Transistor reviewed
11/3/2015
Transistor reviewed: A vibrant melancholy, and a beautiful new world | games.on.net
review
8
comments
Transistor reviewed: A vibrant melancholy, and a beautiful new world Tweet
The next game from the creators of Bastion hits all the right notes. BY JASON IMMS ON MAY 21, 2014 AT 1:30 AM (EDIT ARTICLE) Atmosphere. Bastion had it in spades, and it’s hard to imagine a reality in which Transistor— the next game from Supergiant Games—would deliver anything less. As Red, a famous singer mysteriously left mute and somehow embroiled in the mess her home city has become, players will find themselves drawn into Transistor as key information about the world is carefully and precisely meted out over the course of six or so hours. Transistor explains very little of its lore, leaving much for the player to infer and intuit. As players move through the world, text prompts alert them to available interactions in a very structured way, reminiscent of the way console commands deliver information to the user. This, paired with the fantastical abilities provided by the titular Transistor, lead to questioning whether Red’s home is in fact a computer program, or if the Transistor itself is an artefact that allows the holder access to the underlying substance of the world around them in a computer like fashion, to manipulate as they see fit.
data:text/html;charset=utf-8,%3Cdiv%20class%3D%22article_details%22%20style%3D%22width%3A%20580px%3B%20margin%3A%200px%3B%20float%3A%…
1/6
11/3/2015
Transistor reviewed: A vibrant melancholy, and a beautiful new world | games.on.net
Gameplay is centred on the use of the Transistor, a swordlike artefact of great power that provides Red with the ability to interact with the world around her at a very low level. This primarily manifests itself in combat, allowing Red to attack and manipulate her enemies, known as The Process, in various ways. Red can pause combat at any time, an ability known as Turn(), during which movement and abilities can be meticulously planned. When the plan is ready it is executed impossibly quickly, while enemies move in slow motion, helpless to defend themselves from the onslaught. Red’s basic attack is called Crash(), which deals shortrange melee damage, and also stuns the enemy for a short time. The second ability Red finds is called Breach(), which is a higher damage ranged attack. These abilities can be individually triggered to provide flexibility, or can instead be used to upgrade other abilities to make them more powerful. By using Breach() to upgrade Crash(), the attack gains upgraded range. If the player chose to instead use Crash() to upgrade Breach(), the longrange attack would gain the upgrade’s stun effect. Every combination of abilities works in both directions, and delivers a huge amount of depth and variety to the combat system.
data:text/html;charset=utf-8,%3Cdiv%20class%3D%22article_details%22%20style%3D%22width%3A%20580px%3B%20margin%3A%200px%3B%20float%3A%…
2/6
11/3/2015
Transistor reviewed: A vibrant melancholy, and a beautiful new world | games.on.net
The worlds presented in Bastion and Transistor share some commonalities: both are set in a fractured world on the brink of extinction, and both ask the question of whether or not old world traditions and sensibilities still matter when everything—and most everyone—else is gone. Supergiant Games’ Greg Kasavin has already proven himself a talented designer and writer, capable of delivering emotion and weight through what is left unsaid, as much as what is scripted. To Greg, almost every story is inevitably about characters dealing with change. “I am interested in stories where characters struggle with a changing world, as that’s something I can relate to on any number of levels,” he said to us. “From a storytelling standpoint, I think this type of fiction can set up interesting worlds filled with detail. All at once you’re learning about how the world is, how it used to be, and what will become of it.” Transistor spins a tale of vibrant melancholy, in which hope and happiness are treated much like an adult treats the magic of Christmas, a wistful memory of innocence outgrown in the face of a world that is harder and colder than they had previously understood.
data:text/html;charset=utf-8,%3Cdiv%20class%3D%22article_details%22%20style%3D%22width%3A%20580px%3B%20margin%3A%200px%3B%20float%3A%…
3/6
11/3/2015
Transistor reviewed: A vibrant melancholy, and a beautiful new world | games.on.net
When pressed on whether or not there is a secret to the fact that their games feel as though they were produced by a much larger team, Greg attributed it to the chemistry between team members. “We benefit from being small,” he said, “as each individual has a lot of responsibility and elbow room to do things in a particular way, without the work getting diluted. At the same time, we work to make it all feel as cohesive as possible. So if we do have a secret, I think it’s having a diverse set of opinions on team, while still having a broad base of knowledge about games in general.” Transistor is a stunning achievement. Once again, Supergiant Games has proved that a density of talent and passion can allow a small team to function as far more than the sum of its parts. Highlights such as Darren Korb’s haunting bespoke soundtrack, Logan Cunningham’s weighty diegetic narration, Jen Zee’s familiaryetotherworldy artwork, and Greg Kasavin’s aforementioned ethereal narrative all sit atop an infrastructure that lets very few cracks through to the player. This is another special game from a special team. Do yourselves a favour.
Good Darren Korb’s soundtrack is another masterpiece. More velvety narration from Logan Cunningham. Every screenshot is a desktop background waiting to happen. Deep and flexible ability system encourages changing your playstyle. On PS4, the controller light flares in time with the Transistor’s voice, brings the effect into the room with you. Isn’t obnoxious.
Bad I honestly don’t know. You can purchase Transistor for $19.99 either directly from Supergiant Games (and get a Steam key) or just through Steam. This review code provided by the developer. TAGS: SUPERGIANT GAMES, TRANSISTOR
RELATED STORIES Transistor now available on Linux and Mac Imagine how this would look on Linux or a Mac. Ain't science something?
Transistor’s Recursion mode will be different every time you play Or maybe it is you who is different?! Nope, it's the game.
Transistor launch trailer shows off the big baddie and pals The music is terrific. data:text/html;charset=utf-8,%3Cdiv%20class%3D%22article_details%22%20style%3D%22width%3A%20580px%3B%20margin%3A%200px%3B%20float%3A%…
4/6
11/3/2015
Transistor reviewed: A vibrant melancholy, and a beautiful new world | games.on.net
8 COMMENTS (LEAVE YOUR OWN) PinothyJ
MAY 21, 2014 AT 3:09 AM (EDIT THIS COMMENT)
:D:D:D!
REPLY QUOTE
[Edit | Moderate | Spam | Trash | Move | Email | Blacklist] fLaMePrO
MAY 21, 2014 AT 9:21 AM (EDIT THIS COMMENT)
Well this certainly came out of nowhere! Haven’t seen any press about it for months and months. Instant purchase. Exciting :D
REPLY QUOTE
[Edit | Moderate | Spam | Trash | Move | Email | Blacklist] Bek
MAY 21, 2014 AT 9:40 AM (EDIT THIS COMMENT)
Sweet, loved Bastion.
REPLY QUOTE
[Edit | Moderate | Spam | Trash | Move | Email | Blacklist] tacitus42
MAY 21, 2014 AT 10:29 AM (EDIT THIS COMMENT)
Thanks for providing a review of the game that is actually more about Transistor than it is about Bastion. Both the positive and negative reviews on steam are all from Bastion fanboys either loving it because it’s just like bastion or hating it because it’s nothing like bastion. Again, thank you.
REPLY QUOTE
[Edit | Moderate | Spam | Trash | Move | Email | Blacklist] Jason Imms
MAY 21, 2014 AT 11:24 AM (EDIT THIS COMMENT)
data:text/html;charset=utf-8,%3Cdiv%20class%3D%22article_details%22%20style%3D%22width%3A%20580px%3B%20margin%3A%200px%3B%20float%3A%… tacitus42,
5/6
11/3/2015
Transistor reviewed: A vibrant melancholy, and a beautiful new world | games.on.net
Thanks, glad to be of service!
REPLY QUOTE
[Edit | Moderate | Spam | Trash | Move | Email | Blacklist] Trixxter
MAY 21, 2014 AT 1:09 PM (EDIT THIS COMMENT)
Also worth noting, Supergiant have put the soundtrack of Transistor up on Spotify for free here:https://play.spotify.com/album/3vrhY9tG4lA8Z16LVGqok5? play=true&utm_source=open.spotify.com&utm_medium=open So go melt your ears
Transistor reviewed: A vibrant melancholy, and a beautiful new world | games.on.net
review
8
comments
Transistor reviewed: A vibrant melancholy, and a beautiful new world Tweet
The next game from the creators of Bastion hits all the right notes. BY JASON IMMS ON MAY 21, 2014 AT 1:30 AM (EDIT ARTICLE) Atmosphere. Bastion had it in spades, and it’s hard to imagine a reality in which Transistor— the next game from Supergiant Games—would deliver anything less. As Red, a famous singer mysteriously left mute and somehow embroiled in the mess her home city has become, players will find themselves drawn into Transistor as key information about the world is carefully and precisely meted out over the course of six or so hours. Transistor explains very little of its lore, leaving much for the player to infer and intuit. As players move through the world, text prompts alert them to available interactions in a very structured way, reminiscent of the way console commands deliver information to the user. This, paired with the fantastical abilities provided by the titular Transistor, lead to questioning whether Red’s home is in fact a computer program, or if the Transistor itself is an artefact that allows the holder access to the underlying substance of the world around them in a computer like fashion, to manipulate as they see fit.
data:text/html;charset=utf-8,%3Cdiv%20class%3D%22article_details%22%20style%3D%22width%3A%20580px%3B%20margin%3A%200px%3B%20float%3A%…
1/6
11/3/2015
Transistor reviewed: A vibrant melancholy, and a beautiful new world | games.on.net
Gameplay is centred on the use of the Transistor, a swordlike artefact of great power that provides Red with the ability to interact with the world around her at a very low level. This primarily manifests itself in combat, allowing Red to attack and manipulate her enemies, known as The Process, in various ways. Red can pause combat at any time, an ability known as Turn(), during which movement and abilities can be meticulously planned. When the plan is ready it is executed impossibly quickly, while enemies move in slow motion, helpless to defend themselves from the onslaught. Red’s basic attack is called Crash(), which deals shortrange melee damage, and also stuns the enemy for a short time. The second ability Red finds is called Breach(), which is a higher damage ranged attack. These abilities can be individually triggered to provide flexibility, or can instead be used to upgrade other abilities to make them more powerful. By using Breach() to upgrade Crash(), the attack gains upgraded range. If the player chose to instead use Crash() to upgrade Breach(), the longrange attack would gain the upgrade’s stun effect. Every combination of abilities works in both directions, and delivers a huge amount of depth and variety to the combat system.
data:text/html;charset=utf-8,%3Cdiv%20class%3D%22article_details%22%20style%3D%22width%3A%20580px%3B%20margin%3A%200px%3B%20float%3A%…
2/6
11/3/2015
Transistor reviewed: A vibrant melancholy, and a beautiful new world | games.on.net
The worlds presented in Bastion and Transistor share some commonalities: both are set in a fractured world on the brink of extinction, and both ask the question of whether or not old world traditions and sensibilities still matter when everything—and most everyone—else is gone. Supergiant Games’ Greg Kasavin has already proven himself a talented designer and writer, capable of delivering emotion and weight through what is left unsaid, as much as what is scripted. To Greg, almost every story is inevitably about characters dealing with change. “I am interested in stories where characters struggle with a changing world, as that’s something I can relate to on any number of levels,” he said to us. “From a storytelling standpoint, I think this type of fiction can set up interesting worlds filled with detail. All at once you’re learning about how the world is, how it used to be, and what will become of it.” Transistor spins a tale of vibrant melancholy, in which hope and happiness are treated much like an adult treats the magic of Christmas, a wistful memory of innocence outgrown in the face of a world that is harder and colder than they had previously understood.
data:text/html;charset=utf-8,%3Cdiv%20class%3D%22article_details%22%20style%3D%22width%3A%20580px%3B%20margin%3A%200px%3B%20float%3A%…
3/6
11/3/2015
Transistor reviewed: A vibrant melancholy, and a beautiful new world | games.on.net
When pressed on whether or not there is a secret to the fact that their games feel as though they were produced by a much larger team, Greg attributed it to the chemistry between team members. “We benefit from being small,” he said, “as each individual has a lot of responsibility and elbow room to do things in a particular way, without the work getting diluted. At the same time, we work to make it all feel as cohesive as possible. So if we do have a secret, I think it’s having a diverse set of opinions on team, while still having a broad base of knowledge about games in general.” Transistor is a stunning achievement. Once again, Supergiant Games has proved that a density of talent and passion can allow a small team to function as far more than the sum of its parts. Highlights such as Darren Korb’s haunting bespoke soundtrack, Logan Cunningham’s weighty diegetic narration, Jen Zee’s familiaryetotherworldy artwork, and Greg Kasavin’s aforementioned ethereal narrative all sit atop an infrastructure that lets very few cracks through to the player. This is another special game from a special team. Do yourselves a favour.
Good Darren Korb’s soundtrack is another masterpiece. More velvety narration from Logan Cunningham. Every screenshot is a desktop background waiting to happen. Deep and flexible ability system encourages changing your playstyle. On PS4, the controller light flares in time with the Transistor’s voice, brings the effect into the room with you. Isn’t obnoxious.
Bad I honestly don’t know. You can purchase Transistor for $19.99 either directly from Supergiant Games (and get a Steam key) or just through Steam. This review code provided by the developer. TAGS: SUPERGIANT GAMES, TRANSISTOR
RELATED STORIES Transistor now available on Linux and Mac Imagine how this would look on Linux or a Mac. Ain't science something?
Transistor’s Recursion mode will be different every time you play Or maybe it is you who is different?! Nope, it's the game.
Transistor launch trailer shows off the big baddie and pals The music is terrific. data:text/html;charset=utf-8,%3Cdiv%20class%3D%22article_details%22%20style%3D%22width%3A%20580px%3B%20margin%3A%200px%3B%20float%3A%…
4/6
11/3/2015
Transistor reviewed: A vibrant melancholy, and a beautiful new world | games.on.net
8 COMMENTS (LEAVE YOUR OWN) PinothyJ
MAY 21, 2014 AT 3:09 AM (EDIT THIS COMMENT)
:D:D:D!
REPLY QUOTE
[Edit | Moderate | Spam | Trash | Move | Email | Blacklist] fLaMePrO
MAY 21, 2014 AT 9:21 AM (EDIT THIS COMMENT)
Well this certainly came out of nowhere! Haven’t seen any press about it for months and months. Instant purchase. Exciting :D
REPLY QUOTE
[Edit | Moderate | Spam | Trash | Move | Email | Blacklist] Bek
MAY 21, 2014 AT 9:40 AM (EDIT THIS COMMENT)
Sweet, loved Bastion.
REPLY QUOTE
[Edit | Moderate | Spam | Trash | Move | Email | Blacklist] tacitus42
MAY 21, 2014 AT 10:29 AM (EDIT THIS COMMENT)
Thanks for providing a review of the game that is actually more about Transistor than it is about Bastion. Both the positive and negative reviews on steam are all from Bastion fanboys either loving it because it’s just like bastion or hating it because it’s nothing like bastion. Again, thank you.
REPLY QUOTE
[Edit | Moderate | Spam | Trash | Move | Email | Blacklist] Jason Imms
MAY 21, 2014 AT 11:24 AM (EDIT THIS COMMENT)
data:text/html;charset=utf-8,%3Cdiv%20class%3D%22article_details%22%20style%3D%22width%3A%20580px%3B%20margin%3A%200px%3B%20float%3A%… tacitus42,
5/6
11/3/2015
Transistor reviewed: A vibrant melancholy, and a beautiful new world | games.on.net
Thanks, glad to be of service!
REPLY QUOTE
[Edit | Moderate | Spam | Trash | Move | Email | Blacklist] Trixxter
MAY 21, 2014 AT 1:09 PM (EDIT THIS COMMENT)
Also worth noting, Supergiant have put the soundtrack of Transistor up on Spotify for free here:https://play.spotify.com/album/3vrhY9tG4lA8Z16LVGqok5? play=true&utm_source=open.spotify.com&utm_medium=open So go melt your ears
