Transformers: Convoy no Nazo
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| Transformers: Convoy no Nazo | |
|---|---|
 Boxart |
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| Developer(s) | Takara |
| Publisher(s) | Takara |
| Platform(s) | Nintendo Famicom |
| Release date |  December 5, 1986 |
| Genre(s) | Multi-scrolling shooter |
| Mode(s) | Single player multiplayer |
| Media | Cartridge |
Transformers: Comvoy no Nazo (トランスフォーマー コンボイの謎 Toransufōmā: Komboi no Nazo?, Transformers: Mystery of Comvoy) is a 1986 Nintendo Famicom video game by Takara based on the popular television series Transformers and released only in Japan. The title translates to Transformers: The Mystery of Optimus Prime in English. The game stars Autobot protagonist, Ultra Magnus.
The box and the cartridge label for the game reads: "Mystery of Comvoy". This would be a mis-romanization of the Japanese name for Optimus Prime, "Convoy". The titular "Mystery" is the identity of Optimus Prime's killer. In Japan, The Transformers: The Movie was not theatrically released and thus Optimus Prime's death wasn't adequately explained to the Japanese audience; this game was intended to capitalize on that gap.
[edit] Gameplay
You play as Ultra Magnus who must shoot his way through 9 horizontally and vertically scrolling levels consisting of various Decepticon enemies, with a boss fight at the end of each level. He can transform into a car carrier, which makes it easier for him to avoid enemy attacks and shoot enemies that are flying above him. Along the way he can also pick up various power-ups which can give him wider ranging firepower or even the ability to fly. There are two Warp Zones within the game, and can be found by rescuing Bumblebee from the Decepticons.
Another playable character in the game is Rodimus Prime. He can be unlocked by collecting the letters that spell Rodimus. One is hidden, sequentially, in levels 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, and 9. However, though his vehicle mode has its own graphics, his robot-mode sprite is Ultra Magnus in Rodimus's colours.
[edit] Reception
This game is considered extremely difficult, unfortunately due to its poor programming. Enemy projectiles move extremely quickly and often blend in with the background because of their small size, which results in cheap hits. Also, it takes far too much time when pressing "down" or "up" to transform Ultra Magnus, which leaves him open to enemy hits. Because of this, many have trouble even completing the first stage. Along with poor graphics and level design, Transformers: Convoy no Nazo is a very poorly received video game.
The game is incredibly difficult to finish, as the ninth level of the game is a maze that must be completed in an extremely specific pattern or else it will loop infinitely. Many ROM sites erroneously state that the game is corrupted due to the level loop.
