Throughout each iteration of Transformers, Optimus Prime is an everlasting Optimist Prime. If the Autobots can maintain combating for what’s proper within the galaxy, defend their house planet and the worlds of others from the Decepticons with each ounce of oil pumping by their combustion engine hearts, then destiny will grant them victory.

But the Optimus in Transformers: War for Cybertron Trilogy, a brand new anime-inspired collection from Netflix and Rooster Teeth, is gloomy and existential. Maybe all of the warring was for nothing. Maybe there’s no beating ol’ Megatron.

Image: Netflix/Rooster Teeth

“I cannot help but ask myself … is this a hopeless crusade?”

While War for Cybertron isn’t going full Jarhead, the brand new Transformers collection has a grit and darkness that appears to lend the drama a stage of actuality {that a} billion jagged pixels couldn’t do in live-action. This is conflict — and it’s intense.

In the ultimate trailer for the collection, premiering solely on Polygon, issues aren’t going effectively for the Autobots and what’s left of Cybertronian life. In reality, the primary six, twenty-two minute episodes, subtitled “Siege,” picks up “the final hours of the devastating civil war between the Autobots and Decepticons.” Here’s a full synopsis:

The conflict that has torn aside their house planet of Cybertron is at a tipping level. Two leaders, Optimus Prime and Megatron, each wish to save their world and unify their folks, however solely on their very own phrases. In an try to finish the battle, Megatron is compelled to think about using the Allspark, the supply of all life and energy on Cybertron, to “reformat” the Autobots, thus “unifying” Cybertron. Outnumbered, outgunned, and underneath SIEGE, the battle-weary Autobots orchestrate a determined collection of counterstrikes on a mission that, if every little thing someway goes proper, will finish with an unthinkable alternative: kill their planet to be able to put it aside.

Transformers: War for Cybertron Trilogy was produced for Netflix by Rooster Teeth (RWBY, gen:LOCK), with animation from Polygon Pictures (Godzilla, Knights of Sidonia). Longtime comedian guide author and Transformers veteran F.J. DeSanto (Transformers: Titans Return, Transformers: Power of the Primes) is the showrunner on the collection, backing a voice forged that features Jake Foushee (Optimus Prime), Jason Marnocha (Megatron), Linsay Rousseau (Elita-1), Joe Zieja (Bumblebee), Frank Todaro (Starscream), Rafael Goldstein (Ratchet), Keith Silverstein (Jetfire), advert Todd Haberkorn (Shockwave, Red Alert).

“Siege,” half one in every of Transformers: War for Cybertron Trilogy, premieres on July 30. Part two, “Earthrise,” and the untitled half three have but to obtain launch dates.