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. Esett
    May 21, 2014
    10
    There are very few video games that make my jaw drop after 12 years of hardcore gaming. Transistor is one of those amazing games. It does have its flaws but they really don't matter because as a great sum of its parts it is an experience that everybody should have. The art, music, and game-play blend together to form a unique atmosphere a feeling never found anywhere else. It is partThere are very few video games that make my jaw drop after 12 years of hardcore gaming. Transistor is one of those amazing games. It does have its flaws but they really don't matter because as a great sum of its parts it is an experience that everybody should have. The art, music, and game-play blend together to form a unique atmosphere a feeling never found anywhere else. It is part tragedy, part comedy, part action, part cyberpunk. And it somehow all works. For that this work of art deserves a 10/10. Not because its perfect but because it is uniquely brilliant. If you want to be a prick you can consider it a 8.5/10 for various technical and story elements that do not quite fit.… Expand
  2. 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.
  3. 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
  4. 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.
  5. Metacritizicer
    May 21, 2014
    10
    Supergiant Games have done it again... What have they done again must you be wondering? Why they have made me not sleep for a whole day! Transistor is a MASTERPIECE! It's got a great story, great MUSIC *seriously the music is gorgeous!* And the art and graphics oh my god! SERIOUSLY THIS GAME IMHO IS THE GAME OF THE YEAR
  6. Urrid
    May 20, 2014
    10
    The presentation is bold but not overwrought. The music is fantastic and a mix of ambient songs with five vocal tracks that call back to the plot of the game itself. “Red” is a character of unfortunate circumstances who must piece together what happened to the city she inhabits.

    Combat can be done in pseudo turn-based mode, or all in real time. The mechanics of combat remain very fresh    The presentation is bold but not overwrought. The music is fantastic and a mix of ambient songs with five vocal tracks that call back to the plot of the game itself. “Red” is a character of unfortunate circumstances who must piece together what happened to the city she inhabits.

    Combat can be done in pseudo turn-based mode, or all in real time. The mechanics of combat remain very fresh due to the skill system. Each skill can be used in its own right, or slotted into another skill to serve as an enhancement to the base skill. Therein lays the dilemma, do you use this skill as a main skill or a passive skill? There are certainly rewards for changing up your build as well.

    There is a sizable amount of optional content. Lore is tucked nicely in with combat skills you unlock as you progress through the game. The tutorial is there but it isn't patronizing, in fact it’s one of the best I’ve seen in years. Controller support is in the game as well as a native support of keyboard and mouse. The controls are responsive for the most part, some skills can require a bit more precision than Red sometimes wants to give.

    Transistor is easily in my top three games for 2013/2014. The whole experience is rumored to be 3-9 hours (depending upon play habits) but the retail price of $19.99 is easily far for a stunning experience.    … Expand
  7. 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.
  8. 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
  9. 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 ).
  10. 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
  11. 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
  12. Sjalka
    May 22, 2014
    10
    wow, i am blown away. The game caught me by surprise. I love the old school anime style with backgrounds that for some reason remind me on "Metropolis" by Rintaro with an infusion of Ghost in a Shell.
    The music is great, so is the portrayal of characters. While many games fall into a trap of exceeding storytelling at the cost of gameplay, Transistor manages to remain a "game" throughout.    wow, i am blown away. The game caught me by surprise. I love the old school anime style with backgrounds that for some reason remind me on "Metropolis" by Rintaro with an infusion of Ghost in a Shell.
    The music is great, so is the portrayal of characters. While many games fall into a trap of exceeding storytelling at the cost of gameplay, Transistor manages to remain a "game" throughout.

    I tried hard to think of elements to complain about, but cannot find any significant thing. All in all a rare gem, well worth the price. For me, more than a game, it is a piece of style and art. a clear 10/10 from me.    … Expand
  13. 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.
  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. 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.
  16. 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!
  17. Nukemi
    May 20, 2014
    10
    Wow.

    I had high hopes to this game, and i do not regret overdrafting 20 euros from my account for it. It's the best unnecessary purchase i've done in ages. The game begins in absolutely breathtaking world. The art is incredible. The atmosphere hits you like a ten ton hammer. For a while, you'll wonder around killing few shells and processes being bit confused, but after a while the    Wow.

    I had high hopes to this game, and i do not regret overdrafting 20 euros from my account for it. It's the best unnecessary purchase i've done in ages.

    The game begins in absolutely breathtaking world. The art is incredible. The atmosphere hits you like a ten ton hammer. For a while, you'll wonder around killing few shells and processes being bit confused, but after a while the game unravels itself bit by bit.

    By the time i got to the first singing scene, i was already sold. Transistor is more than i expected. First 10 minutes proved that indie companies still do produce the best games out there. The person who came up with the combat must be a genius. The combat combines turn based and real time elements really cleverly. When you initiate your pause mode, music goes all eerie, which helps to boost the atmosphere.

    Granted. I already wanted this game when i first heard the main theme by Darren Korb and Ashley Barrett. When i first heard this tune in the game, i felt i am going to cry. The scene was so emotionally set up that it was just beautiful.

    This game is the creme of indie game development. It has a SUPERIOR soundtrack, extremely beautiful graphics, atmosphere like no other, and almost revolutionary combat. At the side, the story seems to require you to use your brains and nothing is spoonfed to you.

    Jerks are everywhere. There have been a lot of great games this year that i've absolutely loved, but transistor so far seems to be one of the best of them.

    10/10. Oh my god. What a game.    … Expand
  18. 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.
  19. 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
  20. 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.
  21. mongolrising
    May 20, 2014
    10
    This is the first game from supergiant done completely on their own (Warner Bros. published Bastion) and it is a testament to what indie studios can accomplish when they aren't fettered by a large studio. I wasn't exactly sure what to expect with Transistor and while it is the spiritual successor to Bastion a lot of it is very different and everything that it borrows from Bastion isThis is the first game from supergiant done completely on their own (Warner Bros. published Bastion) and it is a testament to what indie studios can accomplish when they aren't fettered by a large studio. I wasn't exactly sure what to expect with Transistor and while it is the spiritual successor to Bastion a lot of it is very different and everything that it borrows from Bastion is improved.

    The art style, music, and narration are all in the same vein as Bastion, which is to say they are a masterpiece. The artwork is very beautiful especially during cutscenes and found myself taking screen shots constantly for desktop backgrounds, etc. The music is a big part of the experience as well, and just as in Bastion, both the music and the artwork set the scene. I would not say they improved on Bastion because that would be saying Bastion was flawed in those aspects. And Bastion is more of a western feel while Transistor is very much a cyber-punk game. However, the artwork is more detailed, rich, and beautiful, probably due to the fact that this is a newer game. I also feel that the music is a bit more developed and varied. The narration is also wonderful.

    The gameplay has changed significantly from Bastion, so if you're expecting the fun but rather simple gameplay of Bastion, you will be pleasantly surprised. In Transistor, you only have one weapon, if you can call it that. Your weapon looks like a sword, but it is more like a computer that you can upload programs to. Those programs are your powers and you pick them up as you progress through the game. The awesome thing about these programs is that they have three different uses. You can use them as active powers, passive powers, or you can use them to alter other active powers. For example, you have an area of effect attack, and an attack that gets enemies to fight for you. You can alter the AOE attack with the conversion attack and you have an AOE attack that converts enemies. This obviously gives you an immense amount of flexibility in combat and very different gameplay styles and approaches to defeating your enemies.

    These programs/abilities are then socketed onto your sword, which is the Transistor of the games title. In keeping with the cyberpunk theme, your Transistor has a limited amount of RAM...each program uses different levels of RAM...some only take up one space of RAM, others take up more. Another cool thing about your Transistor is that it is the narrator for your game...I don't want to say too much because I don't want to give away the story, but it all makes sense a little while into the game.

    Another thing that makes the gameplay very fun is that you can pause time on the battlefield. While paused, you can move around the battlefield, and choose which powers you want to use and which enemies you want to target. This allows you to escape when surrounded, or flank your enemies (since attacks from behind do more damage). This gives the game a turn-based feel to it. It does not really feel like a hack and slash at all...you can use your powers in real-time as well, but when facing very powerful enemies, you will die very quickly when using that tactic.

    I have not actually died yet while playing but I have discovered another thing about the gameplay in almost doing so. When you're health bar gets to zero, you don't immediately die, you simply lose one of the programs you have socketed into your Transistor. My assumption is that you will die after you lose all four programs. This also requires you to carefully plan how you which programs you use and how you have them modified, etc. Just another thing that makes this game awesome.

    Finally, the story is very intriguing. You play as Red who is a famous artist and singer. Apparently, there's a group called the Camerati (sounds kind of Mafia-ish) who is angry at you for some reason and they try to kill you. They have also killed the other important people in the city you live in (called Cloudbank). That is all I can say since I don't want to give anything important away. But I can say that the story is very intriguing and every aspect of the game helps tell it.    … Expand
  22. 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
  23. Poloy
    May 21, 2014
    10
    Amazing. The things I loved from Bastion and a lot of other new things for me to love. Keep up the good work guys! The animation, the soundtrack, the story, the gameplay, all 10/10 for me.
  24. Soulache
    May 21, 2014
    10
    Красиво, сочно, интересно.
    Что-то настолько красивое не стоит описать словами,сыграв несколько минут, вы всё поймете сами.
    Ни огромные статьи и обзоры, ни что другое не передадут то, что вы почувствуете поиграв в неё. Она ни на что не похожа ...музыка... цвет... и ... вы... в центре это красивого мира. Слушайте и играйте, это прекрасно.    Красиво, сочно, интересно.
    Что-то настолько красивое не стоит описать словами,сыграв несколько минут, вы всё поймете сами.
    Ни огромные статьи и обзоры, ни что другое не передадут то, что вы почувствуете поиграв в неё.
    Она ни на что не похожа ...музыка... цвет... и ... вы... в центре это красивого мира.
    Слушайте и играйте, это прекрасно.
  25. mciggy
    May 21, 2014
    10
    Wonderful Beautiful game. Everything about it is gorgeous. Game can be challenging, but avoids being unfair. Features exist to amp up difficulty if needed. Well worth the money - I even bought the sound track. If you play, be sure to unlock and read the 'Function Data' as a lot of the story hides there.
  26. 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
  27. 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
  28. 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
  29. 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
  30. 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.
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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 »