Transistor Reviews

Transistor is ranked in the 95th percentile of games scored on OpenCritic.
Nov 1, 2018

Transistor, from start to finish, is immersive, charming, emotional, imaginative, the list goes on. This is a true gem, not to be missed. The one real regret is that it had to end eventually. I knew this, but so badly did I want it to last just a little longer. Just one more encounter. One more conversation. One more touching moment. Just one more, just a little longer. As an experience, it would be impossible to forget. Emotionally, few games have left such a lingering impact. It has so much to share and will make your imagination run satisfyingly wild. It pains me to judge this game professionally, giving it a 4.5 (closer to 4.8) instead of the 5 that I so wish to give it. I genuinely want to forget its few tiny flaws; this is how much I love this game. It may not be flawless, but that doesn’t take away from its sheer magnificence. Transistor is an absolute masterpiece.

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8.7 / 10.0
May 22, 2014

My biggest wish is for more of this game, a sequel or some DLC, because I want to see this world continued, and I want to play the combat until my thumbs bleed. I'm disappointed in its short play-length, but it can't be said enough that Transistor is a beautiful and unique RPG that every gamer should play. I can hardly wait to see what Supergiant will come up with next.

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8.7 / 10.0
May 28, 2014

All in all, the stellar concept and artistic style of Transistor is nigh-on unparalleled. The mystical aura surrounding and permeating the entire game is original and attractive, the blending of real-time and turn-based gameplay is inspired (and yeah, it works exceedingly well), and there's a surprising amount of humanity injected into this otherwise sci-fi presentation. I don't like some of the stumbling blocks they purposely throw in your way, as they speak more to the action side of the game (and I prefer the strategic side), and above all else, the potential of the game is just so much…more.

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Bit Cultures
Roderick Sang
87%
Aug 31, 2015

Overall, despite my criticisms, Transistor is a game that is definitely worth your time. If you're a person who loves an interesting story, amazing soundtrack, beautiful visuals, and cheap games (it's only $20 on Steam) then there is no reason why you shouldn't be playing this. After you beat it, you could even have some more fun and join the long and vast discussions about the game's story on Reddit and YouTube, to name a few places. Or not, your choice!

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8.5 / 10.0
May 19, 2014

Transistor's grace and beauty go far below skin deep

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8.5 / 10.0
May 20, 2014

Still, it's worth trying; the world of Cloudbank is a wonder to behold and the mystery of the Camarata, the Process, and the Transistor itself is something that is really worth exploring. 

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8.5 / 10.0
Oct 30, 2018

Supergiant has made it clear that stories are important to them. Players seeking a game with strategic combat and simply a great, unique story need not look any further than Transistor.

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8.5 / 10.0
May 20, 2014

Like the saddest songs that call to us from the depths of our emotions — from despair, to longing, to heartbreak — Transistor may not necessarily be the easiest, or most accessible, title to jump into wholeheartedly in a rush. But given time and a chance to shine, its song resonates beautifully when it hits all the right notes.

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8.5 / 10.0
May 21, 2014

The experience of Transistor is lush and enjoyable. It is a beautiful game with some truly excellent mechanics. Unfortunately, its story and lack of character development through gameplay brings the rest of the game down - but not by much.

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8.5 / 10.0
May 26, 2014

Transistor is a fantastic follow-up to Bastion that features incredible art design, wonderful music, deep, customizable, strong storytelling and one of the best plots in recent memory. It's a thoughtful, beautiful, and well-designed game that should be played by everyone with a passing interest in RPGs. Go buy it. Now.

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Thomas Hugh
Top Critic
8.5 / 10.0
May 20, 2014

Transistor is a rare breed of game where there is not much else to compare it too. It is a shortish adventure but is so well designed that you will most likely want to jump straight back in and unlock that last trophy (yes it has a platinum!). I enjoyed it more than Bastion and can only hope it will lead to a sequel from Supergiant Games.

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8.5 / 10.0
May 29, 2014

Transistor is an early contender for one of the most engaging games of the year. It isn't Bastion 2, since it's more of a straight RPG than an action game, and the tone, characters and setting are quite different. It manages to craft an engaging and exciting RPG experience mixed with a simple but curiously enticing story, and its biggest sin is being over too soon. It won't necessarily appeal to all of Bastion's fans, but Transistor shows that Supergiant Games isn't just a one-hit wonder and is capable of crafting an entirely different kind of game experience that is still exciting and delightful.

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8.5 / 10.0
Nov 1, 2018

With excellent music, beautifully drawn levels, and a story that jerks at the heartstrings, Transistor is a great game that will surely leave you satisfied and wanting to play through it a second time.

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8.5 / 10.0
May 30, 2014

It may start off feeling pompous and arrogant, but give it enough time and you'll start to uncover a deeply sophisticated world, supported by a brilliant story, and solid, dynamic gameplay.

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84 / 100
May 22, 2014

People were looking for a really good follow up to Bastion, and that's what they've got here. Transistor is really smart, looks and sounds great, and will leave you wanting more when it's all over.

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PC Gamer
Top Critic
80 / 100
May 20, 2014

A brilliant and rewarding combat system propels a story that never becomes as interesting as it seemingly should.

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May 20, 2014

Transistor's clever combat and incredible customization makes for an intensely fun strategy game, but the world and story leave much to be desired. Come for the art and wonderful soundtrack, stay for the ability to freeze time and slash up robots.

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8 / 10
May 19, 2014

With a gorgeous audiovisual style, unconventional science fiction narrative, and empowering combat system, Transistor is a distinctive and memorable experience.

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8 / 10
May 20, 2014

Bastion certainly wasn't a fluke. Transistor cements Supergiant Games as one of the sharpest, most stylish, and unique small developers. Though some of its flourishes aren't quite as fresh the second time around, Transistor speaks with a unique creative identity, mostly successfully refreshes solid RPG mechanics, and tells a poignant story worth experiencing.

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May 25, 2014

While the combat system itself is the real star of Transistor, Red's journey through Cloudbank is definitely one worth taking.

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