The big second game release from a popular developer is always a difficult one. You have to build on the success of the past, whilst branching out enough to stop people calling you a cookie cutter flash in the pan. Fortunately for SuperGiant games, it seems to have done just that with its new release, Transistor, garnering it a slew of praise and high scores. Here's what some of the reviewers thought:
Fans of Bastion will be happy to know that in this sword swinging adventure, you get to perform all of the expected hack and slash action whilst listening to the smooth, rumbling voice of Logan Cunningham as he narrates what's going on. He'll even point out things you missed in the environment, or chastise you for a bit of poor play.
Visually the game is a treat, with lots of attention to detail that makes the game feel fresh, despite its linearity. Combat is a mix between turn based and real time, meaning you have to plan your attacks with strategic emphasis, but don't get bogged down in watching something else take its lengthy turn.
It becomes impressively deep as gameplay progresses as well and you start to learn the nuances of the system, which allow you to use oddly specific attack patterns and tactics to overcome your foes. This is emphasised in a New Game + mode, which makes things a little harder while carrying over your progression. That said, the lack of variation in enemies does tend to make your strategies a one-size-fits-all, rather than something you change up regularly.
Some have criticised the game's story for being convoluted, mentioning names that you've not heard of because you haven't looked through every additional entry in offshoot corridors, though even that sourpuss was wooed by the music, which everyone seems to agree upon: is fantastic.
However you can get a better insight in to the story if you're confused, by using different combinations of abilities, which encourages you to mix it up and experiment.
The only difference between the PC and PS4 versions, for those wondering, is that the console variant can have the sword's voice come out of your controller, which is a nice touch.
Anyone here excited for Transistor? Will any of these reviews sway you?
