Transistor - Review

Supergiant's follow-up to Bastion is a wildly smart action-RPG that places all of its trust into your intelligence.

[@ajseb]

This is one the rare exceptions that I will actually agree with IGN's rating. My brother downloaded this game a few weeks ago and I have never heard of it. When I played it I was immediately blown away about how artistic and unique this game was. It truly is one of a kind. Transistor is short yet sweet. It has a beautiful storyline, amazing and unforgettable soundtrack, and addicting turn based gameplay. I fell in love with the ever changing dystopian world of Transistor and it's memorable main character(s). It's one of those games that will leave you with a mark and will hold a very special place in your heart. I highly recommended anyone who has not played this game to give it a try. I'm looking forward to more releases by supergiant.

[@SeanJZoning]

And then there was Hades... 😈

[@tales_and_tea441]

How did you like Pyre?

[@tristananvilcaster]

One of the most spectacular games. art style is insane

[@barbatos673]

+tristananvilcaster well then....what do you call outland

[@captasticts8419]

@@barbatos673 desktop-backgrounds: the game

[@mrginn]

What's with all the hate comments? Don't be too quick to judge. This is one of the most innovative games I've ever played. Combat is really intelligently crafted! Music is trippy dope and I mean it in a very good way. Animation is also very simple to watch yet gorgeous at the same time. Story will have you hooked till the end. Definitely 9.5/10 for me

[@fatkidwithfudge]

Johnny G Majority of these younger crowd wouldn't know an actual good game if it slapped em 30 times with a how to be a gamer manual. If it don't have guns, major co op, explosions or something to keep grabbing their attention before their mini attention spans wither away it won't register apparently~

[@fatkidwithfudge]

Johnny G Welp I did use "majority" instead of saying "all" for just such an occasion~

[@fatkidwithfudge]

Johnny G That's not elitist, that's off observations which aren't even wrong. Simple stroll around anywhere gaming related can show that. Also a person can be intelligent and still have horrible tastes either way. As for the humor....have friends with great humor as well. They make fart jokes, rude comments along with a few other inappropriate things all the time. Someone from the outside might take it worse then is but since it's among friends it's just funny. It's all subject any way you slice it and subjectively a lot of young gamers have crappy tastes.

[@fatkidwithfudge]

Johnny G LoL? Then you didn't have much of a revelation then if you actually believe that~

[@fatkidwithfudge]

Johnny G The name came from a clan I once made on S4, the picture actually goes with the name (this thing called a theme just so you know), use LoL because I disliked just using lol. Either way nothing I have said is arrogant to begin with. Everything I have said can be seen easily if you stroll around as I said. I also have the kids I dealt with on live, my little brothers, their friends, my friends friends (of the younger age) and the internet as a whole to support what I said. That's not arrogance, that's informed~

[@TheLuckyShepherd]

8/23/2019 Nintendo Switch sale, games only $3.99.

[@junpark1690]

Jonathan Soko you should buy it online on the web right now before the sale is gone, you can download it later when you buy your lite

[@joatjoat8595]

On sale for 4 bucks again right now

[@TheLuckyShepherd]

@@joatjoat8595 I bought it last time but still haven't played it lol. My backlog is too big.

[@dantefuture5839]

@@TheLuckyShepherd same

[@thatcokestuff]

@@TheLuckyShepherd bought it and Bastion

[@NeilTheBoss12]

I played this game for the first time in 2020 and I love how you can equip attacks and if they can't fit you can always equip them as an alternative secondary or passive ability. This allowed for many different combos which was fun to play with!

[@skcopian]

Having just played it. I'd give it a 10/10. Its unique and the combat is challenging and satisfying. The visual are beautiful and the music is out of this world. The story was one of those intriguing piece it together as you go experiences. I don't even like turn based combat but still immensely enjoyed this game. Its a gem.

[@JeighNeither]

This comment swayed me to buy the game. It was on Steam sale for only $6, so I probably shouldn't have hesitated to begin with, but your "I don't even like turn based combat, but still immensely enjoyed this game" sealed the deal for me. After all the positive remarks I'd heard & read; that was my only hangup over getting the game. I don't like to have dead games I never play/played in my library. If it's anything like the music I've heard in video reviews, and few minutes of game-play I've seen; It's likely a sure thing.

[@arylonthedancer]

I have to agree with your glowing review. Just dedicated a weekend to Bastion and Transistor. Was absolutely blown away with how enthralled I was (am) with Transistor. The story is fantastic and not spoon fed. You as a player must think about it, and even by the final credits you don't get complete confirmation. The battle system and RPG upgrade mechanics are a stellar highlight. Everything just flows so smoothly and you have a seemingly infinite amount of build possibilities. I can't recommend this more to fans of 16 bit turn based and real time RPGs. Enjoy the ride!

[@apolloskywalker633]

Best game I've played on PC this month. This game is was crafted by artist, and me being a graphic designer. You can't help but appreciate JenZee's art style and backdrops.

[@ThiVasss]

First child of light then this? Damn this month is amazing!

[@ThiVasss]

***** Well it got released 30/4 so we are both right? :D

[@Faizan1631]

***** when reading i thought you wrote child of light was born last month

[@Kitty_kisses97]

The future of gaming lies in indie creators. anyone else agree? Disagree?

[@clayton5430]

Adam Ramirez agree

[@lazyaaron1240]

Soooo agree

[@aqeelshahid8304]

Sorta

[@Ulieq]

Of course not, but ideas are important

[@Jigolopuff]

i know this was 4 years ago, but triple A games are turning into unfinished games with microtransactions

[@9Jov]

Pure masterpiece....

[@JackElliottProductions]

Fantastic game with a rich sense of mystery that relies on a mature audience. The answers are all there, you just have to seek them out. I found myself enthralled with the beautiful and mysterious city of Cloudbank, and couldn't put down the controller until I understood everything the developers hid in the story (except to do some digging online for the more subtle bits of info, or analysis of song lyrics representing conversations between characters, such as Red and Sybil in "In circles"). I would recommend this game if you like these styles or rich environments, if you're an FPS exclusive gamer, you should probably pass on this one

[@nazdhillon994]

What mystery? The game barely even lasted 6 hours !

[@KyleeAsakura]

I'm installing this game right now, ahhh I can't wait to finally play this! :D

[@JulyCartinez]

Love your vids!

[@C0reDefender]

you look like an elve

[@ajoydas-Watch-It]

Well done loved the Presentation, you sold this one to me minute one.

[@NicholasisAwesome1]

Don't listen to the haters, get this game. It is an amazingly made game.

[@moiriv415]

where are the haters?

[@fatkidwithfudge]

moiriv415 Scroll your mouse even once to see them O_o? Not hard to find considering there are a few above this comment itself~

[@salimwali4663]

DatDudeNC Bastion is better though

[@evilfangs]

Bastion was epic so I don't even need to watch the review to know this will be just as amazing.

[@FFIIInerd]

I like how the atmosphere and the story of this game is taken seriously and with deep consideration. That's something you don't see in a lot of games now a days. I'm starting to see games where there is just no story any more, and you have to find out what's going on in a codex somewhere.

[@GeddensGC]

These are the type of games that make me proud to be a gamer! PLEASE RELEASE ON Wii U

[@Pain-rk7hu]

I doubt that will happen.

[@Drstrange3000]

It would be cool on WiiU. They could use the touch pad in an awesome way especially in turn mode.

[@GeddensGC]

Kyreem Powers EXACTLY!!!

[@megagrog8626]

Kyreem Powers If it makes you feel any better, it's on IOS devices.

[@megagrog8626]

Younggrasshoppa. Now now, this really isn't the place to be venting your incoherent rage.

[@Dedication-wt3if]

This games on sale right now for $5 on PS4's flash sale. Picked up this and Bastion (which was only $3.75) which is a steal for both games. Hyped to finally play them, they look awesome.

[@adrose6940]

I'm playng it and it is a total masterpiece. I hadn't played an awsome RPG game like this one since Valkyria Profile Silmeria on ps2.

[@pablodela41]

I'm so thankful to the makers of this game for putting the OST on iTunes, something that other games like bioshock or journey could do as well so we all can enjoy the masterpieces they made for those games

[@jamesmclovin4987]

use of the speaker in the controller, simple but effective, Halo would have been even more immersive with cortana voice coming from the controller =D

[@WansVids]

Dude, that would be awesome! Unfortunately this will never happen, but one can always dream, right? Last I heard, Cortana is currently imprisoned at the Microsoft lair.

[@Drstrange3000]

WansVids Actually Cortana is on my Windows Phone. look it up ;) It will directly compete with Google Now.

[@ernyay1791]

The reason why transistor has such a high rating is it's function upgrading system. Players can use the functions as main abilities or to enhance the combos of an attack, which somehow gives more dimensions to the combat gameplay. I got the game for free from a psn offer recently and is hooked to it.

[@singyiulim]

i played the game, it is FKING incredible, the atmosphere is extremely unique and story are always at climax and gameplay requires great strategic skills. The story is deep as well and also again very unique

[@wrenlester7440]

Li m Sing Yiu I

[@szilagyimiklos4757]

Tried this yesterday, completed it today, a magnificent game! Well deserved score!

[@razerloche9533]

I cant hear your voice as the background also talking at the same time

[@djsanchez563]

I am a kid and I completed this game twice and I loved it the music and everything was the masterpiece and the ending was perfect 😊

[@VseeAR]

I remember getting this on PS Plus, amazing art style and astounding music!

[@Rogue_Console]

good to see devs making use of the speakers on controller

[@dmc1673]

the soundtrack + artistic integrity of this game is worth five points alone tbh

[@TheGIJoe69]

Why can't I play this on my ps4 already. I thought it was going to be available midnight?!

[@JJsAdventure23]

Right!

[@IntelligentProbe]

Isn't that only if you have your PS4 in standby mode? I don't think it turns itself on and downloads like the PS3 could.

[@JJsAdventure23]

Idk know man,but I do know this crap ain't koo

[@RB8Gem9]

It's up now.

[@JJsAdventure23]

:0 yea!!!! :D

[@atiyan.7372]

I've been playing Transistor a lot lately. I love it. It's truly a beautiful game.

[@yegenek]

My only critic of this game is that it is too short, the challenge backroom extends it a bit but it would be much better if it was longer like Bastion.

[@DaveEntity]

Absolutely amazing experience playing this game. I'm not fan boying either when I say its 5/5 stars all around, game art, gameplay, story, everything. Must play RPG. It needs the attention it deserves! Needs another game or remake it expanded

[@arturyeon]

This is such an insta-buy. Shut up, Supergiantgames, and take my money.

[@Soccer333bc]

Anyone know the song that plays in the gameplay at the end of the review? I've searched through the OST but I can't find it.

[@avidarois5505]

In Circles / _n C_rcl_s

[@shabztar123]

im not an indie guy but damn i loved this game and i dont know why but it was so immersive for me and just easy to connect with

[@Wolfsheim23]

I'd really love to see a modern remake of Magic & Mayhem made like Transistor. The gameplay was very similar but it was even better than Transistor. It just needs a major graphical update to make it smoother.

[@Darkkent775]

This game is incredible! From the combat to the story its all top notch. I have to admit I've been hating on indie games for awhile but between this Resogun and Child of Light. Indie games are finally where I needed them to be in order for me to be interested. A well deserved 9.0

[@dopedagoth1789]

whats the starting somg? i only know spine of their soundtrack but i like this one allot too

[@ItalianMobsterLive]

Been looking forward to this game for a long time, cant wait to finally play it

[@NicholasModdNJM5481]

When you go for maximum overkill... "(DO YOU EVEN READ?)". Nice touch. This game has many awesome subtleties which may be lost on some. In the last 15 hours, if I haven't been playing it, I've been talking about it. An ARPG that captivates with story and music and doesn't bombard you with the endless grind of loot runs. Instead, the game rewards you with an opportunity to find out more about the story, unlock and listen to more of the music, and perfect your combat skills over time as you increase the difficulty by adding limiters. A great game, and a breath of fresh air. 9/10 only because not everyone will love it. But it's perfect to me.

[@megagrog8626]

Nicholas Modd No, maximum overkill is "You are mean.", which , personally, made me burst into joyous laughter.

[@ivanb4681]

Bought all 3 supergiant games a few weeks ago on sale. They are all amazing in their own way and I don't know why I held off so long...

[@collinbarber4384]

Anyone here from epic games?

[@guava4184]

yup will u even play this game

[@collinbarber4384]

@Sorry mom I'm not sure. It's free but I've been really busy

[@richsafegaming362]

Me

[@SatoruuGf]

hey i have a question: Its free on the epic games website but not free in the play station store. does that mean i can't get it for free on ps4?

[@richsafegaming362]

Erin Barker yes you can not instal it for free at playstation becuise sony (playstation) is a difrent game launcher from epic games

[@ThePieManLikesPie]

We all must abide by The Dude... or not, whatever floats your boat

[@blakenz1108]

the best game I have played all year, finished it 3 times....the ending... I cry every time

[@jimmymurphy898]

The best game of 2014 currently rest of the games have been mostly disappointing but this was unique and had a really interesting storyline that to fully understand you had to piece together.

[@pinchingstars]

BEST GAME EVER MADE! Nothing compares now!

[@thebananaboater2339]

I just found this in my PS4 library. I'm glad I did.

[@G_Gr00v3]

Transistor and its soundtrack's part of the Steam Summer Sale right now!

[@Xanitsu]

dont know why there are so many people hating about this. this game is fun (it is a game) it is on ps4 and pc (will never come to xbox anything), is only $20, and shouldnt get hated on just because its not a well known title from a well known developer. indie games are not all trash.

[@lstx1977]

Absolute phenomenal game

[@evianGOWlover]

Now if I could only download the game I've already been charged 20$ for....wtf Sony

[@JJsAdventure23]

Ikr, I've been waiting forever!

[@liburnrasiti1310]

Supergiant games is small team with superb games.

[@thomasmcgonigle2074]

Like if you came here because of ps plus

[@Kerwell]

+Thomas McGonigle currently here because of steams sale

[@thomasmcgonigle2074]

+Kerwell play it it's a fantastic game buddy! Enjoy

[@bruhcoin2361]

I know this is old but this game is amazing I got all the achievements and replayed it many times I definatly reccomend it

[@missgrinch5940]

If you are reading this right now, buy this game! Only 3.99 on the Nintendo e-shop right now until 12/2/2020!

[@hershyrock]

Tbh, I didn't really care about this game, didn't watch any videos, and pretty much ignored whatever news it had. But I bought it just to even out my steam cart and I happen to like Bastion. Then the amazing happened, the game blew me away!! I started playing it on the morning of my day off and I couldn't quit, beat it all in one sitting.

[@Anonyminded]

it took small studio to bring something what gamers what screaming about for a long time - tactical combat in isometric view. I think this game gives a lot of ideas to the industry no1 RPGs like Diablo. Well done Supergiant!

[@MorseCodeStutters]

Got her voice taken away Hears her grunting in combat

[@quinncowdroy5164]

her voice. grunting is not speaking.

[@MorseCodeStutters]

Electrobeam 20 Which requires using your voice.

[@Mutticiu]

She can also hum. I love it when you press the button to hum and your precious voice in the Transistor sings the lyrics.

[@Isaxus12]

What i really worry about is that i might feel super lonely when i play this... It's so dark aswell

[@chibiyui0.014]

any1 here still playing this in 2019 just to listen to the music

[@WinterSina]

Guys this game is so good on the PS4, Been playing it all day! Not.. Fucking psn needs to update right now.

[@KosmasMJpec]

free on epic games store in the next 2 weeks ;)

[@kuefiyea8111]

Kosmas Pec cant wait

[@ZimM804]

This is going to free in July on ps+. Would consider getting it but Watch Dogs is out next week

[@RekkaKien3]

amazing game, amazing soundtrack. deserves no less than 10/10

[@Z1ng1s]

Soundtrack it self making me buy this game. 😅

[@alex91840]

has anyone been able to download it yet???

[@alex91840]

im getting it on ps4

[@arturyeon]

***** Even though I don't think pirating is a bad thing in general, why not pay for a game made by an Indie studio, esspecially if it's as great-looking as Transistor? o.ô

[@JJsAdventure23]

I'm not able too,what's up with that???

[@alex91840]

i have nothing against pirating i do it myself but i wanted it on ps4 and i dont understand it, its 1pm here and i cant download it wtf

[@arturyeon]

Cris M Well, it is already out on Steam.

[@sTeeevenD]

for those asking why you can play the PS4 version yet, they already said Transistor wont be using the Preloading feature

[@Madgegames]

So how long do we have to wait? I didn't pre-order it by the way, in fact I've not been able to find the game at all on PS store.

[@sTeeevenD]

Madgegames when the store updates?

[@rapid9940]

Best soundtrack ever

[@Patrick-fk2jt]

must admit, not as subtle in its mature themes as bastion was , which is a really good thing. helped you appreciate the grit an struggle of the game

[@omarhussein4303]

If your tired of stale 60$ AAA games you will love this its fresh, beautiful game and its story is genuinely gripping

[@sparksterTV]

Just finished this game. It is beautiful!

[@computronium8]

It looks like a cyberpunk Child of Light, such a beauty! I'll keep that in mind

[@carlosvega4735]

Even though I dont share their policies I understand Microsoft not wanting previous indie games ported from PC. But this is a brand new and awesome game. What is their excuse this time... Not enough shooting?

[@bilalsadaqat2149]

Well it will be free on epic store next month

[@StevenSteel7]

Happy it got ported to iPhone..... Really enjoying it

[@relative_vie]

This game is amazing. 9/10 Wish it was longer though.

[@skeeter4900]

Played the first 20 minutes or so. Excited to play more after I beat Wolfenstein.

[@prawnyb]

What is that opening track @ign

[@davidgn40]

"We all Become" from the Transistor OST.

[@prawnyb]

@@davidgn40 thanks man 👨

[@davidgn40]

@@prawnyb you're very welcome. Happy listening!

[@prawnyb]

@@davidgn40 it's a tuuuuuune! Didn't realise it was made for the game. Awesome work by Darren Korb 👌

[@wswsd3279]

This game is Amazing.

[@HsFBoJaNgLeS]

Really pumped to pick up this game. Looks so good.

[@munkeemojo]

How did that game take you over 20 hours? I played it once and I ended up not even shooting 90% of the time. I guess playing games like Splinter Cell and Manhunt, to name a few, made it easier for me to sneak around. While I liked TLOU, it was extremely far from being the hype machine they made it out to be. The story was ok and the emotion factor it had was good/sad but I felt more just hearing or reading the stories in rpg's over the years. Lost Odyssey for example had memories/stories that hit harder and were only a few minutes each.

[@AyCeeAreyy]

best review from ign ive seen in a long time.

[@DevinDatKid]

sony hasnt updated the ps store it doesnt usually happen until around 4 or 5

[@gurudasnv6611]

this was the best game of 2016...red stole my heart:-)

[@169aditya]

This is theReson why people stress indies are equally as important as aaa titles take note Microsoft they might not sell consoles but they will make the experience of staying with that console more meaningful

[@itsMasric]

I usually really enjoy IGN's video reviews but this one's audio was a bit off. It was surprisingly difficult to hear Marty's comments above the background music and speech.

[@munkeemojo]

You're really asking that? Don't you people that love TLOU to no end compare it to everything? In this case though I was comparing the amount of time it took to finish TLOU to the playtime of this game because people were crying about it only being 6 hours long. A 6 hour game isn't worth $20 much less a 7 hour snoozer for $60 in my opinion, critically acclaimed or not. I gave my critique on the TLOU and that's just as good as any so called critic.

[@dubber889]

*see transistor* Electrical Engineer : are they NPN or PNP ? This is not what i'm looking for

[@ekon01cz]

Saddly, this is *Literally* me

[@Fughly]

GameFanaTICK386 alright i just have to ask did u watch the review in it he states that the game is for PC and PS4,which if you watched it you wouldn`t have had to guess that its for 3DS And also on what did u base your assumption that he is a hipster?

[@julianperry4767]

I don't see people complaining about a lack of game titles on PC

[@NEOSTHEATER]

The final reason for my day one PS4 purchase after Contrast and Second Son! Can't wait to get of work in two hours to play!

[@Narutou01]

this would be great for the vita

[@Silverwarhawk]

What is the difference between the Mac version and the iOS? Would they release it on the Vita as well?

[@curtisdunn2909]

Got this on PS Plus last year pretty great game.

[@cbsnepvangers]

Marty is trying to sound all sensual in this voice over isn't he?

[@ormancadam6453]

Hmm I wonder if I plug in my PS4 controller to PC to play this game, can I use the speaker?! I doubt it, but would be cool, I got the PS4 controller fully compatible with my PC like xbox 360 controller. For this I used inputmapper, which is a free clean software.

[@jonaskristiansen781]

I just can`t grasp the fact that people get aggressive towards someone`s opinion. It`s so bizarre to me. Is it because they take subjective thinking as an objective verdict of quality?

[@jonaskristiansen781]

Also, which game should I get for PS4, Child of Light or Transistor?