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. DU5KF1RE
    Jun 30, 2014
    10
    It's a short game, but besides that, pretty much everything is perfect. The art style, the music and the gameplay, but where I think it truly shines is the story, which you can only really experience playing the game through. (Twice if possible)
  2. ryanshowseason2
    Jun 26, 2014
    6
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. It wasn't bad, it was good but this wasn't a great game by any means.

    Artistic direction: Beautiful
    Soundtrack: Sublime

    Story: Lacking
    Explanation....
    From the get go you are dropped into a world you don't understand and that doesn't change at any point of the narrative. It was like reading a Greg Bear sci-fi novel. Nothing is explained. I don't know if we were all living in a computer or if the process invaded the "real" world. I'm a programmer by trade and all the references and terminology were endearing but by no means coherent. It is baffling, and downright depressing at times, which I suppose is good, it got an emotional reaction out of me so that's not a complete loss...

    Gameplay: Lacking
    Explanation...
    Missed the boat here... Hate to compare, but bastion had it all. A dodge and block mechanic made enemy offense avoidable but not balance breakingly so. In transistor there are issues... I'll elaborate

    Enemies with tractor beams make it impossible to stay in the regular action mode, you will just be pulled in and forced to take hits to the face. Planning mode is forced on you. Which wouldn't be so bad if it didn't preclude you from your attacks or dodge mechanics until it recharged again.

    Jerks and Fetchs are faster than you and you are guaranteed to take damage from them if they target you. Planning mode is your way out but once again you are precluded from attacks and dodge mechanics.

    That is to say if you've CHOSEN to have a dodge mechanic in your lineup which takes an attack slot.

    Another thing is that some combinations that you can make are woefully lacking compared to others, I don't know how I'd complete the endgame with my original choices, I likely would've quit the game. Comparatively running around jaunting and voiding enemies before mask backstabbing them makes planning mode a guaranteed kill in one turn even on Jerks!

    After all this the length is rather disagreeable with what my wallet spent. I've gotten more bang for my buck out of FPS games with single player only. 4 hours is not satisfying.

    I'm tempted to rate a 1 just to try and bring the user score down. But it is not a 1 just a flawed experience. Balance could be better, but length is the biggest upsetting factor. I don't feel it is worth $20 unless I get the soundtrack :P That is worth $20 alone.    … Expand
  3. mmrventricle
    Jun 20, 2014
    9
    Transistor is unique in many ways, most notably the customization: abilities are not designed to be active or passive or perks, but all of them. You can put any skill into an active slot to make it an active skill, passive slot to make it passive, or use it to upgrade another skill. The effects vary depending on the skill, for example a dash will become damaging if you upgrade it with anTransistor is unique in many ways, most notably the customization: abilities are not designed to be active or passive or perks, but all of them. You can put any skill into an active slot to make it an active skill, passive slot to make it passive, or use it to upgrade another skill. The effects vary depending on the skill, for example a dash will become damaging if you upgrade it with an attack move. These are not permanent and can be changed at any point, resulting in the combat being never dull with you keep trying new things.
    Transistor also has an interesting story with great narration, immersive atmosphere and good character design, the details of which I will not spoil. The only thing that keeps Transistor back is the length of game, but it is definitely worth the purchase price of $20.    … Expand
  4. gubo97000
    Jun 15, 2014
    9
    One word: Amazing
    This game is wonderful for the eyes, and fun for the mind. Who loves lores will find a lot of them, who like strategy will find a lot of power and hundred of powerful combination of them, who likes games must play this game!
  5. ezreally
    Jun 14, 2014
    10
    So I rarely enjoy newer games now but wow...I just finished this game and the story gripped me through-and-through. So many questions left unanswered until you get towards the end. Gameplay takes some getting used to but discovering the combinations of abilities is fantastic and you can really customize the way YOU want to play. This game blew me away, the art is stylized and fantastic,So I rarely enjoy newer games now but wow...I just finished this game and the story gripped me through-and-through. So many questions left unanswered until you get towards the end. Gameplay takes some getting used to but discovering the combinations of abilities is fantastic and you can really customize the way YOU want to play. This game blew me away, the art is stylized and fantastic, the story is very intriguing, albeit short, but what makes this well done is that there is replay-ability. Trying out new styles, unlocking the rest of the skills, and even using more "limiters" to make the game harder. I highly recommend this game to anybody who is looking for something different than your average game. Oh and the music is superb, very relaxing and edgy at the same time.… Expand
  6. Futuristic
    Jun 10, 2014
    8
    Pros:
    -Great Atmosphere
    -Great Music
    -Fun and rewarding combat with many different play styles depending what Functions you choose
    -The Narration doesn't get annoying

    Cons:
    -Very Short
    -Story was a little confusing till the end (reading the character profiles help)
    -The limiters were either pointless or borderline unfair
  7. gamerbong
    Jun 9, 2014
    9
    Ever heard of a game called Bastion? Its won the Game of the year award in 2011 and 100 more others to count on , the makers SUPERGIANT ,have added another to their list called the “Transistor” . Transistor as I would call it,is a Game Musical.A Top-down isometric view game which comprises of mix of real-time and turn-based combat.

    transistor Red is a lounge singer in Cloudbank City    Ever heard of a game called Bastion? Its won the Game of the year award in 2011 and 100 more others to count on , the makers SUPERGIANT ,have added another to their list called the “Transistor” . Transistor as I would call it,is a Game Musical.A Top-down isometric view game which comprises of mix of real-time and turn-based combat.

    transistor

    Red is a lounge singer in Cloudbank City who is attacked one night by a mysterious organization called the Process. Red loses her voice and awakens next to a dead man impaled with a talking sword. This sword is the “Transistor“, which speaks to her as she travels and seems to know her very well. At the same time, strange creatures are infesting the city and attacking anyone they find, and Red has to battle through them with hopes of stopping the Process

    Much of Transistor‘s plot is told organically as you play, but a great deal of the narrative context is reserved for text character biographies which unlock as you progress. Red’s sword is the primary Transistor features a constant story telling from Red’s sword and offers a lot of play-by-play commentary.Red communicates through text in a few instances and has expressive animations.

    When it comes to gameplay. Red can use one of four powers in real time, or she can enter turn mode—time freezes and she can plan out her next actions. However, Red can’t use any offensive abilities for a short period after her turn ends, forcing one to be extremely strategic when using it.

    In addition, Red has many different sets of abilities and upgrades that give the player many possible builds to work with. Each new ability can be used as an active primary action, used as an upgrade for an existing action, or be used in a passive slot to gain things like health regeneration or more actions per turn. All manner of play-styles are supported, making the game extremely adaptable to personal preference.

    transistor 2An impressive selection of enemies maintains a steady challenge curve throughout Red’s journey. The insidious Process take many forms, and each attacks and defends in its own way. One might fling out grenade-like area attacks, while another hides in a corner projecting an energy shield onto an ally. Even as one enemy charges headlong toward you, another hangs back and remains phased out and impervious to damage until you come within line of sight. Each battle becomes a puzzle, and the solution lies in which enemies to hit first, and what powers will best do the job.

    The artwork is absolutely gorgeous,along with the soundtrack, Transistor‘s aesthetics deserve every bit of credit that’s been given to them. In between fights, there’s plenty of time to enjoy the gorgeous surroundings. Lush color brings life to the computerized cityscape of Cloudbank, while brief still-life cut scenes help push the story forward. A striking soundtrack combines jazz and electronica to great effect.

    While I have passed very little time on Bastion , and a lot of comparison happening between the two , I would find the game not very disappointing. Though,players looking to find all the answers by the time the credits are likely to be disappointed. Transistor is as much about what is left unsaid as what is explained. But what made me fall in love with the game is the soundtrack which works extremely well in context with the game.    … Expand
  8. Kanazawa
    Jun 7, 2014
    9
    Wow what a game. Beautiful art, incredible music (as expected), fantastic and original combat. Loved how well thought out the atmosphere was. Just everything went right with this game.
  9. mckw
    Jun 6, 2014
    7
    Supergiant triumphs again with an art masterpiece in Transistor with an eye catching art design. Drawing comparisons to Bastion may seem unfair, though it is warranted in some sense that they do draw some similarities.
    One big difference however is the combat system, which I quite thoroughly enjoyed, though sceptical about the turn base mode at first. Trying out different combinations of    Supergiant triumphs again with an art masterpiece in Transistor with an eye catching art design. Drawing comparisons to Bastion may seem unfair, though it is warranted in some sense that they do draw some similarities.
    One big difference however is the combat system, which I quite thoroughly enjoyed, though sceptical about the turn base mode at first. Trying out different combinations of skills and using them in various ways was something I really enjoyed. The story was just okay, and you're mostly left in the dark until late in the game.
    The thing that bugged me the most was the narration in this game just wasn't as good, sometimes even a bit annoying. One liners here and there wasn't welcomed at all. Furthermore the challenges in this game just wasnt rewarding as it was in Bastion. That said, it is still a good game and a worth while experience.    … Expand
  10. setti7
    Jun 4, 2014
    9
    Really great game, gorgeous artwork, beautiful music (as expected), really interesting story, to be honest, I only didn't like the ending very much, I just think that it could end differently, or at least have two endings... anyway, even though, I still enjoyed a lot this game, really, really awesome, totally worth the buy
  11. TitanTeaTime
    Jun 3, 2014
    10
    This review will be talking about the final boss fight and the story as a whole, stop reading now if you have not completed it. An absolutely phenomenal game. Supergiant's 2nd game is just as good, if not better, than their previous game Bastion which was already fantastic. The presentation is fantastically done with amazing art all throughout, while the music sets the right tone for allThis review will be talking about the final boss fight and the story as a whole, stop reading now if you have not completed it. An absolutely phenomenal game. Supergiant's 2nd game is just as good, if not better, than their previous game Bastion which was already fantastic. The presentation is fantastically done with amazing art all throughout, while the music sets the right tone for all aspects of the game. There are very little problems with the game, especially since the gameplay is vastly improved. Outside of turn() it is still clunky but that is the main difference - the intuitive turn() system is fresh and utilizes the abilities quite well. Difficulty is never overwhelming unless you want it to be - activating limiters ramps up the difficulty massively but only if you want it, with a bonus to experience which allows you to get more earlier. Bosses are simple and yet incredible and as is the rest of the game, especially the final boss which throws a complete curveball at you - but I won't talk about that here. The story of Transistor is similar to a Shakespearean tragedy in that it is bound to make you cry at some point, and I love this whole game to death if you hadn't already been able to tell already. A must play, potentially even more than Bastion was.… Expand
  12. vinibez
    Jun 2, 2014
    9
    Every single thing in this game is beautiful. The amazing art, the fantastic soundtrack, the story, the ambient and how everything works together. Supergiant became my favorite indie studio after the release of this game, i loved bastion and i loved Transistor even more. I didn't rated 10 because the game is too short =/
  13. zeroteque
    Jun 1, 2014
    10
    The game offered a powerful blend of fantastic art, engaging story, and fun gameplay, and I thoroughly enjoyed every moment. I was concerned that the developers couldn't top Bastion, but in my opinion they've thoroughly outdone themselves. Recommended.
  14. ForeverNoxifer
    May 30, 2014
    10
    Everything about this game is absolutely astounding. After the incredible success that was bastion, I was afraid Supergiant Games wouldn't be able to match it. But they went above and beyond, completely blowing my expectations out of the water.
    I will warn you, though, if you're more interested in the story than anything, it is not spoon fed to you. You have to work for it. And I mean    Everything about this game is absolutely astounding. After the incredible success that was bastion, I was afraid Supergiant Games wouldn't be able to match it. But they went above and beyond, completely blowing my expectations out of the water.
    I will warn you, though, if you're more interested in the story than anything, it is not spoon fed to you. You have to work for it. And I mean really work for it. The majority of the backstory is unlocked, piece by piece, as you level certain abilities, or when you search for terminals. The large majority of the story is told in a more classic sense, but the details behind everything are what you have to work for.
    To me, I think that's great motivation to get as much out of this game as I can.
    Did I mention I love it ?
    I REALLY love it.    … Expand
  15. UziDuzIt
    May 27, 2014
    4
    First of all I was totally stunned by Bastion back then, but Transistor isn't nearly what it could have been. Yes, it was beautiful. The art, the story, the soundtrack. Everything top notch. But 3 hours of play time? Really? I've even enabled all the limiters I got in that playthrough, but it obviously didn't slow down my progression.

    Now the big problem about this is: You've finally    First of all I was totally stunned by Bastion back then, but Transistor isn't nearly what it could have been. Yes, it was beautiful. The art, the story, the soundtrack. Everything top notch. But 3 hours of play time? Really? I've even enabled all the limiters I got in that playthrough, but it obviously didn't slow down my progression.

    Now the big problem about this is: You've finally experimented with most of the possible skill combos (MOST of them, not even all) and you feel like the story is just getting started and you'll finally understand what's happening in this weird world and then they just end it all of a sudden. The end kinda explains a lot you didn't understand before, but it comes way too early.

    I feel like I've been robbed of my money because it's nowhere near what I've expected. The fights in this game are few and there's a lot of talking and cutscenes in between. So when the game ends you've probably had ~30 fights that were less than a minute each and feel like you just started the game because gameplay-wise nothing happened. It's basically a graphic novel with some little rpg elements in between that make up ~20% of the game. The rest is storytelling, no more. This is also what keeps me from doing another playthrough, it's just not worth it without any actual gameplay...

    On a side note I've even bought the soundtrack because it's just that beautiful. But once you look behind the shiny disguise there's just no game to be played. I don't even know how to describe my feelings towards this game, because after all it is just BEAUTIFUL. But the abrupt ending combined with the feeling of "yeah, finally there was a boss fight, now the game is going to get started, right?" followed by the realization that this was the only and final boss fight after a meager 3 hours made me want to smash my PC screen to pieces.

    So after all, this is a beautiful piece of art, but really lackluster as a game. While the RPG elements are all there and have potential you never get to really use them because of the actual lack of gaming content. If you are looking for an indie graphic novel beautifully disguised as a video game look no further. But to all the serious (RPG-)gamers out there that want CONTENT, stay away!
    I would have enjoyed this way more than I did if it was a comic book, maybe Supergiant Games should think more about what they want to achieve and use the correct medium.    … Expand
  16. natetheartist
    May 27, 2014
    10
    Absolutely breathtaking artistry, soulful narration, phenomenal combat system, a brilliantly creative world and a unique story that unravels itself over time. - Just fantastic. And that's not even to mention the musical score that may be one of the best that's ever happened.

    You will be confused. You will be confused as to what's happening...where you are...who you are...what you are.    Absolutely breathtaking artistry, soulful narration, phenomenal combat system, a brilliantly creative world and a unique story that unravels itself over time. - Just fantastic. And that's not even to mention the musical score that may be one of the best that's ever happened.

    You will be confused. You will be confused as to what's happening...where you are...who you are...what you are. You will be confused by the mechanics of the combat abilities, and as far as I'm concerned, that's perfect. The story and mechanics become more apparent as you play further into the game, and this no-hand-holding-approach to Transistor's design make it all the more engrossing. Your understanding and revelation become an experience. Wanting to understand more drives you to keep the experience going.
    This game isn't just beautiful. It is curious...it inspires curiosity. Once you understand the weapons system it goes from confusing to interesting to absolutely brilliant.

    The only flaw in this game is that there isn't more of it. Immediately after finishing the game, without moving an inch, I began it all over again, and I had to force myself to stop. I can't wait to play it again, and again and again and again.

    An absolutely tremendous accomplishment for a team of only 10 people. Simply wonderful.    … Expand
  17. Ayvalon
    May 26, 2014
    10
    The first thing you must account for when playing this game is that it is not Bastion. The developers have created a new experience and it should not be criticized for being a different style of game from their former work. The approach that the developers have taken this time have meant that this game is not for everyone.

    The game has amazing, well thought out music, in addition    The first thing you must account for when playing this game is that it is not Bastion. The developers have created a new experience and it should not be criticized for being a different style of game from their former work. The approach that the developers have taken this time have meant that this game is not for everyone.

    The game has amazing, well thought out music, in addition Supergiant Games have heavily improved upon the art style of Bastion by adding well implemented modern graphical effects. The game drew me in immediately as the genre greatly appeals to me, the immersion will definitely vary by the player. An understated accomplishment of the developers, is that they have managed to successfully create a second game of the same genre without repetition. The world, story and themes are vastly different from Bastion and I truly appreciate the details of the story.

    From what I've seen people raise three main arguments against the game:
    -The story is confusing and uninspired.
    -Combat is unappealing.
    -Slow progression

    This time around the story is agreeably cryptic as #$^& and a more human approach was taken to the narration. I would compare it to braid in the way that you are left to solve the jigsaw that is the story-line, however unlike braid you are given all the pieces. Everything in this game is explained through details in the world alongside some conclusions of your own. I understand a wide portion of the player base was distraught with the ending, (SPOILERS to theme ahead) as it wasn't directly satisfying, though if you truly investigate the world you will understand it could not have ended any other way (end of SPOILERS).

    I find the only legitimate argument to be made against this game is with the combat. The system is a unique integration of real time and turn based combat, the system has one issue in my opinion and that is the time while your turn ability is recharging. This just felt incredibly restrictive, an interesting trade off but definitely not justifiable in terms of good game design. The rest of the combat was still up to par as there were some interesting play style choices to be made that were well balanced.

    After having raised these few issues some would say that the game is only worth an 8 or 9 out of 10. However at the end of my first play-through and even in my second I was in awe of the masterful emotional reaction that Supergiant managed to evoke from me. The good aspects of this game just absolved any doubts I had on the gameplay 10/10.    … Expand
  18. rolf_nei
    May 26, 2014
    9
    it's not a good game, yet,a bit short and expensive but, it's a charm one, song, story, ok, i like a concept. it's indie job, petty enough for his done~
  19. peterphnguyen
    May 25, 2014
    10
    Graphics = 10
    Story = 8/9
    Characters = 10
    Narrator = Prefer the one from Bastion but this is deservedly a 9
    Game play = 10, loads of different style of play
    Music = Best ever in any game
  20. SethEvandor
    May 25, 2014
    4
    Where do I start? The travesty. Random lines which the Transistor gives you get really annoying because they don't contribute anything. It's a case where 'less is better.' The way this game is unique. You could say the features of most games are unique even if they are really similar.

    The combat system is somewhat interesting, utilizing an unusual form of real-time with pause-on-turn.    Where do I start? The travesty. Random lines which the Transistor gives you get really annoying because they don't contribute anything. It's a case where 'less is better.' The way this game is unique. You could say the features of most games are unique even if they are really similar.

    The combat system is somewhat interesting, utilizing an unusual form of real-time with pause-on-turn. You can choose when to take a turn, you can move whenever you actually like (besides during the execution of a turn). You can take many actions or you can forgo it altogether, so the system gives you a choice or flexible experience, it can be played in different ways. The issue with this system is that a turn based system has more strategy and a real-time system feels less frustrating. Because turns let you do so much, it still ends up rather spammy and there is a lot of lee-way besides when the game is not difficult, so when the game is easy, it's just a bore, the game has to always be challenging and it wasn't. I get the feeling that most people enjoyed the system just because of the execution of turns (result of actions plus eye-candy) and the fact that it was fresh or unique.

    The skill system is great and for people familiar with games such as Path of Exile, Diablo, it will be familiar and easy to grasp. I don't have any particular complaints about balance.

    The music is, well, some parts are great, sometimes the music distracts from the game. In the field at some points it gets really repetitive. If there was more minimal ambient, it would of helped the atmosphere a lot and avoid a lot of the repetition, and take out the cheap beats. The humming was actually my favourite thing, although that could of been minimized when you pause. Less is better.

    Ultimately, repetitive, music and sounds could of been so much better, graphics are gorgeous, story is okay but put forward well. I didn't enjoy it much and I think it is overrated.    … Expand
  21. MrButtermancer
    May 25, 2014
    10
    An unbelievable work of art. A triumph of unique game mechanics and ideas that work perfectly together. This game is a bizarre, unique, and touching experience from start to finish. Understanding the world demands a huge amount from the player, but regardless of how you see the City, you'll feel involved in something rich and spectacular.

    If this entire game were condensed onto a    An unbelievable work of art. A triumph of unique game mechanics and ideas that work perfectly together. This game is a bizarre, unique, and touching experience from start to finish. Understanding the world demands a huge amount from the player, but regardless of how you see the City, you'll feel involved in something rich and spectacular.

    If this entire game were condensed onto a canvas, it'd be hanging behind bulletproof glass.    … Expand
  22. OokamiTSK
    May 25, 2014
    10
    This game is amazing!! The story, although a bit confusing at first comes together as you play which kept me glued to my chair. The Artwork was beautiful and very well done, the music is breathtaking, once again Darren Korb has made a original masterpiece that really brings the game together and is even an amazing soundtrack to listen to by itself the OST is worth the purchase. The gameThis game is amazing!! The story, although a bit confusing at first comes together as you play which kept me glued to my chair. The Artwork was beautiful and very well done, the music is breathtaking, once again Darren Korb has made a original masterpiece that really brings the game together and is even an amazing soundtrack to listen to by itself the OST is worth the purchase. The game play was different and took time getting usted to but that was all part of the magic for me, i love learning new game styles and the strategy of it all and this one was fantastic. All in all this game gets a 10/10 i love it, love it, love it!… Expand
  23. kckkryptonite
    May 24, 2014
    7
    Transistor is a very stylish game with a really interesting combat system I wish they would've fleshed out more, which I suppose would've been tough given the short length of the game. I thought it was quite innovative and fun enough to entertain me until the end. The art and soundtrack are also both great, but the level design was sort of bland and the random things you could find or doTransistor is a very stylish game with a really interesting combat system I wish they would've fleshed out more, which I suppose would've been tough given the short length of the game. I thought it was quite innovative and fun enough to entertain me until the end. The art and soundtrack are also both great, but the level design was sort of bland and the random things you could find or do didn't make the game feel any less like a really long dungeon-crawl. The story is convoluted and disjointed at times, presented through extraneous terminals scattered throughout the map and a voiceover that feels like he's talking to himself, rather than the narration given in Bastion. After a while, I found myself not caring altogether; Transistor's simple story is full of rhetoric and style that is novel and cool to behold at first, but quickly grows weary when you realize its lack of substance.… Expand
  24. GenuineOpinion
    May 24, 2014
    7
    Transistor was better than okay. It was good. I hate comparing games to other games in reviews, but this one begs for it. I liked it a lot less than Bastion for many reasons, most of these are opinion based. For example, I preferred the music score in Bastion, the art style, the game play. As I was going through, never once did I feel like Transistor had anything blatantly better thanTransistor was better than okay. It was good. I hate comparing games to other games in reviews, but this one begs for it. I liked it a lot less than Bastion for many reasons, most of these are opinion based. For example, I preferred the music score in Bastion, the art style, the game play. As I was going through, never once did I feel like Transistor had anything blatantly better than Bastion.

    On its own, it has a lot of charm. It is pretty to look at, but no matter how you package it, at the end of the day, it was a love story with sort of cool fighting mechanics. That's about it. The one thing I felt was messy about this game was its menu system. It never really explained a whole lot, so it didn't insult the intelligence of the average player, but because of this, I didn't want to bother figuring out what sorts of move combinations worked optimally.

    In the end, I know the makers of this game could have put more effort into things. More abilities, more end-game content, more hidden dialogue. Maybe I'm just a complainer, but I felt let down after waiting so long for this game to come out.    … Expand
  25. TheTwistedKris
    May 24, 2014
    10
    A amazingly well structured game combining hack-and-slash with turn based strategy elements (or just one depending on how you like to play) simultaneously that may share the same genre as Bastion, but brings a completely new experience with new story, characters, music, and overall breath taking atmosphere as you progress.
  26. Stemwin2
    May 24, 2014
    9
    This is a game full of trash there is nothing new contrast. But we Haight transistor with good storyline and new gameplay priyyatyn
    Thanks Quarter to Three
  27. RadenNedar
    May 23, 2014
    10
    Fantastic game, I'm currently nearing halfway on recursion mode, en route to get all the achievements which I have never done in any other game as they can't hold my attention long enough, yet there hasn't been a moment I've been bored playing this game yet, even in my second play-through and in the challenges. Would have been willing to pay more than $20 for this game, as I am enthralledFantastic game, I'm currently nearing halfway on recursion mode, en route to get all the achievements which I have never done in any other game as they can't hold my attention long enough, yet there hasn't been a moment I've been bored playing this game yet, even in my second play-through and in the challenges. Would have been willing to pay more than $20 for this game, as I am enthralled with it and it is beautifully done, 10/10 would buy again.… Expand
  28. Chiinatso
    May 23, 2014
    5
    I never did play Bastion but i heard it was good so when transistor came along i thought that i might as well play it since the praise for Bastion was huge, sadly it didn't live up to the hype.
    While everything looked very nice, the combat system was kinda cool,the characters were likable and i really liked that all your abilities were people(?) and that you learned more about them as you    I never did play Bastion but i heard it was good so when transistor came along i thought that i might as well play it since the praise for Bastion was huge, sadly it didn't live up to the hype.
    While everything looked very nice, the combat system was kinda cool,the characters were likable and i really liked that all your abilities were people(?) and that you learned more about them as you used that ability there were some flaws that were kinda hard to look past.

    First some of the minor ones:
    The controls felt kinda clumsy on PC, everything was controlled with your left hand,all the keys you used were grouped very close to each other and moving and trying to use attacks in real-time(as opposed to the pause everything wail away mode) was really clunky making it almost completely worthless.
    The story was really vague for the most part, I had no idea what was going on sometimes like that spine thing that was attacking you in one part, why did it affect the transistor guy? why did the Spine reappear for like one area and then went away again? Stuff like that, it felt to compressed most of the time.

    But the the biggest problem was by far the length of the game, I finished it in 4 hours not dying once and i did maybe half of the challenge missions on the beach.

    So in the end the game was nice i liked to listen to the Transistor guy talk about the world, i liked that there wasn't really a bad guy, I liked the art style and characters but in the end the game was so short and sometimes just plain confusing that it didn't really leave you with that sense of wonder when it was done

    It's worth playing it for the story telling but i would still say wait for it to go on sale    … Expand
  29. SanctumRevel
    May 22, 2014
    10
    Now that is a perfect game in many aspects fantastic soundtrack combat graphics after bastion comes transition to add the final touch and it worked it s a must to play game
  30. kveikur
    May 22, 2014
    10
    Just one word is enough to describe this game: "masterpiece". Transistor has everything that made Bastion a great game. With a more tactical combat, fascinating visuals, a great sci-fi atmosphere and another excellent soundtrack from Darren Korb; this game is even better!
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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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