Transistor

Thoughts

I had a weird history with Transistor. When I originally picked it up a couple of years ago it didn't really grab me after a couple of hours with it — it was one of those games I thought was destined for the 'why didn't I like this?' pile (see: The Witcher 3). I came back to it on a whim, restarted it and it got its hooks into me almost instantly. My issue was thinking that this was a game that I'd have to understand the world of, to understand the story and characters of deeply to appreciate. That'll never happen with Transistor. Many elements are purposefully vague or obtuse, creating an air of mystery and a tense, focused atmosphere that wouldn't be feasible if all the answers were neatly laid out.

Backing up a bit, Transistor is the second game from SuperGiant, who made the excellent Bastion. It's ostensibly an action RPG, more realistically a turn-based/action/tactical RPG hybrid. You control one highly customisable character, setting up a 'loadout' of abilities within the scope of a limiting number of loadout points. Abilities can be used in an active slot assigned to one of the face buttons or attached to other abilities to power them up (or even used in passive slots, which provide various benefits). For example, there's a heavy physical attack that launches enemies up in the air. If you attach it to other abilities, it will increase their power and cause them to launch enemies up in the air. If you attach, say, a gravity-based ability to it, it'll stop the launching effect. It's a clever, straightforward and immensely versatile system, one that works very well, rewards you for forward-thinking and keeps combat fresh throughout.

With that said, there's not a heap of time required for it to be fresh. Transistor is a very short game, albeit one that feels very replayable with a well-implemented new game plus mode. The story feels both grand in scope and very personal. The world initially felt overwhelming, with concepts and characters being thrown around without a lot of explanation. It's something better experienced, but there is a narrow focus to the storytelling which really benefits the game as a whole, rendering any confusion moot as it progresses. Once you buy into the tunnel vision of the narrative it begins to function enjoyably; it helps that the world is dripping with atmosphere. Technically it's an absolute winner, with beautiful artwork and a bloody stunning soundtrack. Every song on here is memorable and well utilised. It's an important part of the game, interlinking with the story, so the flawless execution is a huge boon to the game as a whole. The voice acting deserves a shoutout too, especially in regards to your main ally (the titular transistor) who acts as narrator and confidant.

Plus/Minus

+ Atmospheric, moody world

+ Very enjoyable combat system with good customisation 

+ Incredible soundtrack

+ Beautiful artwork

+ Excellent voice acting

- Convoluted story

- Probably a touch too short

- Narrow gameplay scope 

- Takes a bit of time to buy into, which is tough with a shorter game

Overall

Transistor isn't a world-beater or a killer app, but it is an incredibly polished, daring and well-executed effort. SuperGiant knew what they wanted to do and went for it, even with some of the negatives that entails. It's a beautiful game technically with some very memorable moments and a cool, stylish combat system. It's short enough that I wouldn't hesitate to recommend any RPG fan give it a whirl, it's such a focused and well-crafted game that it deserves a playthrough. 

7.5/10

Technical Stuff: Played on a PS4. Free copy via PS Plus. Two full playthroughs, platinum trophy attained, approximately 12 hours spent.