Transistor

 PlayStation 4
User Score
8.2

Generally favorable reviews- based on 678 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 529 out of 678
  2. Mixed: 95 out of 678
  3. Negative: 54 out of 678

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  1. george_bondo
    Jun 11, 2023
    8
    the game has its own world, history, visual design, but the ideas of the previous game (Bastion) are still visible, at first I didn’t really like the combat and only at the end it was revealed more
  2. jesterflop
    Feb 28, 2023
    9
    Loved this game. Beautiful visuals, thoughtful gameplay, lovely soundtrack and such a great story. It really is a piece of art.
  3. miczat
    Dec 3, 2021
    10
    I'm still listening to the music. This game is an absolute gem, the art design, game mechanics, story and music. Supergiant once again issues a masterclass on how to design a game.
  4. szastamasta
    Jul 24, 2021
    9
    Beautiful game with great story and music. I also liked the stop time mechanics and overall combat. Strongly recommend.
  5. Nervuz
    May 9, 2021
    8
    Transistor es un juego con una trama bastante interesante, un juego que te deja jugar de una manera muy simplificada o de una manera mas estratégica. un juego bastante adictivo y con una ambientación y un soundtrack muy buenos. si bien hay cosas que te pueden confundir o quizá partes de la historia que no están bien contadas, pero te deja muy buen sabor de boca al final. Muy buen cierre.
  6. argyrion
    Oct 11, 2020
    10
    Its just one of these games. For me a masterpiece so 10 obviously. Maybe a 9 if i were a bit more objective.
    Great soundtrack & visuals. Nice story and characters. Really nice combat. As allways with Super Giant Games, it has something unique to it. Its just better then the sum of its part. At least in my opinion.
  7. JamesFrankel
    Oct 5, 2020
    8
    Both the gameplay and the story take some time to figure out and to get used to. Don't expect another Bastion, since the gameplay, while still having some common elements, is distinctly different. What is similar though is the quality. The gameplay has quite some depth to it and bonus challenges also teach you what is possible in combat. The real star of the show is though the story andBoth the gameplay and the story take some time to figure out and to get used to. Don't expect another Bastion, since the gameplay, while still having some common elements, is distinctly different. What is similar though is the quality. The gameplay has quite some depth to it and bonus challenges also teach you what is possible in combat. The real star of the show is though the story and presentation. This time around, it's a sci-fi setting, but a pretty unique one compared to the common scifi story stereotypes. Also, while the main story is easy to follow, figuring out all the details requires some initiative and analysis from the player, which is a cool thing (if that's not your thing, just watch some story interpretations on the internet). Like with Bastion, the soundtrack is excellent and adds a lot to make the good story even more memorable. The ending is also very satisfying. Overall, I'd say that the combat/gameplay is a 7-8/10, while the story + soundtrack leans towards 8-9/10. Definitely a recommendation!… Expand
  8. Da3_who_knows
    Aug 18, 2020
    8
    Great game for a great price. The story is actually great. I was not expecting that from an indy game. The music is awesome, the main soundtrack is amazing. This is, hands down, one of the best indy games I have ever played. I wish it gave players more flexibility in terms of ability choosing, later on in the game. Like you can choose certain limitations for certain levels. I also wishedGreat game for a great price. The story is actually great. I was not expecting that from an indy game. The music is awesome, the main soundtrack is amazing. This is, hands down, one of the best indy games I have ever played. I wish it gave players more flexibility in terms of ability choosing, later on in the game. Like you can choose certain limitations for certain levels. I also wished this game would never end. Just go play it, and then go see all the videos on YouTube about the lore of this game, believe me it's worth it.… Expand
  9. SkarletGolpista
    Jul 21, 2020
    9
    Um dos jogos que mais gostei de platinar. É super divertido e o gameplay é cheio de surpresas, bem diferente e único.
  10. Ahlgren
    Jul 20, 2020
    10
    Probably my favorit game.
    Love the story, just a beautiful game................
  11. boris_out
    May 14, 2020
    10
    Один из тех шедевров, который случайно запускаешь спустя годы после релизы и... проходишь за 2 дня с невообразимой полнотой чувств к главным героям.
  12. rennah13
    Apr 12, 2020
    10
    This game is honestly a masterpiece, and will forever go down as one of my favorite games of all time.
  13. WCft3Rf_IsTRASH
    Feb 3, 2020
    9
    Fantastic score, story, and visuals. I also loved the gameplay. Being able to mix and match attacks for new combos added a lot to the depth of combat!
  14. bersi84
    Jan 26, 2020
    10
    I am really glad that I finally grabbed Transistor after I heard so much about the game. I played it on my PS4 Pro SSD and this game is a polished diamond with great art style and innovative game play. It is rather short but for the easy possibility of getting 50 to 80% deals this game is a plain 10/10 for me.

    The world cannot easily be described it has a digitalized computer-eqsue    I am really glad that I finally grabbed Transistor after I heard so much about the game. I played it on my PS4 Pro SSD and this game is a polished diamond with great art style and innovative game play. It is rather short but for the easy possibility of getting 50 to 80% deals this game is a plain 10/10 for me.

    The world cannot easily be described it has a digitalized computer-eqsue style with colorful and lively aspects. While you thrive your way to the world the narrative speaker gives you additional information and gets you the feeling of being not alone. In each passage you fight against certain groups of enemies which have individual fighting styles and weaknesses. The further you progress the more skill you unlock. So far nothing to special but it ramps a lot when you start combining skills with each other enhancing the main skill by range, damage, execution time etc. by doing this you can create complex skills that suit your personal playstyle, either fast and quick or hardhitting heavy.

    Combat itself is a mix of strategic pause and live combat. When your special bar is ready you can activate and plan your next attacks accordingly. Every step, every attack will consume energy. If you are satisfied or all of your energy is used you execute it. Then you have to cover, run away or fight it like a normal action game until your guage is filled again. Enemies can block attacks or heal other. Some will shadow your view so you cannot easily plan ahead. All in all the mix of enemies as well as the mix of complex spells you can create and test have big potential to keep you going. Experimenting with skills is fun, save points are numerous. If you get downed, skills will be disabled up to the point you are finally dead and will respawn at your latest location.

    For people who want even more competition can use limiters that handicap your gameplay but grant bonus exp or you can recurse the game where you will start anew but have all the skills, limiters and levels unlocked that you had before.

    My personal summary is, that the lone journey with Transistor is pretty short. It will take you probably 6 to 8hrs. Replayability is given due to its progression system and the sheer number of skill combinations you can create. The visual presentation is innovative and outstanding to me, same goes to the sound atmosphere. The game is absolutely polished. I had nearly no loading times, no bluescreen, no fps downs. I grabbed Transistor for 5 bucks at a sale which is definitely a steal for how awesome this game is. I can only encourage everybody to check it out. Sales are numerous, so you can get it at reasonable prices. Enjoy!    … Expand
  15. sityoazzdown
    Jul 29, 2019
    9
    i loved my short time I had with this game. Addicting and unique gameplay loop that consists of top down action game, and also a turn based game. Interesting story and world, one that leaves you guessing. But i will say 90% of the reason i love this game was the gameplay, it was a breath of fresh air, and the unique combinations of weapons was fun to use. The only cons (maybe) was that itsi loved my short time I had with this game. Addicting and unique gameplay loop that consists of top down action game, and also a turn based game. Interesting story and world, one that leaves you guessing. But i will say 90% of the reason i love this game was the gameplay, it was a breath of fresh air, and the unique combinations of weapons was fun to use. The only cons (maybe) was that its only like a quick 4-6 hour game. But other than that this is a gem for the indie world, and instantly becomes one of my favorite.… Expand
  16. KingVilla1n
    May 3, 2019
    10
    Духовный и стилистический шедевр. Пожалуй, самая трогательная история о любви в играх.
  17. jeffbizloc
    Jul 17, 2018
    9
    I missed this game until now and loved Bastion. Really enjoyed the turn based mechanics. I think the tests portions was my favorite part. Got platinum after playing through twice.

    Pros: - Just fun gameplay with the turn based stop and go - The way the game made you use all of the different functions was cool - Enjoyed the story and narration throughout - Also enjoyed going    I missed this game until now and loved Bastion. Really enjoyed the turn based mechanics. I think the tests portions was my favorite part. Got platinum after playing through twice.

    Pros:
    - Just fun gameplay with the turn based stop and go
    - The way the game made you use all of the different functions was cool
    - Enjoyed the story and narration throughout
    - Also enjoyed going through the new game plus mode

    Cons:
    - Would of liked more boss battles/enemies
    - Even more situational uses of functions would of made the game more difficult    … Expand
  18. EwanD20
    Aug 20, 2017
    8
    This is one of the best looking games I've seen. I love the art style of Transistor and the soundtrack. The combat mechanics are super fun and the fact that you can create and customise your own combat functions, and also choose what aspects of the game you want made more difficult is a nice touch. My only problems are these: I feel as if some of the enemies (Fetch and Haircuts inThis is one of the best looking games I've seen. I love the art style of Transistor and the soundtrack. The combat mechanics are super fun and the fact that you can create and customise your own combat functions, and also choose what aspects of the game you want made more difficult is a nice touch. My only problems are these: I feel as if some of the enemies (Fetch and Haircuts in particular) are very overpowered and I found it hard to pickup any backstory to the game, although I found the actual story very easy to follow. Overall a very aesthetic and fun game, definitely try it out - 7/10… Expand
  19. IJL711
    Jun 20, 2017
    8
    Good:
    -Music. Like, seriously. She's a singer and she good
    -Art Style is beautiful
    -Battle system and abilities are good, pretty much one of a kind. They also play well into the enviroment.

    Bad:
    -After a while, some of the battles can feel like a chore
    -The illusion of choice
  20. Nel
    Apr 2, 2017
    8
    Very enjoyable rpg like game. The game has really neat story, and the gameplay is really fun. It is both an fun way to spend a few hours, and it has some replay ability.
  21. HerrKapitan9
    Mar 16, 2017
    10
    This is one of the most beautiful games i ever played and a righteous example of video games as an art form.
    The art style is so Vivid and polished, the soundtrack is GLORIOUS!!!!!!!! (download it, i demand it!) then you face this GENIUS combat mechanic, so different and full with options, variations and play styles adding a nice tactical layer, incorporating the story in a great way,    This is one of the most beautiful games i ever played and a righteous example of video games as an art form.
    The art style is so Vivid and polished, the soundtrack is GLORIOUS!!!!!!!! (download it, i demand it!) then you face this GENIUS combat mechanic, so different and full with options, variations and play styles adding a nice tactical layer, incorporating the story in a great way, and the STORY! i love the tone of it, uncovering the main character Red and all Cloudbank and its characters. In general an outstanding piece of video game that you must try.    … Expand
  22. Juras
    Mar 14, 2017
    9
    This is indie game i approve, lovely design, music and hero presentation, nice gameplay system. Perfect game for PlayStation Plus subscribers. Want more of them.
  23. Yerczeys
    Oct 14, 2016
    9
    Being a player driven by atmosphere, story, and characters more than anything else I found Transistor to be a beautiful experience. I fell in love with this game from the first button I pushed and it didn't let me go for the next six hours. The music of the game was haunting and felt like an organic member of the experience rather than background noise. The story took a few turns IBeing a player driven by atmosphere, story, and characters more than anything else I found Transistor to be a beautiful experience. I fell in love with this game from the first button I pushed and it didn't let me go for the next six hours. The music of the game was haunting and felt like an organic member of the experience rather than background noise. The story took a few turns I didn't expect and that's always a welcome thing. And the combat was refreshing, I don't know that I've ever been through fights like that before. The only two issues I found with the game were the enemies (which weren't interesting in the first place and grew tiresome quickly) and the unfortunate short time the game lasts. I didn't expect and epic tale, but six hours left me wanting. Would have reached a perfect ten in my book otherwise.… Expand
  24. houyi111
    Jun 29, 2016
    8
    The gameplay of transistor is super good and interesting. I had a lot of fun trying different combat combination since each function has a main, a second and a general use... the art design of this game is nice. I finished the game in two settings about 8 hours to get platinum and enjoyed the game. However, I don't really dig into the story and some of the dialogues are cringeworthy,The gameplay of transistor is super good and interesting. I had a lot of fun trying different combat combination since each function has a main, a second and a general use... the art design of this game is nice. I finished the game in two settings about 8 hours to get platinum and enjoyed the game. However, I don't really dig into the story and some of the dialogues are cringeworthy, e.g... i love you,, don't leave me.... red.....lol. i feel the main game is too short with reused locations, the boss fights should be much more and better than what we had. I guess I enjoyed the gameplay too much so that i hope the game can be longer and the enemy can be more diverse and interesting to try different builds. All in all, i love the game.… Expand
  25. cod-goty
    Jun 21, 2016
    10
    just an awesome game. the soundtrack is one of the bests i've heart. the gameplay gives you the oportunity to play exactly as you want to, with a large amount of combinations for your attacks. the difficulty is completely customizable, you can make the different parts of the fight difficult one by one. and the story is fantastic, much more deep than it seems at first. the only thing somejust an awesome game. the soundtrack is one of the bests i've heart. the gameplay gives you the oportunity to play exactly as you want to, with a large amount of combinations for your attacks. the difficulty is completely customizable, you can make the different parts of the fight difficult one by one. and the story is fantastic, much more deep than it seems at first. the only thing some people could complain of is the duration. it will cost you about two hours to finish the main story, but it's there when the real fun starts, because you have all the functions unlocked. and apart from that, this is a story that has to be this way, nothing exceed and nothing is left, a 100 hours transistor would probably be a 1/10. i personally have spent about 30 hours on it and i can certainly say that it's by far my favourite indie and one of my favourite games in general. it's a 9,8/10 so i'll put a 10 instead… Expand
  26. Bumblebugbee
    May 12, 2016
    10
    Transistor represents everything there is to love about the growing indie game scene. The visuals are stunning, the soundtrack is phenomenal, the gameplay is thrilling, and the story is fascinating. Whats even more impressive is that this game doesn't rely on the tried-and-true concepts, it instead carves its own path. This makes for a one-of-kind experience, one that is hard to putTransistor represents everything there is to love about the growing indie game scene. The visuals are stunning, the soundtrack is phenomenal, the gameplay is thrilling, and the story is fascinating. Whats even more impressive is that this game doesn't rely on the tried-and-true concepts, it instead carves its own path. This makes for a one-of-kind experience, one that is hard to put down. The incredible adventure won't soon be forgotten.

    The first thing you'll notice playing Transistor is the hyper-stylized art style and soundtrack. It has a darker tone with a lot of deep glossy colors to contrast the gray-scale of the processes which are taking over the city. Clearly the developers had a very specific style they wanted and made sure everything in the game was designed with it in mind. The music is a soothing combination of slow jazz with bits of subtle electronics thrown in. Its safe to assume much of the singing and music is supposed to reflect what Red's style was like before the Camerata put an end to her career. This event marks the starting point for Red's adventure.

    At some points the story was hard to follow but I believe I got most of it. The game takes place in Cloudbank, a high-tech city where citizens can make decisions through surveys that will effectively change the city to their liking. These changes are made possible via the "processes", a creation of Camerata. Camerata is comprised of a small group of individuals who believe they know what is best for the "their" city and will go to any means to eliminate anyone they think poses a threat to the status quo. As a increasing popular singer in Cloudbank, one who was a bit too controversial, Red became Camerata's next target. You survive the attack and take from Camerata's their one tool for controlling the processes, the Transistor.

    The transistor not only talks to you as your one companion through out the game but it also doubles as an incredibly powerful weapon. It has the ability to absorb the souls of the recently deceased which you can use to aid you in combat. Although Transistor feels like an action game it really is more of a strategy game. You have the ability to pause time and plan out a series of attacks. Be careful however because after an attack you'll be exposed for a couple seconds until you recharge your plan phase. The different personalities you absorb all have very different functions that can be used as attacks, enhancements, or passive traits. This gives Transistor an incredible sense of variety in the options you have for approaching different combat situations.

    This game is a masterpiece. The visuals and music will draw you in while the combat will get you hooked. The difficulty curve is near perfect as you'll usually feel challenged but never entirely overwhelmed. If you feel the game is a little on the easy side limiters you unlock throughout the game add some serious extra challenge to the encounters. By using the limiters you'll get an experience bonus adding a nice risk vs reward element to the gameplay. Whether you're looking for a interesting story or a strategic combat system that you can really sink your teeth into, you have to check out Transistor.    … Expand
  27. True_Reclaimer
    Mar 17, 2016
    9
    A huge improvement over Bastion in every way. The combat system is one of the best Ive experienced, and allows for deep customization. Once again no multiplayer leads to a lonely game, and the story is pretty short. I loved the art and the music, and especially love the Transistor PS4 dynamic theme. However the enemies can be downright cheap (invincible, stunlock you, warp around, OHKOA huge improvement over Bastion in every way. The combat system is one of the best Ive experienced, and allows for deep customization. Once again no multiplayer leads to a lonely game, and the story is pretty short. I loved the art and the music, and especially love the Transistor PS4 dynamic theme. However the enemies can be downright cheap (invincible, stunlock you, warp around, OHKO you, etc) so youre sometimes forced to use overpowered builds to progress. All in all worth the time spent. Would like to see a sequel!… Expand
  28. stamito
    Jan 8, 2016
    9
    I have to say that I gave this one a try because I got it for free in PSN. I was a bit reluctant to buy it because I didn’t like bastion a lot and some people say it is similar. Anyway, the music and setting in general is excellent, I just loved the transistor universe. The story is also excellent, it is told in a way that leaves space for some personal interpretation, not everything isI have to say that I gave this one a try because I got it for free in PSN. I was a bit reluctant to buy it because I didn’t like bastion a lot and some people say it is similar. Anyway, the music and setting in general is excellent, I just loved the transistor universe. The story is also excellent, it is told in a way that leaves space for some personal interpretation, not everything is crystal clear; it is quite clever and enjoyable in my opinion. At first I thought the gameplay was a bit average, but then you start getting more skills and it gets much much better and deeper. I got to say the combat is an amazingly clever mixture of strategy and let’s call it normal action, simply great. Give this one a try if you’re looking for a rpg that feels a bit different from the rest of the stuff out there.… Expand
  29. jsands7
    Dec 24, 2015
    8
    Transistor is a great game. I believe that I played through it twice and almost kept going for a third experience. I dug into the challenge arena as well. Great atmosphere and interesting story/concepts. I believe that I actually ended up buying the soundtrack also.

    I would probably give this game an 8.5, but if I have to choose I will round to an 8. I am rating this a few months after    Transistor is a great game. I believe that I played through it twice and almost kept going for a third experience. I dug into the challenge arena as well. Great atmosphere and interesting story/concepts. I believe that I actually ended up buying the soundtrack also.

    I would probably give this game an 8.5, but if I have to choose I will round to an 8. I am rating this a few months after playing; I bet I would've rounded up to 9 if my memory was more vivid, but it is what it is.    … Expand
  30. NotForThrees
    Dec 14, 2015
    10
    I loved everything about this game, from the voice acting, the music, the pacing, the history. The gameplay is deep and it gets very challenging on replay (haven't beat it for the second time yet). While some may say the storytelling is strange and unconventional, I found this part of the charm.
    The only negative point is the below average duration.
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Awards & Rankings

23
#23 Best PS4 Game of 2014
33
#33 Most Discussed PS4 Game of 2014
45
#45 Most Shared PS4 Game of 2014

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
83

Generally favorable reviews - based on 57 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 51 out of 57
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 57
  3. Negative: 0 out of 57
  1. Pelit (Finland)
    Sep 3, 2014
    90
    Transistor is an atmospheric and action-packed sci-fi RPG with excellent combat mechanics and deep customization options. The top-notch audiovisuals are complemented with a gripping storyline. Overall, Transistor is an excellent role-playing adventure. I sincerely hope, that other game companies are smart enough to copy the smartest ideas from this indie pearl. [Aug 2014]
  2. SpazioGames
    Jul 18, 2014
    85
    Transistor is an example of style and courage, an action RPG with an intriguing combat system, a fascinating story and characters. This game is also simply sublime in the field of graphics and sound. A great game by the creators of Bastion.
    Read full review
  3. Playstation Official Magazine UK
    Jun 29, 2014
    80
    A unique creative vision that's not to be missed. [July 2014, p.82]
See all critic reviews »