Review: Transistor (PS4)

Super Giant Games follows up its iOS hit Bastion with a game that shares many of its predecessor’s strengths – and weaknesses.

The initial experience with Bastion on iPad was remarkable. Its appealing, comic book-inspired visuals, isometric perspective reminiscent of classic Amiga titles, and an engaging blend of action and new-age storytelling were refreshing. Now, Super Giant Games presents Transistor, a title that has garnered significant attention as a PS4 indie highlight since its unveiling nearly a year ago at E3 in Los Angeles.

Transistor largely retains the RPG-action foundation established in Bastion. The core gameplay remains familiar, enhanced with improved graphics and a greater emphasis on action, facilitated by the precision of a dedicated controller compared to the sometimes frustrating touch controls of the tablet version. The narrative delves into a cyberpunk setting, focusing on Red, a singer targeted by “The Process,” an advanced robotic force controlled by The Camerata. This antagonistic group has also stolen Red’s voice. However, the sword intended to eliminate her – the Transistor – captures the essence of her deceased colleague, who accompanies her as a constant commentator, similar to the Whiskey-voiced narrator in Bastion. The player assumes the role of Red, wielding the Transistor to combat the robot horde and ultimately defeat The Camerata.

Players control Red directly, engaging in initially straightforward action, utilizing four distinct techniques mapped to the controller’s buttons to interact with the environment and attack enemies. A strategic dimension is soon introduced, enabling Red to temporarily freeze time and meticulously plan a multi-step attack sequence, executed rapidly upon confirmation with the R2 button. This mechanic adds depth to combat, shifting the focus from pure technical skill to tactical planning.

Transistor exhibits a distinct visual style, characterized by a cool, modern cyberpunk aesthetic. The comic book-inspired graphics are rendered effectively on the PS4, complemented by stylish cutscenes. The soundtrack and sound design are well-executed, although, similar to Bastion, the commentary can become somewhat repetitive. While Super Giant Games demonstrates a penchant for stylish presentation, overuse of certain elements can detract from the experience. Nevertheless, the game successfully maintains and enhances the appealing atmosphere first encountered in Bastion.

Regrettably, Transistor‘s strong similarities to Bastion also highlight its primary weakness: a lack of overall variety. Despite the inclusion of upgrades and gradual concept development, the core gameplay loop becomes somewhat repetitive. The game primarily consists of navigating similar environments and engaging new enemy types repeatedly. Consequently, Transistor is best experienced in moderate sessions. The game feels like an expanded iOS title rather than a title built to fully utilize the power of the PS4 hardware.

Final verdict: Transistor boasts attractive visuals and a compelling cyberpunk atmosphere. The isometric perspective evokes classic titles such as Bitmap Brothers’ Cadaver. However, the game’s scope feels somewhat limited, failing to fully leverage the potential of the PS4. Beyond graphical enhancements, the core gameplay experience is not significantly more advanced than that of Bastion on iOS from two years prior. While priced appropriately (approximately 200 SEK on PSN, also available for PC) and enjoyable in its own right, expectations for Super Giant Games’ PS4 debut were admittedly higher.