Transistor

 PC
User Score
8.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 921 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 736 out of 921
  2. Mixed: 121 out of 921
  3. Negative: 64 out of 921

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  1. WanderingLake
    Aug 8, 2023
    9
    This game is the reason I have such and open mind and respect towards indi games. This game does everything it needs to and then some. The story is solid nothing out of the park but also no slouch interesting enough to keep you wondering what is going on and what is going to happen next. Game play is quick and snappy with quite a few unique abilities that makes your run fun to either justThis game is the reason I have such and open mind and respect towards indi games. This game does everything it needs to and then some. The story is solid nothing out of the park but also no slouch interesting enough to keep you wondering what is going on and what is going to happen next. Game play is quick and snappy with quite a few unique abilities that makes your run fun to either just pick a set up and use it the whole game or swap around every ability each time you hit a checkpoint. The Visuals are very satisfying with Supergiants art style it looks just as good almost 10 years later as it did at launch. Finally the sound track is far beyond what would have been needed to make your journey enjoyable and instead threw down on a fantastic sound track that surpassed any other game at the time that still bops to this day. Overall a fantastic game that any indi enthusiast should play along with anyone else looking for a cool quick game.… Expand
  2. HydrophobikFish
    Jun 9, 2023
    8
    Fun game with strong artstyle. Unique customizable combat system is fun to mess around with. Neo noir story is fresh, with an unexpected ending.
  3. chocoway
    Apr 14, 2023
    10
    im Stunned with the beautiful art style of the game, the soundtrack and the voice acting, bought this for pc and played on switch
  4. Ave-Nar
    Jun 24, 2022
    9
    The futuristic city "Cloudbank" looks amazing, thanks to the artstyle. The music and sound effects create an even more immersing atmosphere.

    The story is a little vague in the beginning. But don't worry, it will make more sense as you proceed. The ending is great. I recommend reading about the whole story after you've completed the game at least once. You have to learn the combat    The futuristic city "Cloudbank" looks amazing, thanks to the artstyle. The music and sound effects create an even more immersing atmosphere.

    The story is a little vague in the beginning. But don't worry, it will make more sense as you proceed. The ending is great. I recommend reading about the whole story after you've completed the game at least once.

    You have to learn the combat mechanics and strategies and you are forced to adapt to different challenges. There is a way to adjust difficulty.

    Overall this game was a short but still fantastic experience.    … Expand
  5. j4ck_fl4sh_3k
    May 22, 2022
    7
    Its a 5-6 hour game which I don't mind (I actually like short games), but in all that time the sword does not SHUT UP!

    Never in a vidoegame has someone spoke so much and said so little, and it really gets to me, his nasally sounding voice commenting on everything, even when I'm try to read messages he'll be there with "Oh no, this can't be right..." I'm there like, "I've not even read    Its a 5-6 hour game which I don't mind (I actually like short games), but in all that time the sword does not SHUT UP!

    Never in a vidoegame has someone spoke so much and said so little, and it really gets to me, his nasally sounding voice commenting on everything, even when I'm try to read messages he'll be there with "Oh no, this can't be right..." I'm there like, "I've not even read the first line you donkey".

    Graphics and gameplay are all fine, combat can be a little hard and I'm not sure if I even want to finish it.    … Expand
  6. Leo_Manzano
    Apr 28, 2022
    9
    Working....................................................................................................
  7. Wrathzo
    Mar 22, 2022
    7
    Transistor is an action role-playing video game developed and published by Supergiant Games. Transistor utilizes an isometric point of view. The player controls the main character, Red, as she travels through a series of locations, battling enemies known collectively as the Process in both real-time combat and a frozen planning mode referred to as "Turn()".
  8. metesuzuk
    Jan 14, 2022
    8
    Great graphic style and music. I played it again just to listen to the music.
  9. wokenoodle
    Oct 26, 2021
    8
    Transistor is a milestone for Supergiant Games which put them on the map and promoted the indie scene in general. It's an essential step for the studio to realize its idiosyncratic style and also an inspiring demonstration of how the experimental nature of indie games can successfully compete with formulaic triple-A behemoths.

    The combat is an insanely fun and fluid mix of real-time    Transistor is a milestone for Supergiant Games which put them on the map and promoted the indie scene in general. It's an essential step for the studio to realize its idiosyncratic style and also an inspiring demonstration of how the experimental nature of indie games can successfully compete with formulaic triple-A behemoths.

    The combat is an insanely fun and fluid mix of real-time action and tactical, almost turn-based VATS-like action economy system. It's innovative and very well done, even if a little rough around the edges. Encounters in their overwhelming majority are interesting and well-thought-out, mixing different enemy types that are, unfortunately, a few. Although there's almost no way to interact with the world outside of combat, it makes the gameplay more focused than lacking. The progression system has a wide build variety and you can switch between different approaches to tackle specific challenges, while your skills are elegantly tied to rich and deeply human character stories. Characters overall are deeply appealing, cementing this aspect as the one Supergiant Games are notorious for. And the other part of the game, that became celebrated in their other projects as well, is the incredible soundtrack and intricate visual style, which in this game combines art deco inspirations with moody yet vibrant colors of futuristic aesthetics. It may seem busy at times, but it's hard to not recognize how beautiful it is.

    While the experience of transistors is far from perfect, it's a brave and avant-garde wonder with a strong artistic vision, one of the games responsible for kicking off indie as a whole.    … Expand
  10. Dco326
    Aug 10, 2021
    7
    Svidela mi se igrica dobra je, ali me glas onaj iz maca smara u pizdu materinu mnogo je naporan xD a i inace okej je da se predje jednom, ali ne bih je igrao opet, ima nekih napornih delova ali je sve u svemu kul bas.
  11. CeresAzalia
    Aug 3, 2021
    10
    To me, this game is literally perfect. Yes, literally. It is and will always be one of my favorite games of ALL TIME.
  12. aditya1101
    Apr 29, 2021
    9
    Absolute masterpiece. Gameplay was super interesting and really engrossing, art was beautiful, and the music/atmosphere was perfect.------------------
  13. ardadeniz05
    Mar 28, 2021
    10
    The story catches the player, the artwork is amazing, gameplay is the best of its kind. I'm in love with this game and also Red ;)
  14. abrahamttest
    Feb 15, 2021
    9
    Buen arte, música, con una ambientación espectacular y un sistema de combate en tiempo real sencillo pero no por eso fácil, pues los combates serán más fáciles o difíciles dependiendo de como uses las habilidades de la transistor.
    Un juego que todos pueden jugar pero que recomiendo a aquellos que no tengan mucho tiempo para jugar por su duración.
  15. Matussa
    Jan 27, 2021
    9
    Iv had this sitting in my steam for a little while so I thought id finally give it ago and iv herd good things, well I'm not disappointed, the art and music is fantastic i found myself just listing to it delaying levels just to soak it in. The writing is a little fast paced but if you read every peace of lore you find from terminals and use all the ability's to get info on otherIv had this sitting in my steam for a little while so I thought id finally give it ago and iv herd good things, well I'm not disappointed, the art and music is fantastic i found myself just listing to it delaying levels just to soak it in. The writing is a little fast paced but if you read every peace of lore you find from terminals and use all the ability's to get info on other character's you slowly piece it all together but there were spots were it was too rushed but it didn't ruin it too much for me there's way worse out there, I wish it was longer and they flushed it out better story wise but over all i loved it.… Expand
  16. runner
    Jan 23, 2021
    8
    Hard not to compare this to Supergiant's previous title (Bastion) even though they're not connected. There's definitely the vibe and style of Bastion, but in fact - they made quite an impressive turn of events and the mechanics are not at all like Bastion, and bring something fresh and new.
    Why did Bastion keep sitting at the back of my mind?
    Being a story hog, I have that tendency to    Hard not to compare this to Supergiant's previous title (Bastion) even though they're not connected. There's definitely the vibe and style of Bastion, but in fact - they made quite an impressive turn of events and the mechanics are not at all like Bastion, and bring something fresh and new.
    Why did Bastion keep sitting at the back of my mind?
    Being a story hog, I have that tendency to really look for games with a good plot, writing, etc. While I found Bastion's settings and characters compelling enough to feel comfortable with, I somehow didn't really get the same feeling for Transistor.
    Actually, I felt the story wasn't actually THAT original, and the general lines of the whole atmosphere felt as if they were borrowed from Bastion on some level, but not in such a good way.
    To sum it up, I didn't really get half of the story, I didn't really like the sidekick (He's the one doing most of the talking), I didn't really enjoy all the side-content which tells more of the story, and your main hero never ever speaks.
    Oh, well.
    Why still an 8, though?
    I actually found the mechanics themselves fantastic.
    Unlike Bastion, this game is more about strategy and planning, so it's a bit slower in terms of the general pace, but still exciting enough.
    Strategy lovers may still mock this game, because - to be honest - it's a rather simplified form of "strategy".
    You basically have a set of "functions" which are, in fact, attacks. You may combine the different functions in a lot of ways to alter your fighting style, and most of the game is moving from one fight to another while progressing through the story.
    It is overly simplified, but personally I found it light and fun to play after a long day.
    It was really fun to experiment with the different possibilities, and this is one of the only games where I went straight to a second playthrough after finishing it once.    … Expand
  17. Fallconex
    Dec 17, 2020
    7
    Just a good game. Music, colors, atmosphere. Everything is at a high level, except for the narrative.
  18. ErayTellezi
    Nov 29, 2020
    6
    İster sıra tabanlı ister düz aksiyon şeklinde oynayabiliyorsunuz. Çok fazla fonksiyon olduğundan, herhangi bir skill'i bir başkasının yardımcısı veya pasif olarak kullanabiliyorsunuz. Bunlar da combat kısmında çok fazla çeşitlilik sunuyor. Ancak bunlara rağmen başkalarının aksine o kadar da beğenmedim oyunu. Hikayesinin ne anlattığı çok açık değil. Bir şeyler bir şeyler işte. Yeteri kadarİster sıra tabanlı ister düz aksiyon şeklinde oynayabiliyorsunuz. Çok fazla fonksiyon olduğundan, herhangi bir skill'i bir başkasının yardımcısı veya pasif olarak kullanabiliyorsunuz. Bunlar da combat kısmında çok fazla çeşitlilik sunuyor. Ancak bunlara rağmen başkalarının aksine o kadar da beğenmedim oyunu. Hikayesinin ne anlattığı çok açık değil. Bir şeyler bir şeyler işte. Yeteri kadar zorlayıcı değil. Sıra tabanlı oyunlar az çok keşfedecek dünya, dakika başı düşen item'lar ile dünyasını zenginleştirir. Bu düz ilerlemeli olunca saniye başı sıra tabanlı aksiyona girmek bir yerden sonra sıkıyor. Ancak en azından süresi kısa. Müzikleri güzel.… Expand
  19. Crimert
    Nov 27, 2020
    8
    The art, music and combat of this game were really nice. The story was good as well. I liked this game. 7hrs on record.
  20. GuilhermeAlce
    Nov 9, 2020
    10
    The fisrt thing that calls your attention is a new king o gameplay (I can't think of a game with similar gameplay, maybe if you mix many games you get this), with many possible combinations that incite you to find the most powerful ones
    Another thing is the beautiful design, being vividly colorful
    The history is messy and confusing, you have to want to know it to understand it. But it    The fisrt thing that calls your attention is a new king o gameplay (I can't think of a game with similar gameplay, maybe if you mix many games you get this), with many possible combinations that incite you to find the most powerful ones
    Another thing is the beautiful design, being vividly colorful
    The history is messy and confusing, you have to want to know it to understand it. But it has a unique side that's rarely so sentimental, in the end this game is really romantic (really cried at the end)... and the songs (the ones featuring Ashley Barret mainly) are like dreams you never want to wake up from...

    Want play something different? Hear amazing songs? Be challenged in crazy ways? This game has it all

    My favorite Supergiant Games (liked better than Hades even)
    Replayed more than 4 times and surely will replay it in the future    … Expand
  21. kezzyhko
    Jul 28, 2020
    8
    ‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍
  22. Keskin
    Jul 17, 2020
    8
    it is goodit is goodit is goodit is goodit is goodit is goodit is goodit is goodit is goodit is goodit is goodit is goodit is goodit is goodit is good
  23. Wweald
    Jun 29, 2020
    7
    Amazing aesthetics, story it pretty good. The characters aren't that interesting though. The gameplay is cool but it kinda gets stale even with all the different potential upgrades. Still a really good game though.
  24. PanMrkvicka
    Jun 12, 2020
    8
    very good game with not bad but still mediocre story, gameplay is great theres ton of variety of attacks and so on and music is amazing.
  25. jtma7ster
    Jun 4, 2020
    5
    Not as good as Bastion. Gameplay is fluid, but the upgrades are just confusing after a while. You can select an ability as a passive, upgrade, or main slot. So the number of algorithms is pretty crazy. Didn't find the game that challenging.
  26. PeakZach
    May 21, 2020
    7
    This game looks as good as it plays. The mechanics are seamless and no real tutorial is necessary as everything just sort of makes sense. The plot has depth, regardless of how short, and the combat mechanics are intriguing, as well as creative. However, the combat lacks for me to an extent. With a game so heavily focused on the turn basis for our character Red, the enemies do not followThis game looks as good as it plays. The mechanics are seamless and no real tutorial is necessary as everything just sort of makes sense. The plot has depth, regardless of how short, and the combat mechanics are intriguing, as well as creative. However, the combat lacks for me to an extent. With a game so heavily focused on the turn basis for our character Red, the enemies do not follow this, leading to overcrowding and seemingly pointless decisions as all strategies are thrown out the door when you get rushed. Not that this cannot be prevented, but a more tactical approach from the enemy would make this combat more seamless, rather than trying to mash turn-style combat with enemies that don't care and blindly rush towards you.… Expand
  27. nitorita
    Feb 15, 2020
    6
    Unlike others, I found Transistor to be incredibly polarizing. The world is really bizarre and the story is even more confusing. The narration is done by a creepy monotone voice that sounds like a stalker breathing down your neck.

    As you can tell, I didn't enjoy the game all that much, and I'm quite the open-minded gamer. I knew within the first five minutes that it was a game I'd want    Unlike others, I found Transistor to be incredibly polarizing. The world is really bizarre and the story is even more confusing. The narration is done by a creepy monotone voice that sounds like a stalker breathing down your neck.

    As you can tell, I didn't enjoy the game all that much, and I'm quite the open-minded gamer. I knew within the first five minutes that it was a game I'd want to quickly finish off. My overall displeasure stemmed from the narrator's voice (yes, it's that bad).

    The controls are not great. The graphic options are behind the times and the game lags in fullscreen. Load times are slow even with an SSD. The game itself, if rushed, only lasts a few hours at most.

    Overall, 8.4 is overrated for this game that has a weak and uninteresting story with fighting that just for the sake of progression. I highly suggest previewing the game first before buying, since it's vastly different from the games you typically play. Plus, it's not at all a hard game either.    … Expand
  28. The3AcademySins
    Feb 15, 2020
    8
    Transistor might be one of the most aesthetically pleasing games I have ever played. The gameplay is fun and challenging. The artwork is just beautiful. The soundtrack is stunning. The narration really started to grate on me after a while, but I really enjoyed my journey through this game.
  29. Captaindoggo
    Feb 4, 2020
    10
    A true gem of a game! Enjoyed every aspect of it! Gorgeous graphics and of course soundtrack, very interesting and captivating gameplay, and very lovely story, really liked!
  30. jolexandr
    Nov 26, 2019
    10
    I went through Transistor several times, and every time I was glad to be back.This is masterpiece. Game-play is breathtaking. Musical accompaniment at the highest level. The plot is no bad, the ending is mesmerizing. I strongly recommend everyone to play this game.
  31. Helheim
    Nov 20, 2019
    10
    Жалею что не насладился этим творением на старте. Просто великолепная игра. Музыка, цвет, атмосфера. всё на высшем уровне. Жаль конечно что нет озвучки, но может это и к лучшему.
  32. Gary_Move_Out
    Apr 23, 2019
    10
    I'm happy that I could experience this in my life. We are living in messed up times, but games like this make my life better. Thank you for opportunity to play it.
  33. griefin
    Feb 17, 2019
    8
    Though game heavily uses Bastion's formula, it still delivers some new impressions. Mixed real-time or turn-base fights, decent upgrade system and beautiful visuals. Main story is just right length, difficulty is perfect for casual gamers.
  34. Vectis99
    Nov 30, 2018
    8
    Transistor was a super pretty game with a very distinct and fancy visual style, which for me was the main appeal of the game. The storyline, while very deep and complex, failed to grasp my attention. There was also hardly any integration of story and gameplay mechanics, to the point where it felt like I was jumping back and forth between playing a video game and reading a book/watching aTransistor was a super pretty game with a very distinct and fancy visual style, which for me was the main appeal of the game. The storyline, while very deep and complex, failed to grasp my attention. There was also hardly any integration of story and gameplay mechanics, to the point where it felt like I was jumping back and forth between playing a video game and reading a book/watching a movie. For a game which tried so hard to be so beautiful, I was especially irked like this.
    In terms of the gameplay mechanics, Transistor was very cohesive and well spread over the course of the game. By its conclusion, I felt like I had fully explored the implications of all of the game's tactical and strategic framework, which was a very satisfying and fulfilling experience. It is worth noting though that there is a very high amount of time investment in listening, looking, and reading, so the pacing of the game is very slow.    … Expand
  35. HarrySatschel
    Nov 27, 2018
    10
    The game is all-around amazing, but the soundtrack is on another level of awesome entirely.
  36. DoomCronos
    Sep 6, 2018
    10
    A jewel of Video Games history. A masterpiece that will never be forgotten from the minds of true fans of indie gaming. Transistor might be a short game that can be finished in less than 6 hours but then it's repetitive 6 hours. It's game that no matter how many time to play and when you coming back to the game, you will always enjoy this game. The atmosphere, the sound design, beautifullyA jewel of Video Games history. A masterpiece that will never be forgotten from the minds of true fans of indie gaming. Transistor might be a short game that can be finished in less than 6 hours but then it's repetitive 6 hours. It's game that no matter how many time to play and when you coming back to the game, you will always enjoy this game. The atmosphere, the sound design, beautifully original music and definitely it's mesmerizing concept art which all comes together to complete it's breath taking story. Supergiant games shown they didn't end their career on Bastion, but since then they just started to shine in the industry with some more masterpiece that Transistor is jewel of this newly started collection of this indie company.… Expand
  37. RagingPoet
    Jan 6, 2018
    8
    8.5 out of 10.
    Transistor is good action-rpg with heavy accent on music, visuals and story (exactly in this order) but not as good as Bastion.
    Action part is clunky, but it can be switched to turn-based combat which is much better. Music and visuals are even better than in Bastion in my opinion, but the storytelling is a bit worse here. It takes some effort to familiarize yourself with    8.5 out of 10.
    Transistor is good action-rpg with heavy accent on music, visuals and story (exactly in this order) but not as good as Bastion.
    Action part is clunky, but it can be switched to turn-based combat which is much better. Music and visuals are even better than in Bastion in my opinion, but the storytelling is a bit worse here. It takes some effort to familiarize yourself with the game world through reading ingame articles and without it narration is not enough to understand everything.    … Expand
  38. chumpwithnoname
    Jan 2, 2018
    4
    Turn based Diablo for hipsters. Combat is hard and boring. You kite mobs and wait for time stop cool down, then you instantly deal OMG DPS. Then you kite and wait again. So bland and stupid that if feels like tablet game.
    Giving it 4 for good visuals and narrative.
  39. auditbadger
    Jul 30, 2017
    7
    I think that this is truly a unique game and I would recommend that if you are a fan of this type of genre then I think you should give this game a try.
  40. Jezzalenko
    Jul 29, 2017
    10
    it oozes cool... the story great, characters great, music great, art work great, game play is inventive and super customizationable ... Get some of the weapon combinations right and you can have such a sweet time with this game.
  41. Aeryx
    Jul 7, 2017
    8
    I could not have guessed that a game about a woman and her talking sword would lead to an artistic, passionate and blissful experience unlike any other. "Listen, whatever you are thinking... do me a favor. Never let me go."
  42. hypernewbie
    Jun 26, 2017
    1
    It's like an action game except it is terrible at being one. It's also a turn based game except it's terrible at being one. It's an atmospheric game except it's terrible at being one. This game manages to be consistent levels of terrible at everything it tries to do at the same time, and that takes some real talent and effort to achieve.
  43. Vzhik
    Jun 24, 2017
    9
    Какая ж крутая оказалась. Почему так долго тянул, непонятно. Видимо от изометрии не могло отторжение отойти,, привык что там сюжета нет.
    А тут всё по другому. Офигительнейшая история парня и девушки, какая-то трагедия, лирическо-спокойная музыка, графика очень приятная и необычная, боёвка интересная. Просто завораживающий голос в постоянных диалогах .. эм, точнее монологах.
    Первая    Какая ж крутая оказалась. Почему так долго тянул, непонятно. Видимо от изометрии не могло отторжение отойти,, привык что там сюжета нет.
    А тут всё по другому. Офигительнейшая история парня и девушки, какая-то трагедия, лирическо-спокойная музыка, графика очень приятная и необычная, боёвка интересная. Просто завораживающий голос в постоянных диалогах .. эм, точнее монологах.

    Первая игра где я читал тексты чтоб понять что происходит! Про персонажей, ситуации.. Толком все равно не понял, но даже лучше, будет о чем подумать. История с девушкой просто захватила.

    Давно в такое не играл. лучшая игра за последний год. После таких игр прям в игропром начинаешь верить.    … Expand
  44. Cumdonor69
    Jun 21, 2017
    8
    (Single player only review)
    Story: 7
    Gameplay: 9
    Characters: 7
    World: 10
    Music: 10
    Graphics: 8
    Optimization: 10
    Value: Worth the original price ($20)
    Art direction: 10
    Enjoyment: 8
    Overall: 8
  45. marcelus
    Mar 17, 2017
    8
    A very poetic and musical story between transistors and beautiful sprites. The gameplay style is simple (not as deep as I wanted) but very enjoyable. The soundtrack is the best of 2014 and one of my favorite in it's style (wich is weird that is not a really predefined thing).

    The only bad thing I find about Transistor is it's length. But at the end you will need another playthrough to    A very poetic and musical story between transistors and beautiful sprites. The gameplay style is simple (not as deep as I wanted) but very enjoyable. The soundtrack is the best of 2014 and one of my favorite in it's style (wich is weird that is not a really predefined thing).

    The only bad thing I find about Transistor is it's length. But at the end you will need another playthrough to enjoy better the plot and complete the lore.

    100% recommended. One of the best games I've played in 2014.    … Expand
  46. will824
    Jan 13, 2017
    9
    Transistor is a Fantastic game. If you have played Bastion, you would feel familiar with the narrative, as it is somehow similar.

    The game is more or less short but brings replayability in NG+ as well. The story is fantastic and has plenty of reference to programming terminology, but the designers made it in such a way that it recreates a new whole world and environment by lending some    Transistor is a Fantastic game. If you have played Bastion, you would feel familiar with the narrative, as it is somehow similar.

    The game is more or less short but brings replayability in NG+ as well. The story is fantastic and has plenty of reference to programming terminology, but the designers made it in such a way that it recreates a new whole world and environment by lending some metaphores from the computing into a fantasy world.

    This also translates into combat, which is rich and has numerous combinations and tactics to play.

    The graphics are just amazing, seem to be hand drawn carefully, the animation is fluent and natural and the soundtrack is incredible. Normally I am not taken by games music, but this one was the exception and it made me feel like getting the soundtrack.

    This game is worth to play and I would definitely recommend it. Thanks to the developers for such amazing game. IMHO 9.5/10    … Expand
  47. Rem
    Jan 3, 2017
    9
    Transistor's strengths and disadvantages lie in its departure from Bastion. Its story structure and combat system is alien to Bastion, but what remains is easily one of the best games of 2014 coupled with one of the greatest soundtracks in gaming.

    My favorite aspect of Transistor (aside from its soundtrack) is its absolutely superb combat system. It's unlike anything else I've played    Transistor's strengths and disadvantages lie in its departure from Bastion. Its story structure and combat system is alien to Bastion, but what remains is easily one of the best games of 2014 coupled with one of the greatest soundtracks in gaming.

    My favorite aspect of Transistor (aside from its soundtrack) is its absolutely superb combat system. It's unlike anything else I've played and the closest comparison I can draw is the VATS system from the Fallout games. You have to manage real time and paused turns in addition the many abilities granted to the player via the Transistor. It allows you to mix these "functions" as a main ability, upgrade, or a passive ability. Options like these grant over 100 different combinations if not more. The Process, which serves as the game's enemies compliment this system very well and the addition of limiters and the ability to customize your own difficulty for higher rewards trumps Bastion's fully real time battle system. The Transistor's battle system is like solving a puzzle every enemy encounter and the game's addition of its "backrooms" which offers challenge tests and a place to wind down speaks volumes of the strength of this game's combat. It's equal parts satisfying, rewarding, challenging, and even fantastic for a New Game+. There is a slight learning curve, most especially at the beginning, but getting past that point won't take too long.

    The story of Transistor is also a departure from Bastion in the sense it doesn't give you any details about the world and setting right away. It's vague in the best definition, and I can't fault it for that. Much of the narration revolves around the mysterious voice omitted from the Transistor, who serves more like a sidekick since he's not omnipotent. You control a stage performer named "Red" who lost her voice after an incident by her assailants. I won't discuss plot details any more than that, but many of the details surrounding the characters and the world they inhibit come from text that you read in terminals scattered about in addition to the game's menus. This style of storytelling trusts the player's to piece it together but still leaves plenty of room for their own interpretation, especially at the game's conclusion. I will say that I didn't enjoy the game's ending as much as I wanted to, mainly because it felt a little too sappy for me, but given that it's open for interpretation, it's fitting for the game's themes and the character of Red and her relationship with the mysterious character that accompanies you throughout. The real problem with the story actually lies in how it clashes with the combat system. The stop-and-go style of gameplay interrupts with the fast paced story, which Bastion did not suffer from since everything was in real-time. The flow of it ends up jittery more than graceful, but it's a design decision that ultimately benefits the game in the end in favor of its amazing combat system. The story, while not perfectly paced, trusts the players without being nonsensical. It's not vague for the sake of it, but rather to suit its style and themes, and I applaud it for that.

    Speaking of style, Transistor is absolutely gorgeous. You hear plenty of people scoff if a game sports an "artistic style", but the work of Supergiant games in creating Transistor's setting is unlike anything I've seen. The game is viewed from an isometric standpoint and the art paints a picture closer to virtual reality that a painting, but this same art style appears to be achieved by means of brush. It's difficult to describe, but it is utterly gorgeous. Every inch of this game is packed with so much visual love that it seems no other aspect in the game could surpass it, except for its soundtrack. Darren Korb's work in crafting Transistor's soundtrack is nothing short of legendary. I understand that everyone has different musical tastes, but it is incredibly difficult to spot anything wrong with Transistor's soundtrack. I love every track but the ones containing Ashley Barrett's vocals are equal parts haunting and beautiful. It also helps that the lyrics allude to the game's plot, which is always a neat touch. Korb's mixing of different instruments create Transistor's own identity, while making me buy the soundtrack of the game, which is a sign of an amazing soundtrack.

    Transistor has flaws, specifically of those tied to the story and how it's way of telling it may turn players away and clashes with its battle system's but I wouldn't have any other way. It's triumphs are of a high order and succeeds as a worthy follow-up to Bastion and even surpasses it in key aspects such as style and soundtrack, things that Bastion was already revered for. Transistor is also replayable, and tied with its superb combat, makes it an even sweeter deal. It is easily one of the best games of 2014, and a shining example in style blending well with function.    … Expand
  48. Vladutz
    Nov 27, 2016
    9
    Amazing game, you have to play through it at least twice, to get the most out of it. having t figure out how to plan your moves in order to get the best possible results is a great feature that really test your cognitive abilities, pare that with calculating and predicting how much a move damages an opponent and what are its side effect, makes for a very compelling play.
  49. flavoristic
    Nov 13, 2016
    10
    I have made an account just to write a review of this Masterpiece. The game has amazing art design, intense story, and music that brings chills to your spine. I have played this game for many hours. In fact, I have made 100% trophies progress. This game is absolutely wonderful and deserve a 10/10 period.
  50. GolovA
    Nov 11, 2016
    6
    I loved Bastion.

    However, Transistor is not the kind of game that can use the same type of narrative as Bastion did. While visually interesting (although generic and lacking in detailing), Transistor seems to reflect its very core of gameplay and narrative with its artistic styling - it seems to be all colors but no substance. The narrating manhattanesque voice is irritating in tone    I loved Bastion.

    However, Transistor is not the kind of game that can use the same type of narrative as Bastion did.
    While visually interesting (although generic and lacking in detailing), Transistor seems to reflect its very core of gameplay and narrative with its artistic styling - it seems to be all colors but no substance.

    The narrating manhattanesque voice is irritating in tone and frequency - it is annoying and never pauses, keeping the story superficially and evenhandedly driven on. The story itself so far (i did not finish the game and do not intend to continue playing it) is, well - flat and one-dimensional, never trying hard to reveal characters, emotions, motivations.

    Was really looking forward to playing it but in the end:

    Meh.    … Expand
  51. Zarafan
    Oct 8, 2016
    4
    Is like a Taste of the best Sweet cake you could have tasted... just a taste. While the game provide great concept, history and gameplay, will end too short and too fast for you to understand what just happend. And i tough Bastion was short...

    I cant accept that a company make his 2nd big game Shorter than the first one, i would have waited 1 more year, if i could at least get twice the    Is like a Taste of the best Sweet cake you could have tasted... just a taste. While the game provide great concept, history and gameplay, will end too short and too fast for you to understand what just happend. And i tough Bastion was short...

    I cant accept that a company make his 2nd big game Shorter than the first one, i would have waited 1 more year, if i could at least get twice the hours...    … Expand
  52. Nightcrawler64
    Jul 6, 2016
    10
    One of the best art, sound and game play I've ever experienced in any game. Thoroughly an excellent new age strategy game.At first this was just like any other small budget game but it really works out your brain with it's strategic game play. Nothing short with it's story too. A subtle way of storytelling.
  53. ch4meleon
    Jul 5, 2016
    9
    My favorite part of this game was the story. It was both ambiguous and yet understandable. I loved how the game took me forward and then brought me right back to where I started (in more ways than one). It kept me interested, and that's the most important part, although I will admit that it was sometimes predictable.

    And then of course, there is the combat. I absolutely loved the combat    My favorite part of this game was the story. It was both ambiguous and yet understandable. I loved how the game took me forward and then brought me right back to where I started (in more ways than one). It kept me interested, and that's the most important part, although I will admit that it was sometimes predictable.

    And then of course, there is the combat. I absolutely loved the combat in this game. Mixing and maxing my "Functions," and utilizing the unique turn based combat system was not only a challenge to master, but very rewarding. It really added an extra dimension to the game that gives it extended playability. Three thumbs up for combat.

    Don't get me wrong, this game is not perfect. I thought it was too short and level design grew old quickly. It was overly and needlessly challenging one moment and then far too easy the next. But all in all, for $20 you are getting a great game, definitely worthy of your time.    … Expand
  54. Kaitocs
    May 4, 2016
    10
    First time I cried for a videogame finale.

    The music is amazing, I would fix something on the gameplay but it's just personal preferences, good job Supergiant!
  55. Vicente_ao
    Apr 13, 2016
    9
    Si te gustó Bastion debes jugar Transistor, si no te gustó Bastion igual debes probar Transistor. Si no has jugado Bastion, pues debes jugarlo y también jugar Transistor.
    Transistor es un ARPG, con un diseño único, una jugabilidad muy entretenida, con diferentes combinaciones de habilidades, según lo que te acomode más. Sin duda entretiene mucho, siempre podrás probar nuevas combinaciones    Si te gustó Bastion debes jugar Transistor, si no te gustó Bastion igual debes probar Transistor. Si no has jugado Bastion, pues debes jugarlo y también jugar Transistor.
    Transistor es un ARPG, con un diseño único, una jugabilidad muy entretenida, con diferentes combinaciones de habilidades, según lo que te acomode más. Sin duda entretiene mucho, siempre podrás probar nuevas combinaciones para ser más letal. La historia es extraña e interesante. La música es GENIAL, realmente genial engancha mucho, crea atmosfera, emociona y eso creo que es parte de la adicción que puede generar. No es muy largo, pero vale la pena rejugarlo y enfrentar retos más duros.

    Lo bueno:

    - Jugabilidad que entretiene.
    - Varias habilidades y muchas combinaciones.
    - Gráficos hermosos.
    - MÚSICA espectacular.
    - Historia y personajes interesantes.

    Lo malo:

    - Algo corto lo que se traduce en presentar no una tan alta gama de enemigos.
    - Hubiese sido mejor enfrentar más bosses.

    8.9/10    … Expand
  56. 55stars
    Mar 31, 2016
    9
    Just finished Transistor for first time. I really love this game. GORGEOUS graphics and motion. Also, really liked the skill/power options that allow you to try new combinations. The training access is very helpful. I enjoyed the story too, kept me guessing and I liked the way the story linked up with upgrading the power upgrade options for the Transistor.. Regarding the variousJust finished Transistor for first time. I really love this game. GORGEOUS graphics and motion. Also, really liked the skill/power options that allow you to try new combinations. The training access is very helpful. I enjoyed the story too, kept me guessing and I liked the way the story linked up with upgrading the power upgrade options for the Transistor.. Regarding the various characters that are key to the story - I would love some action sequences with them each, if a Transistor II is ever in the works. But the backstory given with each helped to keep me involved. I was enjoying the game enough that I thought the game ended too quickly. Once you've gone through each level, I guess the using the limiters is next for me. If you're a first-time player, you shouldn't use them until you've been through the entire game and landscape at least once. I would like more memory, but I guess that's a reasonable limitation for the Transistor weapon. I like the music, especially the last song. I think a Transistor II would be great, especially if it upgraded levels. Building or rebuilding a world is always harder that destroying one. But overall, it's a beautiful achievement. I applaud the creators.… Expand
  57. Nyarulathotep
    Mar 12, 2016
    9
    I have not played Bastion yet, but after finishing Transistor the first thing I did was download Bastion to try it.
    Gonna try and keep it brief: Transistor is the kind of game that really gives me hope for the future.
    Its the kind of game that comes out once in a blue moon nowdays. Its unique, its beautiful, its compelling, its...art. I can go as far as say that its more than a game.    I have not played Bastion yet, but after finishing Transistor the first thing I did was download Bastion to try it.
    Gonna try and keep it brief: Transistor is the kind of game that really gives me hope for the future.
    Its the kind of game that comes out once in a blue moon nowdays.
    Its unique, its beautiful, its compelling, its...art. I can go as far as say that its more than a game.

    While I played it I felt like I was reading a relaxing romance book.
    You play as Red, a singer who had her voice stolen from her. The sword she carries around happens to be her lover, who lost his real body and now can only talk to Red and help in her journey for revenge.
    He talks to Red, a lot. And Red does not have the voice to reply. With the help of the player, all she can do is hold her sword tight and hum the background song currently playing. How sad is that?

    The OST is one of the most beautiful I have ever heard in a game or any other kind of media.
    The visuals is probably the best I have seen in a isometric game.
    The challenge is just right. Maybe a bit too easy if you learn how to mix the skills well.
    The game isnt too short or too long. It was long enough for me, but the story is so unique I wish the game was longer. Still, it didnt feel rushed like some games.

    Of course, besides all the good points, the game is not perfect.
    The exploration is kept to a minimum. You run around the streets of the futuristic Cloudbank city, but its all pretty linear.
    Theres also no collectibles or many replay values. There is a optional area where you can complete challenges but I havent looked too much into that.

    Transistor is a game that everyone should give a try, but it sure as hell isnt for everyone. Especially not for the close minded, or for the casual audience who hates reading.
    It was made for the people that, like me, longs for a truly creative game capable of giving you a experience you never had before.    … Expand
  58. Gohenko
    Dec 21, 2015
    9
    Short but sweet. Transistor is an isometric action RPG with beautiful art design, an addictive and unique combat system with loads of customisation and an intriguing storyline that requires some actual thinking on the player's part to fully understand. It also has one of the best soundtracks I've ever heard in a video game. The whole concept would be truly unique if not for SupergiantShort but sweet. Transistor is an isometric action RPG with beautiful art design, an addictive and unique combat system with loads of customisation and an intriguing storyline that requires some actual thinking on the player's part to fully understand. It also has one of the best soundtracks I've ever heard in a video game. The whole concept would be truly unique if not for Supergiant Games' previous title Bastion, and fans of that game will no doubt feel right at home with Transistor. It is a fairly short game, taking about 7-10 hours to complete, but it's a truly enjoyable experience throughout and definitely worth the asking price.

    The controls are very well optimised for both kb+m and a controller. Graphical options are pretty much non-existent, but the game looks absolutely gorgeous and should run just fine even on older PC's.    … Expand
  59. Haganeno12
    Dec 14, 2015
    10
    Just like Bastion,The Previous Game of Super Giant Games Studio,This game is really something.
    Story,Game play,Art and Graphic and awesome Music.
    Everything in this game is at the right place.no,even better than that.
    So Please,For your own sake,buy and play this Full of Feelings thing and Swim in it.
    and if you still have not play Bastion,BOTH of them is necessary.Both.
  60. porcodidio
    Nov 24, 2015
    8
    I am a fan of Bastion even tho I pretty much dislike any kind of fantasy setting. But I do enjoy scifi so I couldnt wait to try transistor. With a mix of cowboy bebop and Gits, the art direction and animations are fantastic. Combat is also amazing, very satisfying, huge step forward from the hack and slash of Bastion. It is def a very pleasant experience.
    But a very short one. Shorter    I am a fan of Bastion even tho I pretty much dislike any kind of fantasy setting. But I do enjoy scifi so I couldnt wait to try transistor. With a mix of cowboy bebop and Gits, the art direction and animations are fantastic. Combat is also amazing, very satisfying, huge step forward from the hack and slash of Bastion. It is def a very pleasant experience.
    But a very short one. Shorter than Bastion (you ll finish it in 5 hours), new game+ is not a really attractive proposition. The only real disappointment here is the story, I just couldnt care enough. While the plot was one of the fine points in Bastion, here it just feels like a wasted opportunity, as I wasnt given much background of the characters and therefore, I really couldnt care.
    Also the function/abilities menu could have done in a much more efficient way, way too messy the way it is, too many clicks needed.
    8/10    … Expand
  61. smilzoboboz
    Nov 14, 2015
    9
    Gorgeous Artwork, amazing soundtrack, intriguing combat system and good use of isometric perspective, if the game was only about that it would have been a undoubtedly masterpiece. But when it comes to the plot it is far too vague.

    Don't get me wrong, I like being thrown in medias res and struggling to understand the situation piece by piece but on this game they got a bit too far: you    Gorgeous Artwork, amazing soundtrack, intriguing combat system and good use of isometric perspective, if the game was only about that it would have been a undoubtedly masterpiece. But when it comes to the plot it is far too vague.

    Don't get me wrong, I like being thrown in medias res and struggling to understand the situation piece by piece but on this game they got a bit too far: you don't know where you are and more importantly which are your world "rules" (more or less like in physics rules). Not knowing the "limits" of your surroundings you can't empathize with the main characters and their story, you don't know who they are and what is their role in the world either (again, because you don't know what is the world you're playing your part in).
    So, well, with a little bit more knowledge about the world (not the "politics" that you can read on the terminals) I'd have been able to empathize with the main characters and understand the plot completely.

    I also like to spend a few words on the combat system itself. I don't know if something like that already existed, but, well, the hybrid turn/real-time combat system was amazing. You have to both plan your turn() and the time before the next turn(). Seldom being off-turn is better for strategic reasons and you have to take in considerations that too.
    Finally, there are no ninja-spawns you cannot react to (hello Valkyria Chronicles and partly XCOM: Enemy Unknown) meaning that you never feel like the game is not fair.

    So, in my opinion, if you approach this game as a multimedia artbook you will enjoy it from start, far, far more than expecting something from the plot or trying to understand the cyberpunk-art-deco world you're thrown in.
    Recommended to art-lovers and romantics.    … Expand
  62. everin
    Oct 2, 2015
    8
    Tier 2
    + Stunning visuals and a compelling world
    + Excellent voice acting delivered in tandem with the gameplay + Interesting combat system that has many interweaving components allowing for player freedom ? Somewhat confusing story with a lot of extraneous details that don't feel cohesive ? Combat can sometimes feel stilted, particularly when losing mechanics through death/respawning    Tier 2
    + Stunning visuals and a compelling world
    + Excellent voice acting delivered in tandem with the gameplay
    + Interesting combat system that has many interweaving components allowing for player freedom
    ? Somewhat confusing story with a lot of extraneous details that don't feel cohesive
    ? Combat can sometimes feel stilted, particularly when losing mechanics through death/respawning
    - Pacing of the main plot feels arbitrary and bizarre    … Expand
  63. Greggor
    Oct 2, 2015
    10
    The spiritual successor to Bastion is all that I had hoped for and more. Transistor adds life to the ordinary gameplay mechanic of choosing a weapon. The story is captivating. The gameplay is inspired. The music is excellent. I'd recommend this game to everyone I know if they hadn't already played it.
  64. JJthis
    Sep 15, 2015
    10
    I don't know where to start.
    Beautiful scenery, beautiful artwork, stylish and tasteful visuals, memorable music and a story that sticks with you afterwards.
    Transistor proves that games can be art.
  65. camptownrangers
    Jul 27, 2015
    10
    Beautifully designed in every aspect and my favorite of Supergiant's two games so far. I have to say that Bastion is probably superior in all those objective measures of design, but all of Transistor's unique quirks and themes especially appealed to me, much more so than Bastion did. I love cyberpunk and I really liked all the programming references, so Transistor certainly delivered forBeautifully designed in every aspect and my favorite of Supergiant's two games so far. I have to say that Bastion is probably superior in all those objective measures of design, but all of Transistor's unique quirks and themes especially appealed to me, much more so than Bastion did. I love cyberpunk and I really liked all the programming references, so Transistor certainly delivered for me. I think the games industry would be a lot livelier place if games were designed more like that, appealing much more to niche areas and being more unique rather than going for the broadest appeal.… Expand
  66. HSuke
    Jun 27, 2015
    5
    I bought this game because I loved Bastion. Its witty narrator and gorgeous soundtrack were simply amazing. So I was quite surprised that none of the things that made Bastion a great game are present in Transistor.

    - The narrator came off as a bland and diatribe. In fact, the voice acting of all characters was really lifeless. I realize the city is rotten and dying, but having a    I bought this game because I loved Bastion. Its witty narrator and gorgeous soundtrack were simply amazing. So I was quite surprised that none of the things that made Bastion a great game are present in Transistor.

    - The narrator came off as a bland and diatribe. In fact, the voice acting of all characters was really lifeless. I realize the city is rotten and dying, but having a lifeless narrator destroys the game.

    - Red's singing doesn't match the background music. More importantly, the soundtrack doesn't match the gameplay.

    - The gameplay and combat system were also tedious. I absolutely hated how slow my character walked around. Combat was very random and simply not enjoyable.

    - There's not much of a story. Whatever barebones tale Transistor attempt to tell didn't make much sense. By the end of the game, I didn't care for a single character. It wasn't like the ending of Bastion, where I was nearly heartbroken when character X dropped everything to save character Y.    … Expand
  67. xDaudex
    Jun 23, 2015
    8
    Pros:
    Story
    Environment
    Smooth animations

    Cons:
    Amount of abilities can be overwhelming, you will likely only use a few and never touch the rest
    A lot is thrown at you at the beginning of the game in terms of mechanics, it can be a bit much to take in all at once
    The difficulty can be a bit on the easy side, I would recommend skipping the extra missions to help fix this
  68. Matseb2611
    Jun 22, 2015
    4
    Unfortunately I couldn't really get into it. None of the game's aspects seemed to appeal to me. The combat gets repetitive very quickly, with most abilities doing nothing more than simply dealing damage, there's not much of a story, and the narrator's voice is pretty distracting, and I wish he'd stop talking because he never has anything interesting to say.

    I couldn't really enjoy the    Unfortunately I couldn't really get into it. None of the game's aspects seemed to appeal to me. The combat gets repetitive very quickly, with most abilities doing nothing more than simply dealing damage, there's not much of a story, and the narrator's voice is pretty distracting, and I wish he'd stop talking because he never has anything interesting to say.

    I couldn't really enjoy the art or the music either. The visuals don't look cyberpunkish to me. They don't even look general sci-fi. The main character looks like she belongs in a Final Fantasy game, the enemies all look pretty identical, and those white-grey blocks... I don't know what they're supposed to be, but they look like candles to me. And the music doesn't fit the sci-fi theme either. It just sounds... romantic.

    Also, nothing was ever explained. I was thrust into a confusing special abilities menu and had to figure out how on Earth to equip them and so on.

    I can see why some people would enjoy this game, but it's most certainly not for me.    … Expand
  69. PeregrineOmega
    Jun 16, 2015
    10
    An artistic masterpiece which blends visuals, audio and story so sublimely, there isn't a word in the english language to describe it. Emotionally charged and passionately designed, it excels as a sensory experience while delivering creative gameplay which combines elements of both turn-based and action RPGs.

    Transistor is truly an exemplar of gaming as an art form.
  70. Amandaklop
    May 9, 2015
    10
    Amazing in every way. Playthrough was intense and engaging. There's a perfect blend of mystery and answers. The havens give you a chance to breathe and as with Bastion the story and art and music make the game something masterful and beautiful. The ending is something I will remember always.
  71. frankielee
    May 7, 2015
    9
    i am giving this game 8 points not because it is an equivalent of other 8 point games i've played (i.e. fallout) but because this game has done everything it is trying to do flawlessly. music, atmosphere, melancholy of the game world, fighting mechanics are all done very solidly and with near perfect craftsmanship.
  72. Klewer
    Mar 26, 2015
    7
    This game is beautiful, wonderful art direction and a great soundtrack. The story while not overly gripping, is quite interesting and slowly draws you in and has a good ending. Only slight downfall is the game play, which at first is fresh but relatively quickly gets slightly repetitive against fairly similar enemies.

    Fans of Bastion should definitely take a look, a great game to grab    This game is beautiful, wonderful art direction and a great soundtrack. The story while not overly gripping, is quite interesting and slowly draws you in and has a good ending. Only slight downfall is the game play, which at first is fresh but relatively quickly gets slightly repetitive against fairly similar enemies.

    Fans of Bastion should definitely take a look, a great game to grab on special.    … Expand
  73. Damian94
    Feb 15, 2015
    4
    Really confusing and boring game. I mostly didn't enjoy having 2 lector speaking at the same time, when I'm trying to read some text. I've just beaten the game and know almost nothing about what actually happened there.
    What I can recommend is trying out as many as possible combinations of abilities, I started to play with it close to an end and it was quite fun.
    But the game is boring,    Really confusing and boring game. I mostly didn't enjoy having 2 lector speaking at the same time, when I'm trying to read some text. I've just beaten the game and know almost nothing about what actually happened there.
    What I can recommend is trying out as many as possible combinations of abilities, I started to play with it close to an end and it was quite fun.
    But the game is boring, that's main drawback to me. I completed it, but barely.
    The sword never shuts up, he's constantly speaking, in some moments there are 2 guys commenting my every move, close to an end I stopped reading messages, couse it was quite frustrating hearing this 2 and reading at the same time, for me it's waste of time.
    I also didn't like the music, some probably will say that it's atmospheric, for me it was just sad music playing for 6 hours... Whole game is really sad, more or less in the middle of the plot I was just only looking forward to finishing it, it's sad, boring and makes no sense    … Expand
  74. Zen-Zinxe
    Jan 17, 2015
    7
    I like this game. Not as much as I liked Bastion, but I enjoyed this quite a bit. I didn't even particularly like the setting or story. The music and art style is very nice, but if anything the story was lackluster, and felt like it tried way too **** hard to appeal to "artsy" ****

    I still don't quite understand what was happening in this game, despite being almost at the end on my    I like this game. Not as much as I liked Bastion, but I enjoyed this quite a bit. I didn't even particularly like the setting or story. The music and art style is very nice, but if anything the story was lackluster, and felt like it tried way too **** hard to appeal to "artsy" ****

    I still don't quite understand what was happening in this game, despite being almost at the end on my second play through. When someone other than the "sword" speaks it is typically a boring monotone speech. It's almost emotionless, I haven't been so bored by voice acting in a while. On the plus side, the narrater "sword" voice is far more interesting and pretty much saves the whole story. The antagonists are boring emotionless **** while the enemies are colorless drones, but fortunately the major speaking character has emotion, there's something to get invested in.

    However like I said, I don't care much about the story. I enjoyed this game for the combat. This game gives you the ability to pause time and plan out a set of actions (this is called a ()turn), then when you unpause you get to watch your plan unfold. The way the soundtrack syncs up with the ()turn as you plan everything out then watch it unfold is awesome. This is one of the first games where I've felt I could control time. For that alone I can say I've never played anything like this. I wish there was a bit more to do in the game, but I enjoyed it for what it was.    … Expand
  75. A_R0Z
    Jan 1, 2015
    5
    Just finished this game, dloaded it because I enjoyed bastion and IGN nominated for GOTY... I must say I am sorely disappointed.

    First, the game does a lot of things right. Music: 10/10 Amazing tracks, the girl's vocals (when you hear them) is perfect. From the drum n' bass track to the jazzier stuff.. all very atmospheric and enjoyable. Art: 10/10 This game is freaking    Just finished this game, dloaded it because I enjoyed bastion and IGN nominated for GOTY... I must say I am sorely disappointed.

    First, the game does a lot of things right.
    Music: 10/10 Amazing tracks, the girl's vocals (when you hear them) is perfect. From the drum n' bass track to the jazzier stuff.. all very atmospheric and enjoyable.
    Art: 10/10 This game is freaking beautiful. The watercolor effect looks so good.

    Gameplay: 6/10 I wanted to like it more than i did. So they describe it as an innovative part action/ part turn based game. I thought it was cool that they tried to integrate both styles. But when playing the game, I found using your "turn()" was pretty necessary, as attacks have a significant start-up time and allowing you to freeze and plan out your actions not only works around that but you can set yourself up for backstabs or line up multiple enemies. When you use your turn(), there is a cooldown till your next turn where you can use any attacks. So time unfreezes and you're basically in runaway mode (i usually just spam jaunt() ) till your next turn() is up. I like and appreciate that all the functions can be interchangeable between primary, upgrade, and passive, but I usually found a few that outclassed the others. Once I got cull(), I just spammed that for offense. It got dull within the 6 hours of play time for me.

    Story: 3/10 I didn't get the story the first time playing through, looked it up on wikipedia.... anndd it still doesn't make sense. You don't know who the final villain is until the last hour, and their motives/objectives are still pretty unclear.

    Characters: 3/10 They started with a great premise, and just didn't get much out of it. The main character, Red, is a girl who is a famous singer who gets the ability to speak taken from her. Her sword, is a companion of hers who can talk, but no longer has his body. Too bad thats about as much as you learn about them. The sword, who acts as the narrator is pretty dry, and even annoying at times. There isn't that much chemistry between red, and the sword. Red, who is now mute, could have been given so much more personality through body language but nope. The villains/ other npc's are even more unclear.

    I can't believe people are saying this was a beautiful love story. I get that some stories can leave space for the reader/gamer to fill in the details, but in this case, I think the story was downright confusing nonsense, without memorable characters to boot. The art+music in this game are seriously unmatched, and should be praised and appreciated, but its layered on top of a story that is utterly flat.    … Expand
  76. feuersturm
    Jan 1, 2015
    5
    Could have been a masterpiece, but alas, some minor details make it rather unplayable.

    Positive: First thing you notice is the graphics/art style : beautifully done cyberpunk with very fluid motions. Mixed: The gameplay is also very interesting as an idea, but the implementation of it is somewhat shallow. Although Red has lots of abilities, named after supposed computer commands    Could have been a masterpiece, but alas, some minor details make it rather unplayable.

    Positive: First thing you notice is the graphics/art style : beautifully done cyberpunk with very fluid motions.

    Mixed: The gameplay is also very interesting as an idea, but the implementation of it is somewhat shallow. Although Red has lots of abilities, named after supposed computer commands which can be combined as active commands or supporting other commands, the actual fights get really, really boring really fast, mainly because of the battle style. Very small amount of enemy types with the game being focused around constant battles make it very repetitive.

    Bad: The story. For an indie RPG of such minor length (5 hours until completion) to have a positive impact to the gamer, it has to at least have a mildly interesting setting/characters/scenario, something for immersion to this fictional universe. Sadly, this never happens. The whole setting almost makes zero sense, overall it seems like something that was wholly conceived over an evening, and this comes from a sci-fi fan, Red is extremely uninteresting as a character, and the style of narration doesn't help either...as for the narrator.....

    Hideous: My god, this is probably the worst narrator I'll ever encounter, in any medium/irl. The narrator (transistor / the sword) has an EXTREMELY PRETENTIOUS voice and constantly makes these godawful irrelevant remarks about everything, made me mute him the first 20 minutes in the game. Trying to be a "badass" by force leads to a very aesthetically unpleasant result. So, this, combined with the lackluster story makes the game seem like it's targeted to retarded 10 year-olds, which is sadly not the case at all.

    All in all, I wanted this to be a great game, and it indeed could have been, IF it had a decent story, more work into battles/gameplay/gameflow and of course a totally different narrator and narration style. Anything, even the voice of Goofy would be better. Jesus christ how could they release the game as it is.    … Expand
  77. bisson420
    Jan 1, 2015
    9
    Transistor is just awesome at what it does, it's a simple yet challenging game with great fight mechanics but what define Transistor the most is the atmosphere, the music, the story. It was really immersive and I really enjoyed the futuristic theme. The music was fantastic, the soundtrack is simply delicious. I strongly recommend this game.
  78. urielejh
    Dec 8, 2014
    8
    Supergiant Game's second take on Adventure RPG games brought many ideas from their previous work, Bastion, and set them in a futuristic sci-fi theme. This time the player plays as "Red", a singer whose voice has been stolen, aided by the "Transistor", a sword-like weapon, that can absorb "lost souls" to gain new powers.

    The game is built upon a pretty isometric 2d style engine (maybe    Supergiant Game's second take on Adventure RPG games brought many ideas from their previous work, Bastion, and set them in a futuristic sci-fi theme. This time the player plays as "Red", a singer whose voice has been stolen, aided by the "Transistor", a sword-like weapon, that can absorb "lost souls" to gain new powers.

    The game is built upon a pretty isometric 2d style engine (maybe Bastion's), the graphic and the art style are, once again, polished, well defined and definitely unique. The whole world, as in Bastion, seems to be handcrafted - and maybe they are - and as you venture through the many areas, you'll have the chance to notice how small details make that game worth spending time on it.
    The sounds are good, music's the best part of the game's "audio aspect": an original soundtrack where the vocals singer is Red herself.. smooth, chillout-like and ambient are the defining characteristics.

    Gameplay-wise the game relies much on its "spiritual predecessor's" mechanics: though this time there's no hub to navigate the world through, they chose a classic area-after-area mode, the player can upgrade the Transistor with an awesomeness of abilities and swap them using specific "terminals". Abilities are known as "functions" (...) and they can be used as "active", "support" and passive". The first one, let you use the function's main ability (as many as four); mid one's, let you put a function in support to another one, creating a new effect (you can have up to two support functions); the latter let you gain a passive effect that auto-activate and you can unlock four of them. You can stack as many functions as memory capacity let you have; memory can be increased leveling up and choosing to upgrade it; other options are also available, like different functions, more support slot, limiters.. what in the heck limiters are? Ever played Bastion and divined any god? Well, limiters are Transistor's shrines: they give you % xp bonus.. but also activates malus like stronger Process (main enemies AI)..

    Red explores the world areas in real-time though, during combat, the actual moving area is restricted; combat can be executed in real-time and/or aided by the Turn() option: she can stop time and use a combinations of moves and attacks that she will then executes in real-time, allowing for greater gameplay experience and differentiation.

    Honestly, as with Bastion, there's no point in looking for negative aspects as positives' more than successfully pawn cons. If you liked Bastion, want a unique adventure, a fresh take on RPG.. you definitely want to give Transistor a try. You'll love it.

    Overall:

    Graphic: 7
    Art: 9
    Sound: 7
    Music: 8
    Gameplay: 8
    Replay value: 8
    Uniqueness: 9

    Partial: 8

    The partials and so the final score are identical to Bastion's and that is soon explained: I see Transistor as a transposition of Bastion's mechanics and feats to a new world; there's no real "reinventing" but the story, the world, the themes.. they all are unique and different from each other.    … Expand
  79. Overlord87
    Dec 5, 2014
    9
    This is the most stylish game ever. It's a good game in terms of gameplay and stuff, but it's the style that matters here. The atmosphere, the vividness of the colors, the awesome soundtrack that pulls you in. It's the blending of all these elements that make Transistor so good. In a market that has way too many triple A games with a perfect realization and no soul, Transistor is a gameThis is the most stylish game ever. It's a good game in terms of gameplay and stuff, but it's the style that matters here. The atmosphere, the vividness of the colors, the awesome soundtrack that pulls you in. It's the blending of all these elements that make Transistor so good. In a market that has way too many triple A games with a perfect realization and no soul, Transistor is a game with a soul... and it does not even sacrifice its gameplay for it. The cons: a bit short (but not shorter than your average fps), the plot is not really strong.… Expand
  80. Reahunt
    Nov 4, 2014
    9
    If you enjoyed Bastion, Transistor will not disappoint you. A masterpiece in terms of indie games, and one of the few studios that gained my trust, keep on going!
  81. DeusXCom
    Nov 3, 2014
    4
    Oh man, what a disappointment. I love cyberpunk, recently I gave the full score to Shadowrun, the music is absolutely fantastic, including beautiful female vocals, the combat system is definitely interesting with really cool option to mix all your skills from active, to upgrades, to passive, even the art style screams creativity, although I'm not the biggest fan of all that rainbow colorsOh man, what a disappointment. I love cyberpunk, recently I gave the full score to Shadowrun, the music is absolutely fantastic, including beautiful female vocals, the combat system is definitely interesting with really cool option to mix all your skills from active, to upgrades, to passive, even the art style screams creativity, although I'm not the biggest fan of all that rainbow colors everywhere. But... first of all, the story never got me. I tried hard to get into it, read all the terminals and all the information about characters from the skill info's, but I just never really started to care. When you break down the activity that you're doing in this game, 90% of your time you're just going forward from one fight to another, that's it, another fight, another fight, another fight. It stopped being entertaining very soon, it got repetitive and the game doesn't have anything else to offer. On top of that the narrator (the sword) is just annoying beyond imagination, every time he started with his terrible voice I just wanted to tell him to STFU already, but he never did. I almost never had fun playing this game and even if I would, it just ends too quickly. I finished it under 5 hours, which for me was a salvation that it's over and I can move on to some other interesting titles, but for someone who likes the game, the length is another big minus. I never played Bastion, but if it's anything like this, I probably never will. What good is it that the game is unique, creative and has an amazing soundtrack when it all leads to such a boring, short and repetitive experience that does such a poor job in captivating you in it's world and in it's story. I wanted to like it, but unfortunately left very disappointed. 4/10… Expand
  82. DornishViper
    Oct 12, 2014
    10
    This is my favourite game of all time. It has a beautiful art style that is truly unparalleled, an innovative combat system, a heart wrenching story, a mysterious and vague but incredibly deep setting and a soundtrack that you'll still be listening to a year later.
  83. werd_119
    Oct 7, 2014
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Transistor is a masterpiece. The ride it takes you on may be short, but that's not because it's lacking in any facet. This game is an instant classic. It will stand the test of time by being a mechanically rock-solid, colorful snippet of story.

    The art is top-notch. The locked isometric view lends itself well to the carefully crafted backdrop vistas. While no elements are 3D, enough care has been taken in the design and visual style that it never feels like a detriment, but more of a statement. The animation of Red's 'flourish' maneuver is particularly fluid, belying the great care taken with even the smallest details.

    The soundtrack is flawless. It's a full expression of everything in the game; a blending of classical vocals and classical music instruments, with techno and chiptunes. I continue listening to certain tracks to this day. It stands on it's own, and reinforces the gameplay by being so powerfully moving.

    The combat is dynamic. Your skillset evolves over the course of the game, and the limited options you start with form a framework that expands and empowers your character to fight stronger enemies. The quick-time system appears to be an easy-mode to let even low-skill players experience all the game has to offer, but the down-time between uses introduces a powerful risk-reward consequence for relying on it too heavily. Added to that, a set of challenge missions, and a very large amount of difficulty modifiers means players can tune the game to be extremely challenging (even so far as having consequences for removing those difficulty modifiers). There is a full second-playthough mode, and enough skill/level additions available to warrant making that leap. The game even adds more, and more difficult enemies as you play though again, but there may not be enough dynamic full-level combat elements to keep you interested for more than two playthoughs.

    The real longevity comes from the story. I advise anyone who hasn't beaten the game to save what I'm going to say for later; SPOILERS ahead.

    The story is symbolic, deep, and enthralling. Unlike other games that don't hint at what might be (cough, Destiny), Transistor is so brimming with a 'shadowed' symbolic narrative, that it can barely contain itself. An air of mystery, suffusing a rock-solid direct sci-fi story about a girl combating a 'grey-goo' apocalypse in a mysterious world, is enticing. It's left to the player to make the final calls on what really happened, and there is nothing more powerful than imagination. This isn't a hindrance or a copout because the game doesn't rely on the mystery, but uses it as a catalyst for intrigue.

    The player can easily figure out that the speaker and Red were lovers. Sybill also loved Red, and successfully had the speaker killed, possibly to get closer to Red. The speaker is never identified, and his voice changes to that of Royce briefly after a full completion. Why?

    The process was created to stabilize the excessive paradigm shifts of a fantastic city, but grew out of control absorbing and homogenizing everything in it's path. It's hinted that the process was already responsible for most of the fantasy elements in the city, but the Camerata had corrupted it for their own ends (creating a stable utopia powered by the greatest voices in the city, trapped in the transistor). The true questions about this are, who created the transistor (Royce was studying it, and found it to be empty)? Who truly corrupted the process, as Royce was showing signs of process sickness at the end game (despite being the architect of it, and holding it at bay while waiting for Red).

    Then there's the city, and the country. It's obvious that the country is both a real place, and a euphemism for death. The city is practically a eutopia, pre-collapse, and it's citizens live in peace despite the rapidly shifting reality paradigms. Is it possible that this place is a simulation, and that the inside of the transistor is yet another simulation layer? Is the real world in the transistor, and Cloudbank the simulation? Did Red truly free herself in death, but leave Royce and others trapped in the simulation, or is she really dead, along with everyone not trapped in the Transistor?

    There are so many questions, and thematic elements backing up many of the theories of what's really happening in Transistor. It's no stretch to believe that Red escaped the simulation of cloudbank with the assistance of an outside motivator (the speaker). It's also no stretch to believe that she joined him in death, too sad, alone, and silent to be able to live.

    The game is beautiful, something to be treasured. I will return to it, years from now, and find it as engaging, but possibly different than I remember. I will love it forever.    … Expand
  84. HobbesReviewer
    Sep 18, 2014
    9
    The game play is brilliant, so much combinations, so much thing to experiment. I enjoy every pieces of that. The atmosphere is great, music is amazing. The only reason that it doesn't get a ten is because of its storyline. If only I can hear or read more about Red and her lovely companion, that will be great.
  85. AmyImpact
    Sep 2, 2014
    10
    It made me cry in the end. The story is perfect. We just fall into it and feels what the characters are feeling. All the music and voices are perfect and creates the necessary atmosphere. I really like playing it.
  86. cidian
    Aug 29, 2014
    10
    If you're looking for a game with ATMOSPHERE, look no further. When I am in the world of Transistor, I often forget it is a game I'm playing. The music, voice acting, incredible design and flow contribute to setting this title apart from everything else I've played recently.
  87. expellite
    Aug 16, 2014
    8
    Red rocks and I didn't expect less than this from Supergiant Games. When I first played Bastion I found it extremely innovative and fresh and now what? Transistor is even more innovative. Gameplay and camera are similar to their previous title, I don't deny it but they didn't have to change these factors cuz they're already cool enough. Sometimes I think that I'm more relaxed by playingRed rocks and I didn't expect less than this from Supergiant Games. When I first played Bastion I found it extremely innovative and fresh and now what? Transistor is even more innovative. Gameplay and camera are similar to their previous title, I don't deny it but they didn't have to change these factors cuz they're already cool enough. Sometimes I think that I'm more relaxed by playing these low sized independent games rather than playing famous blockbuster ones. I can't forget how enjoyable "Torchlight" was and now Transistor gives me the similar joy. Don't lose it pals, it's worth it.… Expand
  88. leventguller
    Aug 9, 2014
    7
    I like
    The story (Which is not a mind-blowing one but a naive and well-written one)
    Artwork ( Not very special but have style) Music (Very good. Music 101 lesson for %95 of the game developers) Turn based fight mechanics (Have fun and some sort of strategic depth) I dislike: The lack of variety in combat ( There are just 5-6 creatures-robots in whole game. You just fight with    I like
    The story (Which is not a mind-blowing one but a naive and well-written one)
    Artwork ( Not very special but have style)
    Music (Very good. Music 101 lesson for %95 of the game developers)
    Turn based fight mechanics (Have fun and some sort of strategic depth)

    I dislike:
    The lack of variety in combat ( There are just 5-6 creatures-robots in whole game. You just fight with updated versions of these creatures which makes fights very repetitive and boring after some time)
    Short game-play time (3-4 hours max)
    Shallow character development (Well, you do not have a chance to randomize-choose the character because of the scenario. This is something understandable from my side and do not disturb me much. But level development and character development are awful. After each level, you have to choose a power from 2-3 alternatives that was given by game. There are powerful and necessary skills in the game like "MASK", so your only customization chance is by using powers as upgrades. I think that %90 people that finished the game, more or less use same powers and have %90 similar end-game characters. If you use limitations your alternatives will be less.

    A good game but needs development. I will gladly wait and play future games of SUPERGIANT:    … Expand
  89. Vcanaa
    Aug 3, 2014
    9
    At first I was frustrated about the pause-to-think combat. But after you accept it is a different style, the combat becomes more and more engaging. The story is a little bit scattered but I think it is part of the genre. Awesome art style and sound track.
  90. MrTurtleWings
    Jul 27, 2014
    9
    Unlike Bastion, Transistor really caught my eye. At first I thought, I didn't like Bastion so I probably won't like Transistor. But I was wrong. After hearing the soundtrack and the praise it achieved, I decided to give it a shot. I bought the game installed it and instantly played it. I loved the feel of a dystopian society run by a higher power but still beautiful none the less. IUnlike Bastion, Transistor really caught my eye. At first I thought, I didn't like Bastion so I probably won't like Transistor. But I was wrong. After hearing the soundtrack and the praise it achieved, I decided to give it a shot. I bought the game installed it and instantly played it. I loved the feel of a dystopian society run by a higher power but still beautiful none the less. I thought the story was unique and the combat was a lot of fun, having the choice to plan it out or just go on the fly really mixed things up. Upgrading skills is very useful but I do think it should be explained more. I truly think Transistor deserves all the praise it achieves and I look forward to Supergiant's next game.… Expand
  91. vargolocke
    Jul 26, 2014
    10
    artictis seen this is a masterpiece - the soundtrack, the visuals, the voice acting, everything
    and the gameplay yet simple but without any bad parts
  92. HELLruler
    Jul 19, 2014
    10
    The same quality shown in Bastion returned with an outstanding game called Transistor

    The gameplay feels different, more tactical, but you have a lot more options. Choose 4 skills and use the others to upgrade them - each combination results in a new effect The art is incredible, the music fits really well, and we have the narrator again, this time as Transistor, the "talking sword"    The same quality shown in Bastion returned with an outstanding game called Transistor

    The gameplay feels different, more tactical, but you have a lot more options. Choose 4 skills and use the others to upgrade them - each combination results in a new effect

    The art is incredible, the music fits really well, and we have the narrator again, this time as Transistor, the "talking sword"

    The story leaves you full of questions, so you want to play more to find out answers, which is great. This with a good atmosphere and an interesting gameplay, you are going to spend hours having fun    … Expand
  93. ZoomZoom
    Jul 17, 2014
    7
    It's a pretty fun game and I really enjoy it and the music that comes with it, however the controls are a little wonky at times and really demands the use of a gamepad. My biggest issue is that there are a few game breaking bugs present. In my first playthrough I found myself stuck because the camera refuses to pan.
  94. JonMetacritic74
    Jul 9, 2014
    8
    .
    Good and surprising game. Not very fan of indie games, but this was a good choice. The music is also great and the story captivating. It ends ups feeling short, although you can replay it in a more challenging mode. Good value for money.
    I am starting to write, at least a short review, because many users/critics are just morons: I am tired of seeing, 100’s, 10's and 0's. Few games    .
    Good and surprising game. Not very fan of indie games, but this was a good choice. The music is also great and the story captivating. It ends ups feeling short, although you can replay it in a more challenging mode. Good value for money.

    I am starting to write, at least a short review, because many users/critics are just morons: I am tired of seeing, 100’s, 10's and 0's. Few games can actually fit in those scores.    … Expand
  95. ErlBerlMerl
    Jul 8, 2014
    9
    Самое важное, что требуется при прохождении этой игры - забыть, что она сделана Supergiant Games. Если вы перестанете её сравнивать с Bastion, то сможете насладиться ей так, как не наслаждались многими другими.
    Потрясающая картинка, приятная музыка, продуманная пошаговая механика боёв, если её можно назвать пошаговой конечно.
    История девушки по имени Рэд действительно трогает душу, а    Самое важное, что требуется при прохождении этой игры - забыть, что она сделана Supergiant Games. Если вы перестанете её сравнивать с Bastion, то сможете насладиться ей так, как не наслаждались многими другими.
    Потрясающая картинка, приятная музыка, продуманная пошаговая механика боёв, если её можно назвать пошаговой конечно.
    История девушки по имени Рэд действительно трогает душу, а когда игра вам покажется скучнои и репетативной, она сама над собой подшутит (не буду спойлерить как, скажу только, что рассказчик этому очень хорошо способствует) и вы продолжите в неё играть. Внимание к деталям позволяет разобраться в этой немножко запутанной истории и вы получите только удовольствие от этого. Музыка может и не запомнится, но определенно является одним плюсом этой игры.
    Итак, Transistor является очередным доказательством того, что маленькие игры подобные этой - то, благодаря чему мы можем задуматься над тем являются ли они частью такого необъятного предмета как искусство.    … Expand
  96. Xarxan
    Jul 7, 2014
    10
    Worthy successor to Bastion's legacy of quality in narrative and gameplay ALTHOUGH BE WARNED : the game does NOT play the same way same so if you have does expectations you WILL be disappointed also it might take some people a little while to get used to it's style ( happened to me ).
  97. TrueJustice123
    Jul 7, 2014
    10
    Okay, the story of how I was introduced to the game is how I started. I was playing Bastion one day, and my friend sends me a link saying: "SuperGiant is making a new game." After learning that fact, I clicked on the link instantly, and I saw the words "Transistor" on the screen. I was confused because I thought this would be a sequel to Bastion. I went along with it anyways. I saw a Lady,Okay, the story of how I was introduced to the game is how I started. I was playing Bastion one day, and my friend sends me a link saying: "SuperGiant is making a new game." After learning that fact, I clicked on the link instantly, and I saw the words "Transistor" on the screen. I was confused because I thought this would be a sequel to Bastion. I went along with it anyways. I saw a Lady, dressed in a performer's attire, walk at a slow pace and then, a sword, laying in the ground. She grabs the Sword and her clothes are changed to battle-appropriate gear, if you can call it that. She moves a lot faster now, and the sword says her name, "Red" I can't remember much of the dialogue, but I remember that she eventually had four battle skills. I them see her stop time, and I question what's going on. That's when I learned of what made me absolutely hyped for that game, other than SuperGiant, the "TURN()" function. I watch the entire video, and my hype level reaches 100% after seeing only ~30 minutes of Gameplay.

    Okay, music. Beautiful, they bring back the voice of Zia to voice who we can only assume to be Red in some of the music. My favorite track is "Paper Boats", the credits theme. SuperGiant's music is at its best in Credits, hands down.

    Visuals, amazing. A different style from Bastion, but again, SuperGiant doesn't only make it work, but makes it something to want the game for. And I am not a graphics ***** at all. While at rate times the buildings would block my sight of enemies, it didn't matter because in TURN() you can see through the buildings.

    The Plot is... It's confusing, as with Bastion. The general gist is the Process (The equivalent of the Calamity) has taken over, and you want to end it. The game starts with you in front of a Man who has a Sword that is somewhat like a USB drive. (The USBuster Sword! No, it's the Transistor.) impaled into him. You pull it out and it talks to you. This isn't the sword talking, but the man who was impaled by the blade. Also in the sword is your voice. The sword was meant to kill you, but the man saved you. The Camerata is also apparently trying to stop the Process as well and wants the Transistor so they can do it, but you don't trust them. It's a weird story, but SuperGiant makes it work.

    Finally, the Gameplay. As with Bastion, many consider this "a generic hack-and-slash game" and that is further from the truth than saying Bastion is! Throughout the game, you collect functions, your skills. You are allowed 4 with you at a time, and each takes up a certain amount of "data" on the Transistor, depending on how useful they are in battle. Not only is each Function different, but you use the data left to either equip remaining functions to passive slots or upgrade slots. You have a maximum of 32 Data, 4 Passive Slots, and 2 Upgrade slots for each of the four Function slots, allowing for an insane amount of customization, as each function is different depending on which slot they're in. There are also the equivalent of Bastion's idols, Limiters. Each one making the game harder, but you get more experience. There are 10, just the same amount as in Bastion. The perfect finale the this is the TURN() function. It does not go into any of the Function slots, but you have a bar at the top of your screen. That is the "TURN() Meter". When it is fully charged you can activate TURN(), stopping time and allowing you to plan for what to do. You setup your plan, each function taking up a certain amount of space on the meter. When you finish planning, you go out of TURN() and watch your plan play out as you are normal speed while everything else is slowed. (Like the Matrix!)

    This game is worth more than its $20 price on the Steam Shop, I would hands-down pay $40 if I had to. Do everyone, yourself included a favor and buy this game. Also, I said earlier I originally wanted a sequel to Bastion, and this provides it, not as a direct sequel, but as a spiritual sequel. Also, its the same Voice Actor for the Narration (The Man in the Transistor) as in Bastion! Hurrah!    … Expand
  98. Alkor
    Jul 5, 2014
    10
    Gorgeous, incredible art direction, hours of eye candy, clever game design and mechanics, beautiful narration and okay replayability... A masterpiece.
  99. StaticSpine
    Jul 5, 2014
    7
    The game tries to look like it's something more than it is. The visuals are stunning, the soundtrack is decent too. The battle system is pretty fun, but becomes tedious in the second half. And overall, the gameplay is very straight forward and shallow: all you can do is running forward and fighting.
  100. TheSnowWolf
    Jul 4, 2014
    10
    As a Bastion fan, I had very high expectations for Transistor. This game went above and beyond those expectations.

    The game itself is gorgeous - the art style is excellent and really sets the mood. I was swept in immediately. The storytelling is reminescent of Bastion's, with a narrator unveiling the story in a similar fashion. The plot itself is unique and incredibly engaging,    As a Bastion fan, I had very high expectations for Transistor. This game went above and beyond those expectations.

    The game itself is gorgeous - the art style is excellent and really sets the mood. I was swept in immediately.

    The storytelling is reminescent of Bastion's, with a narrator unveiling the story in a similar fashion. The plot itself is unique and incredibly engaging, especially aided by all of the music - this game's soundtrack is top notch.

    The combat system becomes extremely versitile as you progress, and never felt dull - there are constantly new ways to change up the way you fight.

    All in all, this game is excellent, and I couldn't recommend it highly enough.    … Expand
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Awards & Rankings

34
#34 Best PC Game of 2014
41
#41 Most Discussed PC Game of 2014
68
#68 Most Shared PC Game of 2014

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
83

Generally favorable reviews - based on 35 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 29 out of 35
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 35
  3. Negative: 1 out of 35
  1. Riot Pixels
    Aug 4, 2014
    70
    Besides killing enemies, there is not much to do; the entire game is a linear path from one small arena to the next one. Yes, there is a story, but in Bastion it was seamlessly integrated into gameplay, and here it only breaks the pace.
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  2. CD-Action
    Jul 25, 2014
    80
    After completing the game I almost instantly returned to it for another 9 hours of New Game+ and after I’m done with it I’ll do 9 more. Or maybe twice as much. [07/2014, p.52]
  3. LEVEL (Czech Republic)
    Jul 8, 2014
    100
    Breathtaking presentation plus creative combat plus a metaverse of metaphors equals a romance that is brief, but oh so captivating.
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