Niantic has announced Transformers: Heavy Metal, a new augmented reality game developed by Seattle-based Very Very Spaceship.
Using Niantic’s augmented reality toolset Lightship, Transformers: Heavy Metal is set to be soft-launched in various regions before a worldwide release later this year.
Talking with Bloomberg, Niantic CEO John Hanke said that “for us, giant robots walking around the real world is just too good to pass up.”
“This isn’t battle on a distant planet in a galaxy far, far away,” Hanke continued. “It’s about giant robots coming to Earth and having battles in the middle of Los Angeles”.
The feature has a screenshot from a test version showing Bumble battling with Shadow Striker. Though they’re shown against a static background, later versions will use a player’s real-world surroundings.
Also shown is some concept art of fan-favorite Autobot hero Bumblebee. His appearance is a mix of the classic Generation 1 look and the more detailed design seen in the Michael Bay movies.
Players can join the Guardian Network via the website for updates about Transformers: Heavy Metal, game announcements, and release dates.
Niantic is also currently testing an AR adaptation of Nintendo’s Pikmin and board game . Both are expected to go on general release later this year.
