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. 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
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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)
  5. 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.
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. 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
  9. 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
  10. 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
  11. 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.
  12. 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.
  13. 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
  14. 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.
  15. 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
  16. 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!
  17. 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.
  18. Leo_Manzano
    Apr 28, 2022
    9
    Working....................................................................................................
  19. 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
  20. 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.
  21. aditya1101
    Apr 29, 2021
    9
    Absolute masterpiece. Gameplay was super interesting and really engrossing, art was beautiful, and the music/atmosphere was perfect.------------------
  22. 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
  23. 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
  24. HarrySatschel
    Nov 27, 2018
    10
    The game is all-around amazing, but the soundtrack is on another level of awesome entirely.
  25. 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.
  26. 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
  27. 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.
  28. 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
  29. 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.
  30. 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.
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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

All reviews »
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.
    Read full review
  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.
See all critic reviews »