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Transistor

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Transistor
Item: Transistor
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2014

GenresAdventure, Indie, Action, Side View Perspective, RPG, Music and Dance, Top-Down Perspective, Strategy, Single Player

AvailableMay 20, 2014

PlatformPlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, PC

DeveloperSupergiant Games

Overview

An unconventional tactical action RPG in which after a powerful group called the Camerata cause measureless destruction through the ambiguous settlement of Cloudbank, Red, a famous singer in the city, goes on a journey along with her lover who is trapped inside the Transistor, a powerful machine with mysterious properties, to get to the bottom of the situation and get her lost voice back.

Elsewhere

7.9

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

77%

Mixed (50-79)

20%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The majority of critics found the story of Transistor to be very good, praising its intricate narrative, deep world-building, and captivating storytelling. Critics like Digital Chumps and Digitally Downloaded highlighted the originality and cleverness of the storytelling, with the relationship between Red and the Transistor being a standout element. The game's engaging narrative, unique lore, and satisfying conclusion were also commended by reviewers such as God is a Geek and Worth Playing. The emotional engagement, intriguing character dynamics, and subverted clichés in the narrative were noted by USgamer, adding depth and connection to the overall story. On the negative side, some critics expressed concerns about the story of Transistor, mentioning issues such as lack of clarity, confusing plot elements, and cryptic storytelling. Critics like Post Arcade and RPGamer criticized the story for being hard to follow, with unclear details and a sudden ending, detracting from the overall experience. GamesBeat and Critical Hit highlighted the lack of depth and clarity in the story elements, with monotonous voice acting and disjointed storytelling contributing to a less satisfying narrative experience for players. The reliance on vague referencing and romantic clichés, as mentioned by Post Arcade, also left some reviewers feeling unsatisfied with the storytelling approach. Overall, while there were mixed opinions on specific aspects of the story, the consensus among critics is that the narrative of Transistor is a strong point of the game. The majority of reviewers appreciated the mysterious and engaging storyline, the relationship between Red and the Transistor, and the gradual unfolding of the plot. The game's unique approach to storytelling, immersive atmosphere, and thematic depth were widely praised, contributing to a compelling and thought-provoking experience for players. Despite some criticisms regarding clarity and pacing, the overall sentiment towards the story of Transistor remains positive, with its strengths in world-building, character development, and emotional impact resonating with many critics and players alike.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics largely praise Transistor for its intricate narrative, deep world-building, and captivating storytelling, with the relationship between Red and the Transistor being a standout. Some critics raised concerns about lack of clarity, confusing plot elements, and cryptic storytelling, leading to a mixed reception. Despite some issues, the majority agree that Transistor offers a strong narrative with engaging characters, unique lore, and a satisfying conclusion, making it a compelling and thought-provoking experience for players.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

84%

Mixed (50-79)

16%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The majority of critics found the gameplay of Transistor to be very good, praising its innovative combat mechanics and strategic depth. Critics like Gaming Nexus and GameFront highlighted the unique combat system that involves mixing and matching weaponized traits to create varied combative results, offering puzzle-piece combos and strategic depth. The ability to freeze time for strategic planning, as mentioned by Metro GameCentral and IGN, was a standout feature that added a layer of tactical thinking to the gameplay. The customizable abilities, diverse playstyles, and engaging character moments resulting from upgrading functions, as noted by Nintendo Life and Worth Playing, were also positively received. On the downside, some critics mentioned aspects of the gameplay that could be improved. Post Arcade from National Post criticized the combat for becoming unnecessarily complex with confusing cyber-speak and a lack of adequate tutorials, which could hinder the overall experience for some players. Multiplayer.it and Edge Magazine pointed out issues with repetitive combat and a lack of exploration, which may lead to a sense of monotony over extended play sessions. Additionally, EGM mentioned that late-game functions made the game too easy, potentially reducing the challenge for experienced players. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the gameplay of Transistor. The game's unique blend of real-time and turn-based combat, strategic depth, customizable abilities, and engaging combat mechanics were widely praised. The innovative Turn() planning phase, the variety of functions to experiment with, and the strategic choices available to players were highlighted as key strengths of the gameplay experience. Despite some minor criticisms regarding complexity, repetition, and difficulty balancing, the majority of critics found Transistor's gameplay to be a standout feature that offered a rewarding and enjoyable experience for players seeking a mix of action and tactical RPG elements.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics love Transistor's gameplay for its innovative combat mechanics, strategic depth, and unique weapon traits system. The ability to freeze time for planning and customizable abilities add layers of tactical thinking. While some mention complexity issues and repetitive combat, overall, critics find Transistor's gameplay to be a standout feature, offering a rewarding mix of action and tactical RPG elements.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

97%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The majority of critics unanimously praised the graphics and visual design of Transistor, highlighting its stunning art style, attention to detail, and immersive world-building. Multiplayer.it commended the game for its visually appealing art style with a mature and unique design that sets it apart from other games. Gaming Nexus lauded the electronic dreamstate aesthetic of Cloudbank city, featuring art deco motherboard buildings and visually distinct enemy robots. FNintendo appreciated the detailed environments and isometric perspective that invite exploration, with both Red and her enemies filled with intricate details, creating an impressive visual design. Despite the overwhelmingly positive reception, some critics did point out minor drawbacks in the graphics and visual design of Transistor. Game Revolution expressed a desire for more scenes showcasing the splendor of the city before its downfall, while GamesRadar++ noted a lack of diversity in locations, making it hard to differentiate them and creating a somewhat forgettable experience. DarkStation mentioned that while the hand-drawn art style was beautiful and vibrant, it could at times obscure the combat and make planning maneuvers difficult. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the graphics and visual design of Transistor. Critics like PlayStation LifeStyle praised the game's heavily Art Deco-influenced art style, creating a dark, industrial, and visually striking environment. GameTrailers highlighted the ethereal world design and ornate architecture contributing to a captivating atmosphere. With a majority of critics commending the game's stunning visuals, intricate details, and immersive world-building, it is evident that Transistor's graphics and visual design are a standout feature that enhances the overall gaming experience.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics rave about Transistor's graphics and visual design, praising the stunning art style, immersive world-building, and attention to detail. While some noted minor drawbacks like a lack of location diversity, the consensus is overwhelmingly positive. The game's unique design, intricate details, and captivating atmosphere make it a standout experience for players.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

93%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The majority of critics had overwhelmingly positive opinions about the sound design and music of Transistor. Darren Korb's soundtrack was widely praised for its mesmerizing and immersive qualities, with critics like Digital Chumps and Game Revolution commending the beautiful pieces of music that ranged from moody to drum and bass-inspired tracks. The vocal performances, especially by Ashley Barrett and Logan Cunningham, were highlighted as exceptional, adding emotional depth and enhancing the overall experience. The soundtrack was noted for complementing the visuals and gameplay, setting the mood perfectly and contributing significantly to the game's atmosphere, as mentioned by The Digital Fix and PlayStation LifeStyle. Additionally, the integration of the protagonist's voice coming out of the controller's speaker, as noted by IGN, added a unique and immersive element to the gameplay experience. However, there were some criticisms regarding the sound design and music of Transistor. GamesBeat mentioned that the voice acting lacked emotion and came across as dry and monotonous, with the constant commentary from the Transistor character being described as annoying and detracting from the overall experience. Gaming Age noted that while there were standout tracks, the music mostly fell into the background, potentially diminishing its impact on the gameplay. Worth Playing also mentioned that the constant narration may feel forced at times, although Logan Cunningham's voice acting for The Transistor was commendable. Overall, the consensus among critics is that the sound design and music of Transistor were highly praised, with the majority of reviewers highlighting the exceptional quality of the soundtrack and vocal performances. The music was deemed integral to the storytelling and gameplay experience, enhancing the mood, atmosphere, and emotional depth of the game. Critics like Eurogamer Germany and GameSpot emphasized how the soundtrack effectively contributed to the immersive experience and storytelling, creating memorable moments throughout the game. Despite some minor criticisms regarding voice acting and narration, the overall sentiment towards the sound design and music of Transistor was overwhelmingly positive, with many critics considering it to be a standout feature of the game that significantly enhanced the overall enjoyment and engagement of players.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics widely praised the mesmerizing soundtrack and immersive sound design of Transistor, with Darren Korb's music and vocal performances by Ashley Barrett and Logan Cunningham standing out. The music complemented the visuals and gameplay, setting the mood perfectly and contributing significantly to the game's atmosphere. While some critics found the voice acting lacking emotion and the constant narration annoying, the overall consensus was overwhelmingly positive, with many highlighting the exceptional quality of the soundtrack as a standout feature that greatly enhanced the game's storytelling and gameplay experience.

Voice Acting

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

82%

Mixed (50-79)

18%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in Transistor received overwhelmingly positive feedback from the majority of critics. Logan Cunningham's performance as the voice of the Transistor was widely praised for adding depth, emotion, and a unique atmosphere to the game. Critics like EGM and Edge Magazine highlighted Cunningham's exceptional voice work, with Edge Magazine specifically noting how it added depth to the characters and storytelling, creating a captivating experience for players. Game Revolution also commended the voice acting, mentioning how the Transistor's voice provided humor, direction, and keen observations, enhancing the overall narrative. However, there were a few critics who had some reservations about the voice acting in Transistor. For instance, NZGamer mentioned that the Transistor's voice was hard on the ears at various points, indicating a potential issue with the delivery or tone of the voice acting. Additionally, Post Arcade (National Post) felt that while there was near-constant narration, the characters themselves were not well-developed, suggesting a disconnect between the voice acting and character depth. Overall, the consensus among critics is that the voice acting in Transistor was a standout aspect of the game, with many praising Logan Cunningham's performance and the overall immersive experience it provided. Critics like GameSpot and PlayStation LifeStyle emphasized how the voice acting brought life to the quest, helped players piece together the story of Cloudbank, and created a strong connection between the characters. Despite some minor criticisms, the majority of reviewers found the voice acting to be top-notch, enhancing the overall atmosphere, storytelling, and emotional depth of Transistor. The voice acting, particularly by Cunningham and Ashley Barrett, was lauded for its ability to convey emotions effectively and build a strong connection between characters, making it a memorable and engaging experience for players.

TL;DR

voice acting

The voice acting in Transistor, especially Logan Cunningham's performance, received widespread acclaim for adding depth, emotion, and a unique atmosphere to the game. Critics praised how the voices enhanced storytelling, created a captivating experience, and brought life to the characters. While some critics had reservations about certain aspects of the voice acting, the consensus is overwhelmingly positive, with many highlighting the immersive and top-notch quality of the performances.

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

86%

Mixed (50-79)

14%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of technical performance on different gaming platforms, Transistor received positive feedback from the majority of critics. MMORPG.com praised the PS4 version for its high polish and minimal bugs, with only occasional pathing issues that did not significantly impact gameplay. FNintendo, GameSpace, God is a Geek, and Switch Player all lauded the Nintendo Switch version for running perfectly, smoothly, and providing a solid frame rate with no major technical issues. PC Gamer highlighted the PC version's smooth framerate of 60 fps at lower resolutions and rock-solid performance during combat sequences. On the other hand, some minor technical issues were noted by a few critics across platforms. Gaming Nexus mentioned minor issues with HUD placement and camera movement in the PC version, but these were manageable and did not detract significantly from the overall experience. God is a Geek pointed out slight frame pacing issues on the Switch in some areas, while PC Gamer noted performance struggles at higher resolutions on PC, such as 4320x2560. However, these issues were considered minor in the grand scheme of the game's technical performance. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the technical performance of Transistor across different platforms. The game was praised for its high polish, smooth gameplay experience, solid frame rates, and minimal technical issues. The minor drawbacks mentioned by some reviewers did not overshadow the overall positive reception of the game's technical performance. Critics like GameSpace, God is a Geek, and Switch Player highlighted the fantastic performance on the Nintendo Switch, while PC Gamer emphasized the solid performance on PC at lower resolutions. The technical proficiency of Transistor was a standout aspect for most critics, contributing positively to the overall gameplay experience.

TL;DR

technical performance

Transistor received high praise for its technical performance on various gaming platforms. Critics lauded the PS4 and Nintendo Switch versions for their smooth gameplay and solid frame rates, with only minor issues like occasional pathing problems. While some critics noted minor technical issues like HUD placement and frame pacing, overall feedback on the game's technical performance was overwhelmingly positive. GameSpace, God is a Geek, and Switch Player highlighted the excellent performance on the Switch, while PC Gamer emphasized the solid PC performance at lower resolutions.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

42%

Mixed (50-79)

56%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

In terms of the positives regarding the replay value of Transistor, several critics highlighted the game's New Game+ mode as a significant factor. Critics like Digital Chumps, Game Informer, and Nintendo Life praised the added challenges and new enemy configurations in this mode, providing players with incentives to revisit the game and experiment with different strategies and abilities. The ability to retain upgrades and levels while facing tougher enemies in subsequent playthroughs was particularly appealing to players looking for a more challenging experience. Additionally, features like challenge rooms, limiters for increased difficulty, and the opportunity to uncover more details about the game world, as noted by GameSpot and NintendoWorldReport, added depth to the gameplay and encouraged players to explore different playstyles. On the other hand, some critics pointed out potential drawbacks that could affect the replay value of Transistor. MMORPG.com and Multiplayer.it mentioned the game's short length as a limiting factor, with playthroughs lasting around 5-7 hours, potentially reducing the desire for multiple replays. Gaming Age highlighted the risk of wasteful ability combinations and the loss of powers in battle, which could hinder replay value for some players. Post Arcade (National Post) criticized the game for its lack of clear understanding and unnecessary complexity, which may deter players from engaging in multiple playthroughs. These aspects could impact the overall appeal of revisiting the game for some players. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the replay value of Transistor leans towards the positive side, with many highlighting the game's engaging combat mechanics, strategic depth, and the variety of challenges and customization options available in New Game+ modes. Critics like Edge Magazine and Eurogamer Germany appreciated the game's encouragement of experimentation with different abilities and playstyles, providing a dynamic and engaging experience that enhances replayability. While some critics acknowledged certain limitations such as short length and potential gameplay issues, the majority of reviewers found value in the game's replayability through its additional modes, challenges, and strategic depth, making it a compelling choice for players looking to dive back into the world of Cloudbank and explore new facets of the gameplay experience.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics praise Transistor's replay value for its New Game+ mode with added challenges and customization options, encouraging players to experiment with different strategies. However, some critics mention drawbacks like short length and gameplay issues that may impact replayability. Overall, critics find value in the game's engaging combat mechanics and strategic depth, making it a compelling choice for players seeking a dynamic gameplay experience with opportunities for exploration and experimentation.

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive (80-100)

84%

Mixed (50-79)

15%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The majority of critics praised Transistor for its captivating story, innovative gameplay mechanics, stunning visuals, exceptional music, and immersive world design. Game Informer highlighted the game's unique gameplay, captivating story, and immersive music, while Eurogamer Germany praised its elegance, depth, and potential to captivate players with beautiful visuals and intellectually stimulating combat system. The Digital Fix commended Transistor as a worthy follow-up to Bastion, offering a captivating story, engaging gameplay, stunning visuals, and a memorable soundtrack. The game was also lauded for its strategic combat system, artistic intent, and unique narration by GameSpace and ZTGD. On the downside, some critics pointed out certain shortcomings of Transistor. Multiplayer.it criticized the game for its underdeveloped gameplay, lack of substance, and high cost relative to the content offered. Post Arcade found the gameplay frustrating and highlighted the lack of clear understanding and unnecessary complexity that hindered the overall experience. Games(TM) mentioned that the deliberately vague story and lack of thrilling gameplay may not fully engage all players, while ActionTrip noted that the shallow gameplay and story prevented the game from reaching its full potential. Overall, despite some criticisms, the consensus among the majority of critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the overall verdict of Transistor. Critics such as USgamer, Gameplanet, and Game Revolution considered it a must-play game, praising its captivating story, engaging gameplay, stunning visuals, exceptional music, and innovative gameplay mechanics. The game was commended for transcending familiarity, delivering a gorgeous and moving experience, and showcasing the best of what the PS4 and other platforms have to offer. Transistor was widely regarded as a standout title of the year, with many critics recommending it highly and emphasizing the time and love put into its creation by Supergiant Games.

TL;DR

Critics lauded Transistor for its captivating story, innovative gameplay, stunning visuals, exceptional music, and immersive world design. Some pointed out flaws like underdeveloped gameplay and vague storytelling, but the majority praised it as a must-play game that transcends familiarity and showcases the best of what platforms have to offer. Overall, it was widely regarded as a standout title of the year with high recommendations from critics.

MONSTER

Reviews

142 reviews found

100

God is a Geek

PlayStation 4

May 20, 2014