Transference Reviews
Transference is an ambitious experience that feels a little bit late to the party. It has an interesting premise and an atmospheric, well realised world brought to life with gusto, especially if playing in virtual reality. But despite all of this, it never truly transcends the slew of similar games that came before it and is over much too quickly.
Although Transference is an interesting narrative horror game, it struggles to carve out a space as a VR game and a traditional title. The story is undeniably something worth experiencing, but the gameplay is lackluster enough that more often than not it serves as a barrier to experiencing what Transference does best.
Transference certainly showcases the potential of VR storytelling in the style Spectrevision are attempting. Even if its short story isn't always effectively told, and some of the puzzles distract, the atmosphere that's been created through detailed world design, incredible lighting effects, and intense sound design makes for a terrifying experience.
Transference offers a unique experience. If it scares away with now known gimmicks, its unhealthy atmosphere, exploded storytelling and the imagination left to the player as well as the meta aspect of browsing a faulty software in a video game make it a unique and successful experience.
Review in French | Read full review
A strongly acted psychological thriller wrapped in the familiar framework of a VR-friendly "walking simulator."
Transference is an experience fit for VR, and from that perspective, the game does a phenomenal job of providing tension, scares, and narrative beats. Those looking for value may feel a little short-changed, especially so without the implementation of virtual reality, but the overall package should leave you satisfied if horror and terror is your forte.
Transference is a genuinely terrifying and atmospheric virtual reality horror game from Ubisoft, but it has some issues that keep it from reaching its full potential.
There's a lot to like about the way Transference tries to tell its story, but it often lacks direction which pulls you out of the experience.
It's a game worth checking out, but is far from the great narrative experiences other games of this type have come to be known for.
Transference's distressing subject matter and eerie atmosphere make for a strong horror experience, even if some of its potential is squandered by a non-committal narrative.
Transference doesn't have intense combat or elaborate bosses. Instead, the adventure is about the experience of being in an unknown world that feels wrong. This uncomfortable tone of fragmented memories, environments, and many jump scares to create a surreal horror experience. For so much Transference does well it length and expensive price tag will bother a lot of gamers.
Though this sinewy psychological thriller may prove both disappointingly brief and overtly obtuse for some headset owners, as an exercise in pure, distilled atmosphere, it's one of PSVR's most bracingly effective offerings so far in 2018.
It's not a normal movie in that the interactivity of a video game provides a personal connection to what's going on. It's not simply a video game because it plays with standard conventions, and — similar to standouts like Alan Wake — manages to leave you with more questions than answers. I might not need to play it again, but I sure as hell want to start discussing it.
Transference's subtlety is meant to create additional depth, but keeping the player at arm's length only works if you eventually let them in. Unfortunately, Transference never fully shows its narrative hand and that's the game's biggest detriment. Gameplay-wise, the game is easy but satisfying to navigate. The surrealist, horror aspects of the shifting environments create a steady stream of tension and intrigue. While its brevity might be a turn off to players who enjoy a heartier game experience, Ubisoft Montreal and SpectreVision succeeded in combining games and movies into one entertaining and eerie walking sim.
Transference is an interesting experiment in the blending of horror and virtual reality. Noah and Waller deliver a stressful experience that pushes the player into an uncomfortable space. While the puzzles aren't going to bend your brain, the tension is more than worth the trip...and it is very much a trip.
It won't be a defining PS VR title, but it has interesting ideas and shows the potential of Spectravision on the VR medium. As their first game, its a decent offering that leave us dreaming with what they can achieve in the future. As an adventure it's a little bit simple, but if has "something" that, we hope, will grow on future productions.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
Halfway between graphic adventure and walking simulator (but with the plus of VR), Transference is not a game for everyone, but its atmosphere is priceless.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Transference is a particular piece but, besides its lack of content and its abrupt final, it also is an interesting experience. With a compelling story, great sense of atmosphere and astonishing graphics, we recommend it to everyone who likes titles that go beyond being just a videogame.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
Transference is an example of a first-person narrative driven game done right. From its tech singularity premise to its balance of story and gameplay, the game manages to craft an experience that's immersive and interactive without feeling like another walking simulator.
I thoroughly enjoyed my time spent with Transference, uncovering the mysteries that have taken place in the Hayes household. It’s immersiveness when playing in VR scared me in clever ways and it’s graphical fidelity made me believe I was really walking through a real apartment. While the asking price may be a bit steep for some, I would definitely recommend keeping this game on your radar if you like psychological thrillers and own a VR headset.