Transformers: Universe Score - Interview with James Hannigan

Thursday, October 2nd, 2014 2:17AM CDT

Categories: Game News, People News, Interviews
Posted by: Va'al Views: 46,840

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Something a little different from Transformers: Universe, the MOBA game by Jagex - an interview with the ears behind the music! Check out below some extracts from this interview with James Hannigan, who also scored the videogames for Lord Of The Rings, Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs and Command And Conquer among others, on Examiner.com.

Let’s first talk about your recent work on the new “Transformers Universe” game. What inspired you to get involved with the project? What has impressed you most about working on this game?

JH: I enjoyed Transformers as a child and I’m just one of those people who finds it difficult not to get excited by large, warring robots. I particularly like how they’re partially organic as well and have such distinctive personalities. Basically, I’m a sucker for the mythic theme of ‘good vs. evil’; not to mention being a sci-fi and fantasy buff in general.

[...]

Did you also take some inspiration from the music that composers such as Steve Jablonsky and Brian Tyler wrote for the films and animated television series that would help make your score fit in the Transformers Universe musically?

JH: Not specifically, although I love the work of those composers. I was merely trying to, on one level, create music that fit into the wider world of Transformers (which is already very varied across film and television over decades now) but with a new dimension as well. Some of the music of Transformers Universe is pretty harsh, grinding and mechanical, yet at other times it can be quite minimal and ethereal. The team at Jagex have also been working on music, and their output is also varied, a reflection perhaps of the fact that the Transformers themselves have wildly different personalities.

[...]

What were the recording sessions like?

JH: Very nice and we recorded the Philharmonia at Abbey Road Studios in London for some of the music. It is always a humbling and breathtaking experience to have your music performed by a full orchestra and the level of musicianship among players in London is truly outstanding.

Will a soundtrack album be released?

JH: Very possibly, but I have no details.

Credit(s): Examiner.com

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Re: Transformers: Universe Score - Interview with James Hannigan (1611081)
Posted by Cthulhunicron on October 5th, 2014 @ 1:10pm CDT

Anyone else disappointed that there aren't more classic characters in this game?

Re: Transformers: Universe Score - Interview with James Hannigan (1615242)
Posted by mooncake623 on October 20th, 2014 @ 8:39am CDT

Jagex the guys behind the Transformers Universe game released some interesting artwork to share with everyone. Check out these reimagining of familiar characters and some new characters as well. We've mirrored the images below for your viewing pleasures and remember keep your optics tuned to Seibertron.com for the latest in news and updates, plus the best galleries around!

Re: Transformers: Universe Score - Interview with James Hannigan (1615269)
Posted by dreadwing95 on October 20th, 2014 @ 10:31am CDT

i wish movie megatron looked like that :/

Re: Transformers: Universe Score - Interview with James Hannigan (1615283)
Posted by griftimus prime on October 20th, 2014 @ 10:54am CDT

those legs do not look good on the rest of that prime.

Re: Transformers: Universe Score - Interview with James Hannigan (1615298)
Posted by megatronus on October 20th, 2014 @ 11:21am CDT

I would buy that Megatron figure in an instant. Why can't we getting this as a Generations voyager?? :-(

Seriously... it combines the best elements of Animated, WFC, and Prime. I love it.

Re: Transformers: Universe Score - Interview with James Hannigan (1615313)
Posted by Sabrblade on October 20th, 2014 @ 12:16pm CDT

Definitely liking how these work as pre-TF: Prime designs for Optimus, Megs. and Bee.

Re: Transformers: Universe Score - Interview with James Hannigan (1615339)
Posted by Megatron Wolf on October 20th, 2014 @ 1:26pm CDT

to bad megatron didnt look like that in prime & the movies, the head needs work but the rest looks great. Prime looks good too except for the legs, take movie primes legs & the torso from this prime & thats pure win.

Re: Transformers: Universe Score - Interview with James Hannigan (1615347)
Posted by Optimizzy on October 20th, 2014 @ 1:35pm CDT

Overall I don't like them. I'm not a fan of the super lean designs. Prime looks way too top heavy. Megs, on the other hand, looks good. Don't care for the head but the body looks great. Better than prime megs

Re: Transformers: Universe Score - Interview with James Hannigan (1615372)
Posted by Peridot on October 20th, 2014 @ 2:36pm CDT

Megatron's head is a bit too generic for my tastes.

Re: Transformers: Universe Score - Interview with James Hannigan (1615419)
Posted by padfoo on October 20th, 2014 @ 5:38pm CDT

mooncake623 wrote:Jagex the guys behind the Transformers Universe game released some interesting artwork to share with everyone. Check out these reimagining of familiar characters and some new characters as well. We've mirrored the images below for your viewing pleasures and remember keep your optics tuned to Seibertron.com for the latest in news and updates, plus the best galleries around!

Megatron, looks amazing and Prime is the back slap king.

Re: Transformers: Universe Score - Interview with James Hannigan (1615436)
Posted by Lockdownhunter on October 20th, 2014 @ 7:51pm CDT

Not a big fan of optimus :-(

.Give me beast hunters over this any day.

The rest are cool.

P.S. he looks somewhat like the beast hunters version.

Re: Transformers: Universe Score - Interview with James Hannigan (1615454)
Posted by MasterSoundBlaster on October 20th, 2014 @ 9:32pm CDT

It's like Prime, Animated, and Bayverse all came together and made a baby... A surprisingly good looking baby. I'm actually digging their take on Bumblebee, looks are better than his Prime counterpart even if it's just a few cosmetic changes.

Re: Transformers: Universe Score - Interview with James Hannigan (1615655)
Posted by Deadput on October 21st, 2014 @ 2:25pm CDT

UHHHHHHH you guys do know there is more right?

Might as well make a new article instead of an update or people wont see these

these are from TFU's site fankit for making fan sites.

And there will also be some new Decepticon concept art later this week

Swindle

Snowcat

Hound

An updated Wheeljack concept art (different chest then the already released art with Knockout)

Switchblade

Brawl

Ratchet

Terrocon King

Re: Transformers: Universe Score - Interview with James Hannigan (1615658)
Posted by megatronus on October 21st, 2014 @ 2:39pm CDT

mirageandjazz1197 wrote:Hound

You mean War Machine, right?

Re: Transformers: Universe Score - Interview with James Hannigan (1615671)
Posted by Deadput on October 21st, 2014 @ 3:36pm CDT

megatronus wrote:
mirageandjazz1197 wrote:Hound

You mean War Machine, right?

LOL thats what i thought at first seeing him

Although i feel he should have more guns on him or just a tripled barreled minigun and maybe add a bullet cigar.

Yeah i like Hound except for the fat part but i can forgive that because he is a bad ass character.

Edit: Also reminds me of Master Chief especially with the orange visor thing above his eyes.

Re: Transformers: Universe Score - Interview with James Hannigan (1615673)
Posted by Va'al on October 21st, 2014 @ 3:39pm CDT

Thanks to fellow Seibertron.com user and Transformers Universe fan mirageandjazz1197, we have another batch of concept art for the MOBA game to share with everyone, featuring Combaticons, the Terrorcon King, Hound, Ratchet and new Universe characters like Snowcat and Switchblade! Check them out below.

Re: Transformers: Universe Score - Interview with James Hannigan (1615679)
Posted by Fires_Of_Inferno on October 21st, 2014 @ 3:53pm CDT

Alright... that dark energon powered zombie Bruticus looks kinda badass, I like that Snowcat, and I dunno who the APC looking dude with the red head is, but he looks decent.

Re: Transformers: Universe Score - Interview with James Hannigan (1615684)
Posted by Peridot on October 21st, 2014 @ 4:03pm CDT

Dreadwing, is that you?

Re: Transformers: Universe Score - Interview with James Hannigan (1615701)
Posted by hunter4life on October 21st, 2014 @ 4:43pm CDT

that terrorcon combiner somewhat reminds me of a mutated bruticus due to the fact he has a rotor blades on one hand and has missile launchers on his back.

Re: Transformers: Universe Score - Interview with James Hannigan (1615702)
Posted by hunter4life on October 21st, 2014 @ 4:44pm CDT

that terrorcon combiner somewhat reminds me of a mutated bruticus due to the fact he has a rotor blades on one hand and has missile launchers on his back.

Re: Transformers: Universe Score - Interview with James Hannigan (1615705)
Posted by Yweggo on October 21st, 2014 @ 4:52pm CDT

Fires_Of_Inferno wrote:I dunno who the APC looking dude with the red head is, but he looks decent.

I'm pretty sure that's Brawl, when I saw him in-game I remember thinking "why is his head red?"

Metro Prime wrote:Dreadwing, is that you?

No. That's Switchblade... I think, Switchblade's head is the only part of him you see in-game.

Re: Transformers: Universe Score - Interview with James Hannigan (1615706)
Posted by Deadput on October 21st, 2014 @ 4:53pm CDT

Fires_Of_Inferno wrote: I dunno who the APC looking dude with the red head is, but he looks decent.

It's Brawl the red head is a nod to his G1 counterparts red face in the cartoon

Re: Transformers: Universe Score - Interview with James Hannigan (1615707)
Posted by Deadput on October 21st, 2014 @ 4:57pm CDT

Metro Prime wrote:Dreadwing, is that you?

Its Switchblade but i can see why your confused.

Re: Transformers: Universe Score - Interview with James Hannigan (1615708)
Posted by Deadput on October 21st, 2014 @ 4:58pm CDT

Yweggo wrote:
Fires_Of_Inferno wrote:
I'm pretty sure that's Brawl, when I saw him in-game I remember thinking "why is his head red?"

Because its a nod to his G1 cartoon counterparts red face

Re: Transformers: Universe Score - Interview with James Hannigan (1615743)
Posted by Gallifreyan Autobot on October 21st, 2014 @ 6:52pm CDT

Which one is snow cat though it ain't the one I am thinking of. the one I am thinking of has a annoying yodel...

Re: Transformers: Universe Score - Interview with James Hannigan (1615744)
Posted by Sabrblade on October 21st, 2014 @ 6:55pm CDT

Autobot tap out wrote:Which one is snow cat though it ain't the one I am thinking of. the one I am thinking of has a annoying yodel...

The one with the breathing apparatus, icy deco, and cat-like feet.

Re: Transformers: Universe Score - Interview with James Hannigan (1615788)
Posted by Hero Alpha on October 21st, 2014 @ 8:56pm CDT

That Hound is badass. I like seeing new characters in the TF:Prime style.

Re: Transformers: Universe Score - Interview with James Hannigan (1615797)
Posted by Ultra Markus on October 21st, 2014 @ 10:02pm CDT

beware THE TERRORCON ZOMBIE COMBINER!!!

Re: Transformers: Universe Score - Interview with James Hannigan (1615803)
Posted by Sabrblade on October 21st, 2014 @ 10:17pm CDT

Ultra Markus wrote:beware THE TERRORCON ZOMBIE COMBINER!!!

King. Terrorcon King.

Re: Transformers: Universe Score - Interview with James Hannigan (1615806)
Posted by Ultra Markus on October 21st, 2014 @ 10:31pm CDT

Sabrblade wrote:
Ultra Markus wrote:beware THE TERRORCON ZOMBIE COMBINER!!!
King. Terrorcon King.

what ever

, beware THE TERRORCON "KING" ZOMBIE COMBINER!!!

Re: Transformers: Universe Score - Interview with James Hannigan (1615857)
Posted by Lockdownhunter on October 22nd, 2014 @ 5:49am CDT

Switchblade is so cool!!!!He reminds me of dreadwing for some reason.Maybe it is his colours

Re: Transformers: Universe Score - Interview with James Hannigan (1615858)
Posted by Lockdownhunter on October 22nd, 2014 @ 5:52am CDT

hunter4life wrote:that terrorcon combiner somewhat reminds me of a mutated bruticus due to the fact he has a rotor blades on one hand and has missile launchers on his back.

He also has broken parts and bits of military vehicles and has dark energon clearly visible in some places.I wonder if it is terrocon bruticus. :-?

Re: Transformers: Universe Score - Interview with James Hannigan (1615866)
Posted by griftimus prime on October 22nd, 2014 @ 6:38am CDT

these are begging to be toys. hound and ratchet look badass.

Re: Transformers: Universe Score - Interview with James Hannigan (1615872)
Posted by Noideaforaname on October 22nd, 2014 @ 7:54am CDT

Va'al wrote:

Toy. NOW!

Re: Transformers: Universe Score - Interview with James Hannigan (1615897)
Posted by Deadput on October 22nd, 2014 @ 9:21am CDT

Noideaforaname wrote:
Va'al wrote:

Toy. NOW!

Maybe you could make a Kreon since your good at that

I just got Nightbeat from a random kreon pack.

Re: Transformers: Universe Score - Interview with James Hannigan (1615948)
Posted by Deadput on October 22nd, 2014 @ 12:14pm CDT

Here is some more that came out today feel free to make a new article if you want

Edit: fixed link images

Pandemic (the recently released Decepticon)

Diabla

Mismatch

Re: Transformers: Universe Score - Interview with James Hannigan (1616068)
Posted by Deadput on October 22nd, 2014 @ 10:00pm CDT

Bump

It seems no one has seen my post

Re: Transformers: Universe Score - Interview with James Hannigan (1616076)
Posted by Sabrblade on October 22nd, 2014 @ 10:44pm CDT

mirageandjazz1197 wrote:Bump

It seems no one has seen my post

If you want to report news, you have to submit it, along with a cited (i.e. - linked) source.

Re: Transformers: Universe Score - Interview with James Hannigan (1616088)
Posted by Deadput on October 22nd, 2014 @ 11:22pm CDT

Sabrblade wrote:
mirageandjazz1197 wrote:Bump

It seems no one has seen my post
If you want to report news, you have to submit it, along with a cited (i.e. - linked) source.

Ah sorry about that i just do not know how

Its to confusing for me but i'll try.

Re: Transformers: Universe Score - Interview with James Hannigan (1616112)
Posted by MasterSoundBlaster on October 23rd, 2014 @ 3:35am CDT

I know most people are saying they're getting a Dreadwing vibe from Switchblade, but am I the only one who is getting a Deathsaurus vibe from him? Only thing truly missing is a grand ol' beak protruding from his head.

Re: Transformers: Universe Score - Interview with James Hannigan (1616116)
Posted by megatronus on October 23rd, 2014 @ 3:39am CDT

MasterSoundBlaster wrote:I know most people are saying they're getting a Dreadwing vibe from Switchblade, but am I the only one who is getting a Deathsaurus vibe from him? Only thing truly missing is a grand ol' beak protruding from his head.

Honestly, I was thinking the same thing. Or, at the very least, that Switchblade is the love child of Prime Dreadwing and G1 Deathsaurus (or BH Darksteel).

Re: Transformers: Universe Score - Interview with James Hannigan (1616141)
Posted by Lockdownhunter on October 23rd, 2014 @ 6:28am CDT

mirageandjazz1197 wrote:Here is some more that came out today feel free to make a new article if you want

Edit: fixed link images

Pandemic (the recently released Decepticon)

Diabla

Mismatch

Those are cool! :michaelbay:

Re: Transformers: Universe Score - Interview with James Hannigan (1616191)
Posted by Sabrblade on October 23rd, 2014 @ 9:18am CDT

First people said Dreadwing looked like Depth Charge, and now they say Switchblade looks like Dreadwing.

Blue and gold bots just can't catch a break.

Re: Transformers: Universe Score - Interview with James Hannigan (1616210)
Posted by megatronus on October 23rd, 2014 @ 10:05am CDT

Sabrblade wrote:First people said Dreadwing looked like Depth Charge, and now they say Switchblade looks like Dreadwing.

Blue and gold bots just can't catch a break.

Good point - Switchblade DOES look like Depth Charge

Re: Transformers: Universe Score - Interview with James Hannigan (1616218)
Posted by Madeus Prime on October 23rd, 2014 @ 10:19am CDT

Wow, tire-crotch from Diabla. I think I just came up with a new Transformers disease!

Re: Transformers: Universe Score - Interview with James Hannigan (1621191)
Posted by TF Cagle on November 11th, 2014 @ 3:29pm CST

I've been on the site RPing there for a while awaiting the game, but now having actually played it, it's fun, but isn't as good as WFC.

Re: Transformers: Universe Score - Interview with James Hannigan (1621328)
Posted by Va'al on November 12th, 2014 @ 2:26am CST

Via the website gamesindustry.biz, we have some unfortunate news hailiing from Jagex, the company behind the Transformer: Universe MOBA online game. It appears that the company is in talks regarding having to let go a number of its employees, as a result of a company-wide downsizing. This follows the news of the current CEO Gerhard leaving by the end of this year, too. Read some more below, and the full piece here.

UK studio Jagex has confirmed that it is currently in a consultation process with the staff assigned to its Transformers Universe project. Some will find new roles on other Jagex games, others face redundancy.

"It is with regret that we can confirm some members of the Transformers Universe team will now be facing the possibility of redundancy. The proposed downsizing comes as the product reaches a new stage of development in its life cycle with a view to refining specific areas of gameplay for a live environment," the company told GamesIndustry.biz in a statement.

"Proposing to lay off staff is not something reached without due care and consideration and comes, in this instance, only at the end of a long period of deliberation. We remain grateful to all members of staff who will be affected by this process, and would like to thank them for all of their work on the game."

Re: Transformers: Universe Score - Interview with James Hannigan (1621362)
Posted by Starscream on November 12th, 2014 @ 7:10am CST

Big f'ing surprise: company makes years-worth of bad decisions on game design and marketing, delays release of falgship game, people lose jobs. A simple cause and effect. See ya Jagex!

Re: Transformers: Universe Score - Interview with James Hannigan (1621368)
Posted by Nemesis Maximo on November 12th, 2014 @ 7:38am CST

Video game companies have been hit hard lately, what with High Moon, Lucasarts, and now Jagex, among others. Never good news to hear about layoffs, in any industry.

On a more TF related point, will this have a negative effect on TFU?

Re: Transformers: Universe Score - Interview with James Hannigan (1621370)
Posted by griftimus prime on November 12th, 2014 @ 7:46am CST

pat lee must be running the place

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