With the history of movie-to-game adaptations being consistently poor many would have no problem writing off the upcoming Transformers: The Game based on this summer’s anticipated Dreamworks and Paramount Pictures production. However, the folks at Superhero Hype have managed to get the low down from Activision executive producer Daniel Suarez detailing their plans to create something that is not your “traditional movie game”.

The interview manages to scrounge more details on the game’s hefty single player campaigns that were explained last month. Activision has split the campaign into two for the different factions; the Autobots (good) and the Decepticons (evil). The transformers within each faction will be able to change at will into their robot or vehicular forms. Of course because the Autobots are comprised of land vehicles and the Decepticons of air, the gameplay in each campaign will feel very different. Suarez explained that the Autobots campaign is based on the events of the film, while the Decepticons campaign is a completely different view of the destruction of earth at their hands. Activision intends to go to great lengths to ensure there’s plenty of replay value in their game, with these two large campaigns featuring unique environments tailored to each faction’s strength.

Suarez continues by mentioning the combat mechanics of the transformers within the environments. Apparently, the entire environment is fully destructible with tons of objects such as 2×4s, street lamps, and stop signs that can be used as weapons against your enemies. Environmental weapons will supplement the abilities of each transformer. You start off with a roster of 9 total characters including Optimus Prime, Bumblebee, and Jazz for the Autobots; and Megatron, Starscream and Barricade for the Decepticons. Each of the characters have their own unique weapons and skills and as you progress further into the game you will continue to unlock new Transformers, some of which as Suarez hints reference the franchise’s history.

Activision is going to great lengths to ensure that the game is enjoyable to both the fans of the movie and the existing Transformers nuts. Along with a healthy amount of unlockable transformers, Suarez notes the references to the classic material are apparent throughout the entire game:

“We’ve been very conscious to integrate characters, locations and even subtle acknowledgements to the die-hard fans anywhere we can. As you travel down the city streets you’ll recognize names, visuals and other notable tidbits that only die-hard fans will recognize. In addition, our unlockables will be based on a variety of assets from the movie, toys, comic books and various iterations of Transformers on TV. There are a lot of special surprises that we think the established fans will enjoy including some rare and never been seen before treasures from the Hasbro archives.”

The Xbox 360 version of the Transformers game is currently under development by Traveller’s Tales, the team that brought us LEGO Star Wars. As it stands right now, the game is looking at a July 1st release with the film out on July 4th (this writer’s birthday and also Independence Day in the US). Make sure to check out the full interview over at Superhero Hype.