Transformers fighting game fan project by The Diepod uses Ikemen Go — a long-overdue one-on-one fighter
The Transformers franchise marked its 40th anniversary in 2024, and fans have long sought a dedicated one-on-one fighting game that captures the brand’s characters and cinematic action.
An independent pixel artist and animator known as The Diepod — who has worked on projects including Kong: Skull Island, Master of the Universe and Tomb Raider for Powerhouse Animation Studios — is developing an unofficial Transformers fighting game built on the Ikemen Go engine.
The project was reported on May 21, 2024, by Damien McFerran and has drawn attention for its classic 2D style and roster design choices.
Project overview and technical foundation
The Diepod’s build uses Ikemen Go, a modern open-source fighting game engine that traces its lineage to the M.U.G.E.N engine family and is commonly used for PC-based fan fighting projects.
The developer has incorporated mechanics familiar to fans of tag and assist-based fighters: the project features selectable assist moves inspired by systems used in series such as Marvel vs. Capcom.
According to The Diepod’s public updates, assist options will be selectable once all assist animations and inputs are completed, and one main roster character remains to be started.
Rewritten statements and development notes
In a recent update, The Diepod described the project as a personal fan effort rather than a commercial product, noting it is being developed for personal interest and practice rather than as an official Hasbro release.
The developer also explained that assist characters will be made selectable when all assist options are finished, and that one primary roster member still needs to be created.
Work on the game’s soundtrack is ongoing, with the creator composing and testing music alongside sprite and systems development.
Context and what this means for fans
This unofficial project joins a long history of fan-made Transformers content.
While official Transformers titles and merchandise remain managed by Hasbro, fan projects like The Diepod’s showcase community interest in a dedicated one-on-one fighting experience.
Fans across platforms — from PC to console audiences on systems such as the Nintendo Switch and storefronts like the eShop — continue to request robust fighting entries for the franchise.
For now, The Diepod’s build remains a fan-made effort developed with Ikemen Go and shared publicly as it progresses.
The Transformers franchise marked its 40th anniversary in 2024, and fans have long sought a dedicated one-on-one fighting game that captures the brand’s characters and cinematic action.
An independent pixel artist and animator known as The Diepod — who has worked on projects including Kong: Skull Island, Master of the Universe and Tomb Raider for Powerhouse Animation Studios — is developing an unofficial Transformers fighting game built on the Ikemen Go engine.
The project was reported on May 21, 2024, by Damien McFerran and has drawn attention for its classic 2D style and roster design choices.
Project overview and technical foundation
The Diepod’s build uses Ikemen Go, a modern open-source fighting game engine that traces its lineage to the M.U.G.E.N engine family and is commonly used for PC-based fan fighting projects.
The developer has incorporated mechanics familiar to fans of tag and assist-based fighters: the project features selectable assist moves inspired by systems used in series such as Marvel vs. Capcom.
According to The Diepod’s public updates, assist options will be selectable once all assist animations and inputs are completed, and one main roster character remains to be started.
Rewritten statements and development notes
In a recent update, The Diepod described the project as a personal fan effort rather than a commercial product, noting it is being developed for personal interest and practice rather than as an official Hasbro release.
The developer also explained that assist characters will be made selectable when all assist options are finished, and that one primary roster member still needs to be created.
Work on the game’s soundtrack is ongoing, with the creator composing and testing music alongside sprite and systems development.
Context and what this means for fans
This unofficial project joins a long history of fan-made Transformers content.
While official Transformers titles and merchandise remain managed by Hasbro, fan projects like The Diepod’s showcase community interest in a dedicated one-on-one fighting experience.
Fans across platforms — from PC to console audiences on systems such as the Nintendo Switch and storefronts like the eShop — continue to request robust fighting entries for the franchise.
For now, The Diepod’s build remains a fan-made effort developed with Ikemen Go and shared publicly as it progresses.
