Transistor

 Switch
User Score
8.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 91 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 62 out of 91
  2. Mixed: 27 out of 91
  3. Negative: 2 out of 91
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  1. AllySky
    Nov 1, 2018
    10
    As I have explained in my Bastion review, Supergiant Games is a legendary company, releasing Bastion, Transistor, and Pyre. The games story is amazing, one that I will never forget for being so impactful, and its narrative is even better then Bastion's, it brought the game to life, from beginning to end it felt like I was a part of the journey. The soundtrack was so fitting to the world'sAs I have explained in my Bastion review, Supergiant Games is a legendary company, releasing Bastion, Transistor, and Pyre. The games story is amazing, one that I will never forget for being so impactful, and its narrative is even better then Bastion's, it brought the game to life, from beginning to end it felt like I was a part of the journey. The soundtrack was so fitting to the world's theme, and was of the highest quality, not to mention the game play was unique to any other, it was both enjoyable and customizable, made to let you play how you want to play.

    This does nothing but prove how absolutely talented the developers are, releasing another masterpiece without a doubt, that does nothing but improve on their previous installment, Bastion. Transistor is outstanding, it is worth every penny, and it is an experience... one not so easily forgettable.    … Expand
  2. Greeensky
    Jan 29, 2019
    10
    Tactically Musical Story Teller.

    That is the genre that I believe would be most befitting to this title. Game itself is pleasurable to play, if a bit difficult in later battles. Tactically similar to xcom or jagged alliance, however musically similar to ... nothing, really. The game has the best soundtrack I have ever experienced in any game ever and I have over 1500 finished    Tactically Musical Story Teller.

    That is the genre that I believe would be most befitting to this title.

    Game itself is pleasurable to play, if a bit difficult in later battles. Tactically similar to xcom or jagged alliance, however musically similar to ... nothing, really.

    The game has the best soundtrack I have ever experienced in any game ever and I have over 1500 finished titles on my account. Every time I hear "Paper Boats", I burst into a bubble engulfed with emotions and tears falling from my eyes.

    Nothing has ever moved my soul as this game's soundtrack. I fully recommend listening to it on yt.

    So, if you're in for the musical feast, then please enter and enjoy this experience to the fullest, because I am afraid that for a long time we shan't have an equal to the Transistor.    … Expand
  3. PeregrineOmega
    Dec 27, 2018
    10
    Perhaps one of the most beautiful games ever made. Stunning artwork, incredible soundtrack, stellar gameplay, and a pure example of game design as an art form.
  4. Sunshadow87
    Jun 5, 2020
    8
    Básicamente mi review para este juego es muy similar a la de Bastion, así que voy a hacer un corta y pega, pero eso sí, hay algunas cosas que lo hacen mejor que este. No tenemos el desarrollo del poblado, pero tenemos un sistema de leveleo de nuestros personajes y "espíritus", que es algo similar a fin de cuentas, pero con mayor trasfondo de historia.
    Considero superior "Transistor"    Básicamente mi review para este juego es muy similar a la de Bastion, así que voy a hacer un corta y pega, pero eso sí, hay algunas cosas que lo hacen mejor que este. No tenemos el desarrollo del poblado, pero tenemos un sistema de leveleo de nuestros personajes y "espíritus", que es algo similar a fin de cuentas, pero con mayor trasfondo de historia.
    Considero superior "Transistor" porque su historia y construcción de mundo me resultan más interesantes y mejor llevados.
    Por lo demás, copia y pega:
    "Un juego centrado en una historia bellamente contada gracias al narrador, con un estilo artístico muy particular y bello. Es muy buen juego, con gran cantidad de mecánicas conforme vas consiguiendo más armas, múltiples retos, etc.
    Aún así, los niveles resultan algo repetitivos jugablemente mas allá de la historia (no demasiado porque el juego tiene la duración justa para no hacerse pesado). La perspectiva puede generar algún problema también con el control, especialmente en algunas áreas muy concretas."    … Expand
  5. weasleye
    Jan 31, 2021
    10
    This would be what I consider the perfect game.
    Story: uniquely delivered in a way that oozes charisma through artistry, writing, and delivery.
    Gameplay: Challenging but not overwhelming. Skills absolutely matter and can be adjusted and tailored to fit your game play style or desired use case. You unlock new skills at a pretty good clip so if anything feels stale you can quickly pivot to    This would be what I consider the perfect game.
    Story: uniquely delivered in a way that oozes charisma through artistry, writing, and delivery.
    Gameplay: Challenging but not overwhelming. Skills absolutely matter and can be adjusted and tailored to fit your game play style or desired use case. You unlock new skills at a pretty good clip so if anything feels stale you can quickly pivot to something fresh.
    Music: God this is my favorite part. Korb is the greatest composer in gaming right now. Everything fits the bill and is executed in a way that allows the players atmosphere to be constructed sonically around them.
    Technically sound: I did not encounter a single, not one single bug through out my play-through.    … Expand
  6. kamhagh
    Feb 28, 2019
    9
    Fantastic music, nice visuals great overall.

    I still listen to the sound track years after it's release!
  7. MindWanderer
    Feb 27, 2020
    9
    Mechanical synergy. I slept on this game for a long time despite being impressed by the gameplay I saw at a convention, and these are the two words I needed to hear that would have made me play it earlier.

    Your character gets an array of combat abilities called "functions" with pseudo-programming names, like Crash() and Breach(). Initially you can only use these abilities actively,    Mechanical synergy. I slept on this game for a long time despite being impressed by the gameplay I saw at a convention, and these are the two words I needed to hear that would have made me play it earlier.

    Your character gets an array of combat abilities called "functions" with pseudo-programming names, like Crash() and Breach(). Initially you can only use these abilities actively, but later in the game you learn to use them as upgrades to other functions or to yourself. So, for instance, Spark() shoots a ball that fragments on impact, but if you put it on another function it will cause that function to emit damaging sparks in addition to its normal effect, or you can use it as a passive function to make it so that when you're damaged, it creates an illusory copy of you to draw attacks.

    As you can imagine, with four equippable functions with two upgrade slots each and four passive slots, the opportunities to come up with synergistic effects is tremendous. It turns the game from a fairly straightforward tactical experience to a complex optimization challenge.

    On top of that, you can also earn options to gain bonus experience by upgrading your enemies instead! If you choose not to do this, you don't have to be a strategic genius to beat the game; it's not terrifically challenging at base. If you do, though, you'll need to come up with ways to counter the abilities you've given your enemies.

    Other reviewers have raved about the game's art and story, so I won't go into that. Those won't sell me on a game. But the mechanics did.    … Expand
  8. nusco
    Oct 19, 2019
    8
    Transistor is a gorgeous mix of cyberpunk with art nouveau, and real-time with turn-based strategy. It also includes Supergiant Games' trademark chatty narrator, that in this case is also your sidekick throughout the game.

    Transistor is like a brave experiment that mostly pays off. It has enough new mechanical ideas for three games, although they don't all work smoothly–but it should    Transistor is a gorgeous mix of cyberpunk with art nouveau, and real-time with turn-based strategy. It also includes Supergiant Games' trademark chatty narrator, that in this case is also your sidekick throughout the game.

    Transistor is like a brave experiment that mostly pays off. It has enough new mechanical ideas for three games, although they don't all work smoothly–but it should be praised for attempting them. The narrative goes a few non-obvious places, and its twists and turns don't always keep you engaged–but the brilliant voice acting and the luscious music help in keeping it all together.

    All in all, Transistor isn't a perfect game by any means, but it's certainly one worth exploring.    … Expand
  9. Mintendo
    Jan 29, 2020
    9
    Wow - this game was more engrossing than I thought it would be. I wasn’t sure about the mechanics at first, but it didn’t take long to get addicted to the fun action/strategy combo! The story is intriguing enough to create the right atmosphere, but doesn’t get in the way of the gameplay. And the artwork is just so... cool! A must-play!
  10. RyFi
    Nov 6, 2019
    10
    Transistor is a fabulous game with visually stunning graphics. It mixes story-driven beat-em-up elements with turn based action, making for very fun and never boring gameplay. As I mentioned before, it really is done in a visually stunning art style that never failed to deliver. I would highly recommend Transistor as one of my favorite games, and would suggest that you pick it up, itTransistor is a fabulous game with visually stunning graphics. It mixes story-driven beat-em-up elements with turn based action, making for very fun and never boring gameplay. As I mentioned before, it really is done in a visually stunning art style that never failed to deliver. I would highly recommend Transistor as one of my favorite games, and would suggest that you pick it up, it really feels at home here on the Switch.… Expand
  11. Asclkose
    Dec 8, 2019
    9
    Kinda slow in the beginning, but by the end, becomes one of the most gripping narratives in a game I have ever played. The visuals are consistently stunning throughout the game, and while the combat is a very new and odd system, you get used to it and it becomes very enjoyable. There are so many powers and abilities to play with, which, overall, makes the game really fun to play.
  12. jcren
    Mar 10, 2020
    10
    Initially I gave this game a bad review. For many reasons Ive decided to update my review. I have replayed the game several times now and during every iteration I noticed something new, something charming, something profound, something -- something i missed before; and every single intricacy made me like the game more and more. Maybe I wasnt looking for these intricacies when I firstInitially I gave this game a bad review. For many reasons Ive decided to update my review. I have replayed the game several times now and during every iteration I noticed something new, something charming, something profound, something -- something i missed before; and every single intricacy made me like the game more and more. Maybe I wasnt looking for these intricacies when I first played the game because I didnt go into it with an open mind, and I pre-emptively judged Transistor based on what I thought it should be, not what it was, and by doing so missed the beauty that was all around me in the game. If anything, I hope that the developers release a book based on the game so I can actually get to know some of the characters who have been integrated a little better. Thank you to the team over at Super Giant for making yet another great game. I cant wait for your next one.… Expand
  13. adearriba07
    Aug 21, 2020
    9
    Great game! Super innovative! I loved the battle system, first time I play something like this to be true. Very enjoyable and full of details.
  14. TempoTheMan
    Aug 12, 2021
    8
    Its supergiant games.
    tbh the ability combinations are kinda wierd in the later parts of the game and the combat is a little clunky, but who cares when its a supergiant games story
  15. JAG7
    Jun 23, 2023
    10
    Great game. Weird story, wonderful world designed. Interesting combat. Controls are great. Superb soundtrack. Visuals are beautiful as well. Don’t compare it to Bastion or Hades, ‘cause it’s not the same at all, it’s different and that is a good thing. This game is unique. So play it and enjoy it as I did.
  16. Heracross93
    Oct 11, 2022
    8
    It's hard not to fault it. Isometric games have never looked so good. Aesthetically and conceptually outstanding at a really affordable pricepoint (on digital). It will take a few playthroughs to fully appreciate the story and master the combat system on its hardest difficulty.
  17. Screenhero
    Nov 11, 2022
    10
    A beautiful game with a very nice combination of genres. The use of attack-planning offers a thoughtful approach and the combination of abilities can offer options for any situation.

Awards & Rankings

24
#24 Best Switch Game of 2018
61
#61 Most Discussed Switch Game of 2018

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
86

Generally favorable reviews - based on 9 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 9
  3. Negative: 0 out of 9
  1. God is a Geek
    Sep 3, 2019
    90
    This is a great way to experience on of the best games ever. I really wish they had added the touchscreen functionality from the iOS version as an option to make this the definitive version of the game. If you don’t care about touchscreen controls, the Switch version is amazing and absolutely worth getting if you’ve never played this game before.
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  2. Switch Player
    Nov 15, 2018
    90
    Beautiful, graceful and full of charm. Transistor is a gem that should be in everyone's collection.
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  3. FNintendo
    Nov 12, 2018
    90
    Transistor is a marvelous piece of gaming worthy of all praises. Whether for fans of action games or turn-based combat games, this is definitely a game to invest in and where players will find themselves experimenting in many ways thanks to the game's long lifespan, with an absolutely exquisite soundtrack in the background.
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