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. themostunclean
    May 21, 2014
    10
    An absolute marvel. The attention to detail in everything from the music and art to upgrade system and battle mechanics is mind-blowing. No negative written user reviews but I can only assume the negative ratings are coming from some immature fanboys who are upset that Supergiant jumped ship from publishing on Microsoft. I only say this because no true gamer could hate this if they'dAn absolute marvel. The attention to detail in everything from the music and art to upgrade system and battle mechanics is mind-blowing. No negative written user reviews but I can only assume the negative ratings are coming from some immature fanboys who are upset that Supergiant jumped ship from publishing on Microsoft. I only say this because no true gamer could hate this if they'd actually played it.

    If it were a little longer, I'd go as far as saying its worth buying a PS4 just for this game. It's something that nobody who loves games should miss.    … Expand
  2. jokerdeus
    May 26, 2014
    10
    Transistor certainly is a beautiful piece of art, but also a very good fun to play.
    Nothing is left behind, from art to the gameplay, everything is amazing.
  3. TRANDO101
    May 21, 2014
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This game is wonderful, i must say i thought it'd be like an 8 because there was one problem i had with bastion, i thought it had boring combat but transistors combat is fantastic, limiters allowing you the freedom to choose difficulty, various attacks that can be used as upgrades for other attacks allowing varies ways of playing. Not to mention the artstyle, something that supergiant games is great at, its amazing. Even the story is quite interesting with various with the news reports and various interactables. This game is well worth 20, 40 even 60 dollars, with some replayability with new game plus or recuriion so you can play differently. THIS GAME IS A MUST BUY, its the best game thats come out as of this year and could very well be the best throughout.… Expand
  4. RewindTheGamer
    May 21, 2014
    10
    This game was perfect. From the narration to the artwork, soundtrack, gameplay, etc... I was completely immersed throughout the campaign. The game is beautiful, aesthetically, although has somewhat of a dark tone, and the two balance wonderfully to create a truly unique experience. I highly recommend this to anyone!
  5. lostinspace
    Jul 24, 2014
    10
    **** brilliant... Enough said..........................................................................................................................................
  6. SeanUlfik86
    Jun 27, 2014
    10
    Very different from other games. Diablo mixed with a little bit of Disgaea mixed with gorgeous art and music. Very saddening story though. Right in the feels.
  7. davidh2014
    Jun 13, 2014
    10
    It's actually a really good indie game that keeps you coming back for more. Very colorful board. Action RPG game. The indie games are becoming a better market than the big name commercial games. Worth the buy.
  8. CarrieSnarf
    May 20, 2014
    10
    It's a beautiful game with a haunting soundtrack- I could listen to the soundtrack alone for hours. I found the turn based combat system allows the user to get used to the strategy before running head long in to complicated battles- a nice addition. The story is intense and builds slowly over time- there is so much to discover in Cloudbank that I know I will be learning things in the gameIt's a beautiful game with a haunting soundtrack- I could listen to the soundtrack alone for hours. I found the turn based combat system allows the user to get used to the strategy before running head long in to complicated battles- a nice addition. The story is intense and builds slowly over time- there is so much to discover in Cloudbank that I know I will be learning things in the game for weeks to come! It is totally the spiritual successor to Bastion, but I like it so much more. Great job Supergiant!… Expand
  9. Quag_with_Class
    Aug 19, 2014
    10
    This is game is amazing the gameplay was very colored and had amazing visuals, the controls were easy to learn and were quite smooth, the music was beautiful and colored I just couldn't not love it, and last but not least the commentary from transistor was quite enjoyable, it could be hilarious and sad and you became really connected. This game is phenomenal buy it- Quag_with_Class
  10. InfamousRacoon
    Feb 9, 2015
    10
    Short review: It's cheap and worth your time, go buy it.
    Longer review: This game is both ear- and eyecandy. As a lot of other users has told, the soundtrack is simply fantastic, but the game has an amazing art style too!
    But I feel, that one of the most important features in this game is that it's fun. Like a game should be, it tells a story with you looking at something beautiful,    Short review: It's cheap and worth your time, go buy it.
    Longer review: This game is both ear- and eyecandy. As a lot of other users has told, the soundtrack is simply fantastic, but the game has an amazing art style too!

    But I feel, that one of the most important features in this game is that it's fun. Like a game should be, it tells a story with you looking at something beautiful, hearing something beautiful and having fun on the same time. It also has a kind of strategic gameplay, so you can't sleep while playing it!
    10/10 I'm in love with this game.    … Expand
  11. EpicusLegatum
    Feb 13, 2015
    10
    I got this with PS+ and honestly wasn't drawn to it. I played every other game I was given free first but now that I've played Transistor, I'm hooked.

    The reviews that say they have no idea what's going on after an hours playtime, well that's a lot of what the game's about. You're thrown into a situation that you know nothing about and you're journey reveals more of the story as you    I got this with PS+ and honestly wasn't drawn to it. I played every other game I was given free first but now that I've played Transistor, I'm hooked.

    The reviews that say they have no idea what's going on after an hours playtime, well that's a lot of what the game's about. You're thrown into a situation that you know nothing about and you're journey reveals more of the story as you play. You gain character files along with your new powers that if you use in all ways possible, you get to read more of their bio. This forces you to mix up your move set and both adds to the story and stops the combat becoming repetitive, as some people have complained. This is as well as having "Limiters" that make the enemies stronger in various ways and rewards you with more exp for using them. With all these factors I fail to see how anyone can claim they breezed through spamming the same move over and over.

    The game's very unique, I've personally not played any other game to makes an accurate direct comparison and I'm surprisingly finding myself with a new top game I'd recommend to friends. Definitely worth checking out    … Expand
  12. LifeOnRecord
    Mar 8, 2015
    10
    Amazing game with one of the best soundtracks and narrators. One of my favorite games available this generation. Great progression and rewarding. Definitely a must play game.
  13. Impirus
    Aug 19, 2015
    10
    Just what a beautiful game from the soundtrack to the story and art design it's the reason why i like indi games, it's a perfect game for me ..great story great sound track great gameplay great looking great price tag i found nothing wrong in it . A perfect game
  14. AbyssTreader
    Aug 26, 2015
    10
    If I had to describe Transistor with one word it would be 'brilliant'. While the game itself is not particularly long or challenging it is surely memorable. The art style is reminiscent of paintings from Gustav Klimt and that in and of itself is astonishing. But as far as artistic direction goes Transistor really shines in the music department with some of the probably most impressiveIf I had to describe Transistor with one word it would be 'brilliant'. While the game itself is not particularly long or challenging it is surely memorable. The art style is reminiscent of paintings from Gustav Klimt and that in and of itself is astonishing. But as far as artistic direction goes Transistor really shines in the music department with some of the probably most impressive vocal tracks in gaming history. The combat is also pretty smart allowing for vast use of the so called 'functions'. The theme of Transistor is Technocracy and Choice. With a story that is purposelessly vague, it will take a number of play troughs to fully grasp it, but that is rather welcome and not bothersome. On a last note, for people coming to this game coming from Bastion I would recommend to try and embrace the new setting rather then look for a clear cut replica. That said there is a pretty good narration going on, so that is a nice returning feature.… Expand
  15. 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.
  16. 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
  17. 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.
  18. 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
  19. 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
  20. 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.
  21. 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
  22. Ahlgren
    Jul 20, 2020
    10
    Probably my favorit game.
    Love the story, just a beautiful game................
  23. 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.
  24. KingVilla1n
    May 3, 2019
    10
    Духовный и стилистический шедевр. Пожалуй, самая трогательная история о любви в играх.
  25. 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.
  26. kris2fur
    May 22, 2014
    9
    I really liked this isometric 3d sprites on 2d backgrounds, I even liked it better than child of light.
    This game has a certain style about it, I like the transisitor and have learned to like the narrative that echoes form it in flashes of green.
    The combat and upgrade sytems allows a certain level of customisation, through combinations it takes a very little amount of time to realise    I really liked this isometric 3d sprites on 2d backgrounds, I even liked it better than child of light.
    This game has a certain style about it, I like the transisitor and have learned to like the narrative that echoes form it in flashes of green.
    The combat and upgrade sytems allows a certain level of customisation, through combinations it takes a very little amount of time to realise cause vs effect with this. You can also stop time and turn base your attacks for strategic planning or real time.
    Overall I am throughly enjoying this game and I would recomend this to anyone.    … Expand
  27. Rene9aaade
    May 29, 2014
    9
    I am absolutely torn as to the accolade of GOTY this year, given this was the year if the mighty dark souls 2!!!
    child of light and transistor where the outstanding games of the year for me, Transistor is the pinnacle of indie game making. Super giant games have created a fully realised world.
    Simply put this the best Indie game i am yet to play on Playstation systems. i'll start    I am absolutely torn as to the accolade of GOTY this year, given this was the year if the mighty dark souls 2!!!
    child of light and transistor where the outstanding games of the year for me, Transistor is the pinnacle of indie game making. Super giant games have created a fully realised world.

    Simply put this the best Indie game i am yet to play on Playstation systems.

    i'll start 1st with Gameplay, transistor stands out with it's take on the turn based/free flowing action with light RPG elements , while the system is great it is not flawless, but would never hinder your plans and works very well. What makes the title shine is the depth of gameplay, which in turn are shown by the options of your arsenal, you have primary actions, secondary attributes and passive attributes. But the catch is that you mix and match the same powers/abilities into any of these slots each action has two secondaries and then you have 4 passive actions. It is a difficult mechanic to describe in words but works wonderfully, It adds options and strategic depth, moreover it allows you to play the way you want to play.
    Add to that "limiters " which i much say were one of the coolest things in Bastion but come back here even cooler. This is Supergiants take on difficulty, it's a balance where you handicap your self in return of XP % boosts. It's optional but as i am a fan of challenging games, it make my life hell when i turn them most of them on. I just love how this is in an optional feature that elevates the game difficulty to exactly how hard you want it to be.

    2nd thing on the list is Graphics, Anyone who played bastion knows that SG games have unique and awesome presentations. This trend continues in Transistor A beautiful SCI/FI world wonderfully colored and detailed. Its pretty to look at and stylised to perfection.

    3rd up Sound This is DARREN KORB if you know him, you know what your getting into and it's phenomenal if not You are definitely missing out on one of the best artists in the gaming industry. Tunes go from futuristic to melancholic in a blink of an eye, it is done so perfectly and ties with the games sequences in such a way that deserves praise and recognition. Without a doubt the games strongest feat.

    4th and last up story/ replay-ability story is cool not outstanding but it's a nice tale that unravels as the game progresses and was interesting through out. Due to the depth of options it would be a joy to at least play Transistor twice in my opinion.

    All in all this is a video gaming achievement in the indie world and without a doubt warrants the price of admission.    … Expand
  28. phishhippy
    May 21, 2014
    9
    I was worried going into this game at 20$ for 6 hours, but my fears were unfounded. Yes, it's 6 hours if you rush through without playing the optional test courses or exploring the city or your ability tree in detail, but there's also a new game plus playthrough and I found the main game with all extras to be about 9 hours with 17 in total for a new game plus included. What a beautifulI was worried going into this game at 20$ for 6 hours, but my fears were unfounded. Yes, it's 6 hours if you rush through without playing the optional test courses or exploring the city or your ability tree in detail, but there's also a new game plus playthrough and I found the main game with all extras to be about 9 hours with 17 in total for a new game plus included. What a beautiful and original game it was too.
    A suave jazz vibe with great voice acting through my dualshock speaker as the lightbar lit to each word... it was an awesome experience I recommend to any one looking for a change of pace in their gaming landscape for a week or two. The music and voice acting is top notch and production values are sky high. Sleek is the one word I would use to describe the whole package.
    If you enjoyed Bation you will like this game, but this game is a little deeper and asks more from you in the best ways. What I can say most of all, is that it will stick with you. I only wish there were a real life poll for our forecast.    … Expand
  29. 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
  30. Alexander_S
    Nov 5, 2015
    9
    Еще одна потрясающая игра от Supergiant Games. Начиная от атмосферы и геймплея, заканчивая саундтреком.
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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 »