TransBot

TransBot
Developer(s)	Sega
Publisher(s)	Sega
Platform(s)	Master System
Release	JP: December 22, 1985[2] NA: October 1986[1] EU: August 1987[3]
Genre(s)	Shoot 'em up
Mode(s)	Single-player

TransBot, known in Japan as Astro Flash (アストロフラッシュ), is a video game for the Master System originally released in 1985. It is a sci-fi-themed shoot 'em up inspired by Transformers.^[4][5]

Plot

Back in the solar year 2000 there was a nuclear war, and people are finally now emerging from underground to build a new society. But something is still wrong. DALAUS, a leftover computer from the old world is creating its own empire, and it is up to the player to stop it.

Gameplay

TransBot is a side scrolling shooter for one or two players, with players piloting the CA-214, a starfighter that can transform into a robot, the TransBot. The game features only two levels and beating the boss loops the game back to the first one, thus this is a never-ending game; it is impossible to finish.

The CA-214 features a number of weapons. Players start out with a basic, default gun, but after collecting a ? symbol they can choose a new weapon to use. There are six choices which will scroll past at the top of the screen, and the TransBot will be powered with whatever selection they make. Powered up weapons will only last until all the ammo is exhausted, which will cause TransBot to revert to the basic weapon.

HD Remake

In 2018, retro video gaming website RetroGameGeeks.co.uk published an unofficial fan-remake built with Unity (game engine) by Kristian 'CVGZ' Hawkinson. It is available as a free to play release.^[6][7]

References

1. "Availability Update" (PDF). Computer Entertainer. December 1986. p. 14.
2. "Sega Mark III". セガハード大百科 (in Japanese). Sega. Retrieved August 15, 2021.
3. "Sega Cards" (PDF). The Sega Master System Game Catalog (1987). Mastertronic. Retrieved September 24, 2024.
4. Weiss, Andrew (January 24, 2009). "SMS Saturdays: Less than meets the eye". Armagideon Time. Archived from the original on February 25, 2012. Retrieved October 15, 2013.
5. "TransBot". Parry Game Preserve. Retrieved October 15, 2013.
6. "Announcement Tweet".
7. "TransBot Remake".

External links

• TransBot at MobyGames
• TransBot can be played for free in the browser at the Internet Archive