The potential was there for something truly special along the lines of Limbo or even perhaps ICO with your immobile brother, but there ended up not being enough reasons to care for the game or the characters within it. Nowhere Studios have an artistic eye that spoke in a unique and moving way to me at first but the technical problems voided that emotional connection and Monochroma ended up being a slog rather than a joy.
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 gaming boudoir and revel in its luxurious design and perfection.
Don't let those minor complaints put you off as this is a gentle and entertaining romp through a fantastically realised world. The art-style and characters make it a special experience and even though the final few levels are a bit of a let-down with their formulaic design, The Last Tinker is worth picking up just to drink in its handcrafted visuals and feel-good vibe - when was the last time someone said that about a videogame?
And hey, you get to play as a goat. A purple goat. Take that Jon Blow.