Transference

Transference is a novel concept with with adequate execution. It’s intended to be played in VR for the greatest impact, so those with multiple platform options should factor that into the decision process of choosing which one to go with. The story is fascinating and fans of horror will most likely find an enjoying and disturbing experience. The short length is a double-edged sword, though, as it can be comfortably played in VR in one sitting but is ultimately a very short game. Being story driven, the simplistic gameplay is just interactive enough to keep the player engaged, making Transference a worthwhile descent into madness to take once but offers little reason to come back for more.

A captivating albeit disturbing setting is Transference's greatest asset, rooted by strong performances from the cast and a smart approach to storytelling.

Transference is equipped with a fascinating premise that suffers from a substantial disconnect because there’s no apparent connection between the Hayes and you, the player. Who are you supposed to be? How did you stumble onto this simulation? Is this supposed to be some new twist on the “found footage” genre? Tying the player into the narrative to some degree would have gone a long way to make me feel more attached, involved, and invested in these people’s lives and why they matter outside of the empathy you develop in seeing them suffer from Raymond’s apparent physical and mental abuse.

Transference certainly showcases the potential of VR storytelling in the style Spectrevision are attempting. Even if its short story isn’t always effectively told, and some of the puzzles distract, the atmosphere that’s been created through detailed world design, incredible lighting effects, and intense sound design makes for a terrifying experience.

Transference is an experience fit for VR, and from that perspective, the game does a phenomenal job of providing tension, scares, and narrative beats. Those looking for value may feel a little short-changed, especially so without the implementation of virtual reality, but the overall package should leave you satisfied if horror and terror is your forte.

Transference is a very original idea that does not develop all the potential it could achieve with a limited environment and basic puzzles that just scratch the surface of an increasingly deep and complex genre.

Transference offers a unique experience. If it scares away with now known gimmicks, its unhealthy atmosphere, exploded storytelling and the imagination left to the player as well as the meta aspect of browsing a faulty software in a video game make it a unique and successful experience.

As far as virtual reality games go, Transference isn’t the best, but it’s definitely one of the scariest. Anyone looking for a solid horror game will want to give it a go despite its shortcomings.

It has an interesting premise and an atmospheric, well realised world brought to life with gusto, especially if playing in virtual reality. But despite all of this, it never truly transcends the slew of similar games that came before it and is over much too quickly.

It’s a game worth checking out, but is far from the great narrative experiences other games of this type have come to be known for.

The game flows in a frantic manner, dominates the user with visual and sound inputs, never leaves the serenity to appreciate the construction of the story.

Transference is a game with great ideas and a not-so-good execution. It’s quite short and never gets to show its full potential, but it’s enjoyable nonetheless.

Transference is a competent narrative-driven game featuring some well-crafted puzzles and an amazingly eerie atmosphere. Sadly, the narrative doesn't really go anywhere, despite a very interesting premise, with no twist and no surprises at all, making it very hard to recommend to people looking for an interesting story. Coupled with its very short length, Transference is not really worth its current price.

In the end, Transference is in an odd position. The atmosphere is completely engrossing, since the crumbling digital landscape and ominous repeated dialogue and other sounds create an unsettling world. Jump-scares are light, and almost all the puzzles are easy enough to solve even with some fumbling around. With that said, the tale can seem disturbing, but the scattershot way it's told doesn't make the game very memorable when compared to either its horror or walking simulator contemporaries. Transference remains a game that's worth checking out, but it's not one that players should be in a rush to seek out over other similar titles.

Transference is a intense story about a broken family. The addition of VR makes the experience complete, but the game is very easy and short and way too expensive.

A strong, if sometimes frustrating debut. [Issue#206, p.81]

I do have to give Ubisoft some credit in terms of atmosphere. The ambiance and sound design were incredibly creepy.

Transference’s inventively spins its story of obsession and broken families into a game that’s all about perception and twisted realities. It’s not entirely successful, failing to confront the topics it raises and failing to live up to its Hollywood billing and origins, but it’s still deeply atmospheric as you flick between realities, solve puzzles and figure out the lengths to which Raymond Hayes would truly go.

The challenge of Transference's puzzles tapers off, and there's little subtlety when it comes to certain themes, but great use of some grim audio make this a decent little horror game.

It might be a good enough VR tech demo, but as far as interactive thrillers go (including those low budget), Transference is merely an exercise which falls short of what Observer or excellent Soma achieved artistically, technically and story-wise. [12/2018, p.85]

Transference is a very short experience. The puzzles don't represent any challenge and the story lacks anything that makes it intriguing. In the end, its a forgettable experience.