Transistor

Does Transistor, the newest game from Supergiant Games, live up to the hype? Here is our review!

If you can believe it, Transistor surpasses the quality of Bastion in nearly every respect, making it a near perfect game. Easily the best game of the year so far.

Supergiant’s successor to Bastion blends smart action RPG gameplay, a gorgeous atmosphere, and a touching narrative.

Transistor’s the kind of game that made me immediately jump back in to take on New Game Plus. I wanted to continue exploring the excellent combat in new, more challenging scenarios. I wanted to double back on the areas that I’d missed the first time through, and try to fill in the gaps of the fantastic story. But most of all, I wasn’t ready to leave Red or her world behind

Following on from Bastion, I doubt many would have begrudged Supergiant from heading down the same path again. While Transistor does hold certain similarities, such as having the constant presence of a voice and the general underpinnings of the action RPG gameplay, the Turn() planning phase completely transforms the manner in which you will tackle a fight, making it a far more considered and tactical experience.

Not everything needs an explanation. I imagine some variation of that idea was in the heads of the team at Supergiant Games as Transistor took shape. From its surreal setting and enigmatic characters, to its surprising upgrade system and combat, Transistor is a game that is happy to let you discover its charms over time. For players willing to accept a slightly more opaque experience than many games, Transistor offers an escape into a strange and enchanting world.

Transistor, the visually and aurally arresting follow up to Supergiant Games’ Bastion, is a perfect example of what an indie developer can do when not beholden to the whims of chairmen and stockholders. Transistor is a gorgeous, witty, emotionally resonant, and has one of the most unique and enticing combat systems we’ve played in years. Read on for our full review, and see why it trumps its predecessor in many ways.

Ghosts in the machine.

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While the combat system itself is the real star of Transistor, Red's journey through Cloudbank is definitely one worth taking.

Supergiant's vision this time around is less clear - but in this case, that seems to be a sign that the studio has increased its ambition, and is indeed pursuing a story that is more confident in its abstract and ethereal story. In a way, it's as if the poignancy of Bastion's last hour has been spread evenly across Transistor from beginning to end.

Before playing I didn’t expect to be fully enraptured by Transistor, thinking the spectre of Bastion would haunt the experience too much. But neither did I expect Transistor to take that formula and evolve it into something so sublime and handcrafted that tears would roll down my cheek as the credits rolled. From its combat mechanics and customisation, to the narrative and the visually orgasmic art-style, this is an experience to be savoured, to lock yourself away in the confines of your ga...