplayer combat with classes, skills, and upgrades, or any Transformer fan looking for a cool prequel story to the upcoming movie will love Dark of the Moon. I know I did."

Activision have sent out the following press release

TRANSFORMERS™: DARK OF THE MOON™ VIDEO GAME SHIPS TO RETAILERS NATIONWIDE

New Action Game Thrusts Players into an Original Prologue Storyline to Blockbuster Film

Santa Monica, CA - June 14, 2011 - The colossal battle between the AUTOBOTS™ and DECEPTICONS™ is underway as Activision Publishing, Inc.'s (Nasdaq: ATVI) new video game Transformers: Dark of the Moon ships to retail stores nationwide today. Created by acclaimed developer High Moon Studios and based on Hasbro's legendary TRANSFORMERS property, the game lets fans fight through epic battles as they unravel MEGATRON'S sinister plan and is set in the world of director Michael Bay's upcoming movie from Paramount Pictures that will be released in theaters on June 29th.

"The Transformers: Dark of the Moon game lets fans experience the gripping battles and original prologue story that precede the highly anticipated film," said David Oxford, Executive Vice President at Activision Publishing. "The team at High Moon Studios has created an amazing TRANSFORMERS narrative that unfolds through an epic single-player campaign and allows fans to play as their favorite characters in head-to-head multiplayer action."

"Activision has delivered a stellar prologue game leading up to the blockbuster movie," said Mark Blecher, SVP of Digital Media and Marketing, Hasbro. "Hasbro is looking forward to offering fans of the TRANSFORMERS brand and gamers alike an exciting video game to expand on the Transformers: Dark of the Moon experience this summer."

Featuring a new gameplay mechanic called Stealth Force, the Transformers: Dark of the Moon game lets fans instantly convert to a third, hybrid state that combines the weapons and firepower of Robot mode with the agility and maneuverability of Vehicle mode. Set in unique environments around the world such as the Jungles of Central America, Siberian military facilities, urban cityscapes and more, the game lets players assume the roles of a diverse roster of favorite TRANSFORMERS characters through a heart-pounding campaign to save mankind. Additionally, fans can play the game with or against their friends around the world through intense, online multiplayer game modes as their favorite iconic characters with the ability to personalize their characters' look with numerous appearance, weapons and skills customization options.

The Transformers: Dark of the Moon video game is rated "T" (Teen - for Violence) by the ESRB and is available on the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system.

Additionally, Activision is releasing three separate games on the Nintendo platforms developed by Behaviour Interactive. Available on the Nintendo 3DS™ hand-held system and Wii™ system, Transformers: Dark of the Moon Stealth Force Edition follows a prologue storyline and harnesses the power of Stealth Force to focus gameplay on intense vehicular combat, allowing fans to obliterate enemies at blazing speeds with advanced weapons, defense systems and targeting capabilities as they slalom between cars and dodge fire in a highly maneuverable vehicle form.

For the Nintendo DS™, fans can choose their side with two distinct titles, Transformers: Dark of the Moon AUTOBOTS and Transformers: Dark of the Moon DECEPTICONS.

All Nintendo platform games are rated "E10+" (Everyone 10 and older - for Fantasy Violence) by the ESRB.

About Hasbro

Hasbro, Inc. (NASDAQ: HAS) is a branded play company providing children and families around the world with a wide-range of immersive entertainment offerings based on the Company's world class brand portfolio. From toys and games, to television programming, motion pictures, video games and a comprehensive licensing program, Hasbro strives to delight its customers through the strategic leveraging of well-known and beloved brands such as TRANSFORMERS, LITTLEST PET SHOP, NERF, PLAYSKOOL, MY LITTLE PONY, G.I. JOE, MAGIC: THE GATHERING and MONOPOLY. The Hub, Hasbro's multi-platform joint venture with Discovery Communications (NASDAQ: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK) launched on October 10, 2010. The online home of The Hub is www.hubworld.com. The Hub logo and name are trademarks of Hub Television Networks, LLC. All rights reserved.

Come see how we inspire play through our brands at http://www.hasbro.com. © 2010 Hasbro, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

About TRANSFORMERS: DARK OF THE MOON

Shia LaBeouf returns as Sam Witwicky in Transformers: Dark of the Moon. When a mysterious event from Earth's past erupts into the present day it threatens to bring a war to Earth so big that the Transformers alone will not be able to save us. Starring Shia LaBeouf, Josh Duhamel, John Turturro, Tyrese Gibson, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Patrick Dempsey, Kevin Dunn, with John Malkovich and Frances McDormand. In cinemas worldwide from 29th June 2011 in 2D and 3D.

About Paramount Pictures Corporation

Paramount Pictures Corporation (PPC), a global producer and distributor of filmed entertainment, is a unit of Viacom (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), a leading content company with prominent and respected film, television and digital entertainment brands. The company's labels include Paramount Pictures, Paramount Vantage, Paramount Classics, Insurge Pictures, MTV Films and Nickelodeon Movies. PPC operations also include Paramount Digital Entertainment, Paramount Famous Productions, Paramount Home Entertainment, Paramount Pictures International, Paramount Licensing Inc., Paramount Studio Group and Paramount Television & Digital Distribution.

About Activision Publishing, Inc.

Headquartered in Santa Monica, California, Activision Publishing, Inc. is a leading worldwide developer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment and leisure products.

Activision maintains operations in the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Sweden, Spain, Norway, Denmark, the Netherlands, Australia, South Korea, China and the region of Taiwan. More information about Activision and its products can be found on the company's website, www.activision.com.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-looking Statements: Information in this press release that involves Activision Publishing's expectations, plans, intentions or strategies regarding the future are forward-looking statements that are not facts and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Activision Publishing generally uses words such as "outlook," "will," "could," "would," "might," "remains," "to be," "plans," "believes," "may," "expects," "intends," "anticipates," "estimate," future," "plan," "positioned," "potential," "project," "remain," "scheduled," "set to," "subject to," "upcoming" and similar expressions to identify forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause Activision Publishing's actual future results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements set forth in this release include, but are not limited to, sales levels of Activision Publishing's titles, shifts in consumer spending trends, the impact of the current macroeconomic environment, the seasonal and cyclical nature of the interactive game market, Activision Publishing's ability to predict consumer preferences among competing hardware platforms, declines in software pricing, product returns and price protection, product delays, retail acceptance of Activision Publishing's products, adoption rate and availability of new hardware (including peripherals) and related software, industry competition including from used games and other forms of entertainment, litigation risks and associated costs, rapid changes in technology, industry standards, business models including online and used games, and consumer preferences, including interest in specific genres such as music, first-person action and massively multiplayer online games, protection of proprietary rights, maintenance of relationships with key personnel, customers, licensees, licensors, vendors, and third-party developers, including the ability to attract, retain and develop key personnel and developers that can create high quality "hit" titles, counterparty risks relating to customers, licensees, licensors and manufacturers, domestic and international economic, financial and political conditions and policies, foreign exchange rates and tax rates, and the identification of suitable future acquisition opportunities and potential challenges associated with geographic expansion, and the other factors identified in the risk factors sections of Activision Blizzard's most recent annual report on Form 10-K and any subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. The forward-looking statements in this release are based upon information available to Activision Publishing and Activision Blizzard as of the date of this release, and neither Activision Publishing nor Activision Blizzard assumes any obligation to update any such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements believed to be true when made may ultimately prove to be incorrect. These statements are not guarantees of the future performance of Activision Publishing or Activision Blizzard and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, some of which are beyond its control and may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations.

# # #

HASBRO and its logo, TRANSFORMERS and all related characters are trademarks of Hasbro and are used with permission. © 2011 Hasbro. All Rights Reserved. Game © 2011 Activision Publishing, Inc. Activision is a registered trademark of Activision Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved.

All other trademarks and trade names are the properties of their respective owners.

The website trueachievements.com has posted a list of the achievements for Transformers 3 on the xBox 360.  You can view the list below:

Prime - Complete the Campaign.
Completionist - Destroy all hidden TRANSFORMERS symbols in Campaign.
Road Kill - Destroy 30 enemies while in vehicle form in Campaign.
Grenade Expert - Eliminate 20 opponents with the Flak Grenade in Campaign.
Recruit - Survive 60 seconds in a public multiplayer match without being killed.
Power Surge - Use an active ability 5 times in a public multiplayer match.
The Champion - Reach level 20 in any single class in Multiplayer.
Secret Achievement - Continue playing to unlock this secret achievement.

Chapter I - Complete Chapter I on any difficulty.
Top Score: Bumblebee - Complete Chapter I with a score of 1000000 or more.
I know what I’m doing! - Change into vehicle form before reaching the change form tutorial in Chapter I.
Boot Stomper - Kill 3 Enemies with Bumblebee’s Kick Ability in Chapter I.

Chapter II - Complete Chapter II on any difficulty.
Top Score: Ironhide - Complete Chapter II with a score of 1000000 or more.
Seek and Destroy - Kill 25 Enemies using Grenade Blossom in Chapter II.
Rule With An Iron Fist - Kill 20 enemies with Ironhide's Melee attack in Chapter II.

Chapter III - Complete Chapter III on any difficulty.
Top Score: Mirage - Complete Chapter III with a score of 800000 or more.
Body Count - While holding out for Reynolds to send backup in Chapter III, 30 Decepticons are killed.
Good Driver Discount - Avoid taking any damage from Starscream’s proximity mines in Chapter III.

Chapter IV - Complete Chapter IV on any difficulty.
Top Score: Soundwave - Complete Chapter IV with a score of 1000000 or more.
Serrated - Kill 10 Autobots with Laserbeak's ram ability in Chapter IV.
Stunning! - Stun 10 Autobots with Soundwave's stun ability in Chapter IV.

Chapter V - Complete Chapter V on any difficulty.
Homewrecker - Wipe out all secret base ground defenders within 60 seconds in Chapter V.
Furious Flyer - Fly through the canyons after Air Raid in 120 seconds in Chapter V.
Surprise Package - In the air battle, activate Starscream's Guided Missile ability 5 times without dying in Chapter V.

Chapter VI - Complete Chapter VI on any difficulty.
Top Score: Megatron - Complete Chapter VI with a score of 2000000 or more.
Autobots are Weak! - Defeat all 3 waves in Megatron's Lair without dying on Hard Difficulty in Chapter VI.
Overlord - Drain 5000 health from enemies in Chapter VI.

Chapter VII - Complete Chapter VII on any difficulty.
Fleet of Foot - When one Driller arm is attacking, avoid all attacks in Chapter VII.
Counting Coup - Use only melee attacks on Shockwave's power core to make him retreat to his cryo platform.
Primed for Combat - Activate Optimus' Shoulder Rocket ability 5 times without dying in Chapter VII.

Don't forget to check out our exclusive interview for more on the game itself

On Monday morning co-owner of this website Moonbug was in attendance for a hands-on presentation of Transformers: Dark of the Moon.  The event came with an embargo on coverage until 5pm on May 3rd but we will publish a report as soon as we are allowed.

Skewed and Reviewed recently had the opportunity to interview Transformers Prime voice actor Steve Blum (Starscream) regarding his work on Transformers Prime, Guild Wars, Bulletstorm and the Transformers: Dark of the Moon game.

Here are a couple of snippets, but please visits sknr to read the full article.

How did you become involved with the new Transformers project and your character?

I prayed a lot, bribed a little, cried some. [Laughs] Actually, I just auditioned for it like anything else – and got really, really lucky! Starscream has always been one of my favorite characters – especially as played in recent years by the great Charlie Adler and also the great Tom Kenny! In fact, after hearing Charlie’s recent performances in the films, I felt I had to get his blessing before I could even accept the role! By the way, what a gentleman – love that guy! Tom’s a hell of an act to follow too – jeez! It’s very hard for me to take over a character that has been so masterfully portrayed – especially when my friends are the previous portrayers! I didn’t try to consciously copy anything that had been done before me, I simply did what came naturally and apparently (thankfully) they liked it!

... working with a cast (like in Transformers) – is always more fun. We get to play a lot of nuance off of each other that just doesn’t exist when I’m in a room by myself. And we laugh. A lot. Sometimes too much. This cast in particular is amazing. I get a huge kick out of sitting back and watching Peter (Cullen) and Frank (Welker), the “Godfatherbots” themselves – duke it out. It’s a joy and honor to work in the same room with two of my biggest heroes! They ARE a comedy team. Like the old school, masters of improv and impersonation, the real deal. So much talent in that room, and an unusual mix of voices! It’s humbling.

What sort of research did you do for the parts and what challenges did it present compared with other work?

I read a lot of stuff on the internet and watched an episode or two from each of the older series. I was already in my 20’s when G1 came out, but I was certainly aware that Transformers was something new and different and I have to admit that I did play with my kid’s action figures. I still do. Except I have my own action figures now. That counts as research, right?

What can you tell us about your work in Guild wars 2 and the new Transformers game in terms of who you voice and what were your experiences on each?

Ah, Rytlock Brimstone, one big, nasty Charr – wields a huge sword and speaks in a gravelly, deep voice. That’s pretty much my entire knowledge of the guy. I’m not a gamer, so I play, I fight, I move on. Seemed pretty epic at the time.
If you’re speaking of the newest Transformers game – WAY too early to talk about it, methinks. Lasers trained on my temples. In the past, I’ve played a lot of bots – good and bad, including Barricade and Breakdown. Vocally stressful, but any time I get to live in the Transformers universe, I’m grateful.

David White, MechaZone.com, has produced some concept art for Transformers War For Cybertron 2, which has been leaked out onto HK-Tf.Com.  The concept art features the following characters, all of which you can view below.

­ ­

NetDragon Websoft Inc have issued the following press release regarding the release of a Transformers MMORPG that will be available in Asia, Russia, the Middle East and North Africa in 2011!

HONG KONG, July 30 -- NetDragon Websoft Inc, a leading online game developer and innovator in China, today announced that it has entered a brand licensing agreement with Hasbro, Inc., a worldwide leader in children's and family leisure time products and services, for the exclusive rights to develop and publish in Asia, Russia/CIS and MENA an MMORPG based on Hasbro's iconic TRANSFORMERS brand. The action-oriented PC online game "TRANSFORMERS Online" is expected to officially roll-out in 2011 in China as well as other select markets in Asia, MENA and Russia/CIS.

The TRANSFORMERS brand has garnered a worldwide fan base of millions due to the ideal worldview on which it is based, its ever-changing image, and its sustained promotion through toys, movies, TV shows, comics, and other consumer channels.

"NetDragon's proven expertise at creating hugely successful MMOG's, coupled with the passion they share for the iconic TRANSFORMERS brand, means we are thrilled to be entering into this license with them to deliver a truly ground-breaking MMO to fans in China and selected markets in Asia and Russia/CIS," said Mark Blecher, General Manager and Senior Vice President of Digital Media & Gaming at Hasbro.

NetDragon Chairman and Executive Director Liu Dejian expressed, "As a brand and a cultural icon, TRANSFORMERS is already a household name in China, and we are extremely honored to be able to join hands with Hasbro to bring the excitement and fanaticism of TRANSFORMERS into the online gaming sector. We firmly believe that through the hard work of NetDragon's passionate and creative employees, we will be able to create a game that will stand the test of time for TRANSFORMERS fans and hobbyists around the globe."

About NetDragon

NetDragon Websoft Inc. is a leading innovator and creative force in China's online gaming industry. Established in 1999, NetDragon has been operating and developing a broad range of MMORPGs since launching its first self-made title Monster & Me in 2002. In addition, NetDragon is China's pioneer in overseas expansion, having directly operated its titles in overseas markets since 2004 in English, French, Spanish and other foreign languages. NetDragon's game portfolio comprises a range of massively multiplayer online games that cater to various types of players and gaming preferences. Current offerings include the games Eudemons Online, Conquer Online, Zero Online, Way of the Five, Heroes of Might & Magic Online, Disney Fantasy Online and Tian Yuan. NetDragon also has several games currently in development, including Dungeon Keeper Online, Doomsday, Cross Gate, Legend of the Dark and a new version of Ultima Online.

About Hasbro

Hasbro, Inc. (NYSE:HAS - News) is a worldwide leader in children's and family leisure time products and services with a rich portfolio of brands and entertainment properties that provides some of the highest quality and most recognizable play and recreational experiences in the world. As a brand-driven, consumer-focused global company, Hasbro brings to market a range of toys, games and licensed products, from traditional to high-tech and digital, under such powerful brand names as TRANSFORMERS, NERF, PLAYSKOOL, TONKA, MILTON BRADLEY, PARKER BROTHERS, CRANIUM and WIZARDS OF THE COAST. Come see how we inspire play through our brands at http://www.hasbro.com(C) 2010 Hasbro, Inc. All Rights Reserved.