Transistor (2014)

Supergiant Games

Main
6
hours
Main + Extra
8
hours
Platinum
16
hours

Transistor is an action role-playing game presented from an isometric perspective. Players control Red, a singer in the city of Cloudbank, as she wields a greatsword-like weapon called the Transistor against robotic enemies known as the Process. Combat can be played in real-time or paused using a planning mode called Turn(), which allows queuing actions for execution in a burst. Powers called Functions can be equipped in active slots, used as upgrades to augment other Functions, or placed in passive slots for persistent effects. With 16 total Functions available, the system encourages experimentation with different combinations across multiple playthroughs.

About the story

Red, a popular singer in the city of Cloudbank, kneels by the body of a man who has been killed with a glowing greatsword called the Transistor. The attack, carried out by a group of high-ranking officials called the Camerata, took away her voice, sealing it inside the weapon. The sword also absorbed the man's consciousness, allowing him to speak to Red and guide her. As Red moves through the city in pursuit of the Camerata, a robotic force called the Process attacks Cloudbank indiscriminately, and it becomes apparent that the Camerata have lost control of it.

Platforms

iOS Linux Mac Switch PC PS4

Genres

Adventure Indie Role-playing (RPG) Strategy Turn-based strategy (TBS)

Themes

Action Science fiction

Languages: English and 9 more

Interface Audio Subtitles
English
French
Italian
German
Spanish (Spain)
Polish
Portuguese (Brazil)
Russian
Japanese
Chinese (Simplified)

Media

Critic Reviews

33bits

By Sancho Canela
90

Transistor is a short game, but intense and very fun. Its playable proposal hooks and its duration is just so that it does not get heavy, although if your combat system catches you (which is very easy to happen) you will be wanting much more. The narrative is very good and is perfectly integrated into the development of the game, sometimes very evident and other times very subtle. It is an excellent game with few buts and really hard not to recommend. It compensates for its short duration with the intensity and quality of its hours.

25 Mar, 2019 Read full review

FNintendo

By Pedro Mesquita
90

Transistor is easily one of the finest works being made available in the Nintendo Switch catalogue. Fans of action games and of turn-based combat games will be delighted at this work, which will keep players very well entertained for a long time thanks to its long-lasting lifespan and to its fantastic soundtrack.

12 Nov, 2018 Read full review

Nintendo Times

By Jay Kittelson
85

With excellent music, beautifully drawn levels, and a story that jerks at the heartstrings, Transistor is a great game that will surely leave you satisfied and wanting to play through it a second time.

01 Nov, 2018 Read full review

Nindie Spotlight

By Nindie Spotlight
90

Between the somewhat different way that its story and details reveal themselves, the terrific music and visuals, and the custom-catered abilities you’ll use in challenging combat Transistor is a satisfying cyberpunk romp. No matter how powerful you may feel the Process continues to send new enemies and scenarios at you so you’ll need to experiment and adapt, keeping everything engaging throughout. While the story feels like it’s over a bit too soon it’s a satisfying ride and if you want even more challenging combat you then always have the Sandbox and New Game + to indulge in.

01 Nov, 2018 Read full review

oprainfall

By Drew D
90

Transistor, from start to finish, is immersive, charming, emotional, imaginative, the list goes on. This is a true gem, not to be missed. The one real regret is that it had to end eventually. I knew this, but so badly did I want it to last just a little longer. Just one more encounter. One more conversation. One more touching moment. Just one more, just a little longer. As an experience, it would be impossible to forget. Emotionally, few games have left such a lingering impact. It has so much to share and will make your imagination run satisfyingly wild. It pains me to judge this game professionally, giving it a 4.5 (closer to 4.8) instead of the 5 that I so wish to give it. I genuinely want to forget its few tiny flaws; this is how much I love this game. It may not be flawless, but that doesn’t take away from its sheer magnificence. Transistor is an absolute masterpiece.

01 Nov, 2018 Read full review

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