View source for Software:Transistor (video game)

{{Infobox video game
| title = Transistor
| collapsible = 
| state = 
| image = Transistor art.jpg
| caption = 
| developer = [[Company:Supergiant Games|Supergiant Games]]
| publisher = Supergiant Games
| engine = 
| platforms = [[Engineering:PlayStation 4|PlayStation 4]], [[Software:Windows|Windows]], [[Software:Linux|Linux]], [[Software:OS X|OS X]], [[Software:IOS|iOS]], [[Engineering:Nintendo Switch|Nintendo Switch]]
| released = {{collapsible list|title={{nobold|May 20, 2014}}|'''Windows'''|{{vgrelease|WW|May 20, 2014}}|'''PlayStation 4'''|{{vgrelease|NA|May 20, 2014|PAL|May 21, 2014}}|'''Linux, OS X'''|{{vgrelease|WW|October 30, 2014}}|'''iOS'''|{{vgrelease|WW|June 11, 2015}}|'''tvOS'''|{{vgrelease|WW|November 2, 2015}}|'''Nintendo Switch'''|{{vgrelease|WW|November 1, 2018}}}}
| genre = [[Software:Action role-playing game|Action role-playing]], [[Software:Turn-based strategy|turn-based strategy]]
| modes = [[Software:Single-player video game|Single-player]]
| director = 
| designer = Amir Rao<br/>Greg Kasavin
| programmer = Christopher Jurney<br />Gavin Simon<br />Andrew Wang
| artist = Jen Zee
| writer = Greg Kasavin
| composer = Darren Korb
}}

'''''Transistor''''' is an [[Software:Action role-playing game|action role-playing]] [[Engineering:Video game|video game]] developed and published by [[Company:Supergiant Games|Supergiant Games]]. The game was released in May 2014 for [[Software:Microsoft Windows|Microsoft Windows]] and [[Engineering:PlayStation 4|PlayStation 4]], for [[Software:OS X|OS X]] and [[Software:Linux|Linux]] in October 2014, and [[Software:IOS|iOS]] devices in June 2015. ''Transistor'' sold over one million copies across all platforms by December 2015.<ref name=":2" /><ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.destructoid.com/transistor-sells-over-a-million-copies/ | title = Transistor sells over a million copies | first = Jordan | last = Devore | date = December 28, 2015 | accessdate = September 4, 2021 | work = [[Social:Destructoid|Destructoid]] | archive-date = September 4, 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210904230405/https://www.destructoid.com/transistor-sells-over-a-million-copies/ | url-status = live }}</ref>

In ''Transistor'', the player controls Red, a popular singer in the city of Cloudbank, as she moves through the sci-fi-themed cityscape and battles robotic enemies collectively known as the Process. The game is presented through an isometric camera and features both real-time combat and a frozen, turned-based mode. The player is armed with a greatsword-like weapon, the titular Transistor, through which various powers called Functions are used against the enemies.

==Gameplay==
''Transistor'' uses an isometric point of view. The player controls the main character, Red, as she travels through a series of locations, battling enemies known collectively as the Process in both real-time combat and a frozen planning mode referred to as "Turn()". Using Turn() drains the action bar, which refills after a short delay. Until it is full again, Red cannot use Turn(), or any other power (with a few exceptions).<ref>{{cite web|title = PAX: Transistor is a worthy follow-up to Bastion|url = http://www.destructoid.com/pax-transistor-is-a-worthy-follow-up-to-bastion-249343.phtml|access-date = May 20, 2014|date = March 22, 2013|website = [[Social:Destructoid|Destructoid]]|last = Duncan|first = Alasdair|archive-date = March 5, 2016|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160305074109/http://www.destructoid.com/pax-transistor-is-a-worthy-follow-up-to-bastion-249343.phtml|url-status = live}}</ref> Red earns [[Software:Experience point|experience point]]s after each battle, and may collect new powers (called [[Subroutine|Functions]]) from fallen victims of the Process. 

Functions can be used in several ways. First, they can be equipped in one of four active skill slots. Second, they can be used as an upgrade to augment another equipped Function. Third, they can be equipped in a passive skill slot for a persistent effect during battle. For example, the Function Spark() may be used to fire an explosive attack, to split the effects of another Function, or to passively spawn Red's decoys. With a total of 16 Functions, there are many combinations, allowing for a great degree of customization to fit different play styles.

Red can also collect and activate Limiters, which serve as optional debuffs during combat,<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Miller|first=Matt|url=https://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2014/05/23/transistor-developer-tips.aspx|title= Mastering Transistor – Tips From The Developer|magazine=Game Informer|date=May 23, 2014|accessdate=January 18, 2023}}</ref> but in turn increase experience gained. Both Functions and Limiters reveal lore from ''Transistor'''s world after being used for a certain amount of time.

== Plot ==
Red, a popular singer in the city of Cloudbank, kneels by the body of a man who has been killed with a glowing greatsword—the Transistor. The attack took away her voice, sealing it inside the Transistor. The sword also absorbed the man's [[Philosophy:Consciousness|consciousness]], and through it he is able to speak to Red, acting as her guide and the game's [[Social:Narration|narrator]]. As Red escapes, she is attacked by an army of [[Artificial intelligence|intelligent robots]] known as the Process. She also discovers several Cloudbank citizens who have been "integrated" by the Process and absorbs their [[Digital footprint|trace data]] into the Transistor, expanding the weapon's functionality.

Red makes her way to Cloudbank's Goldwalk district, where she learns that the Process is being controlled by the Camerata, a sinister group of high-ranking officials. The Camerata have been integrating individuals of influence through the Transistor; they were the ones who attacked Red, though the murder attempt was thwarted when the man stepped in front of the blow. At her former performance stage, Red confronts and defeats Sybil Reisz, a Camerata member in a corrupted Process-like form. She uses Sybil's knowledge of the Camerata to locate their leader—one of the administrators of Cloudbank, Grant Kendrell.

As Red enters the Highrise district, the Process becomes more aggressive, attacking the entire city indiscriminately. Asher Kendrell, another member of the Camerata, publicly reveals the Camerata's involvement and apologizes for their actions. It becomes apparent that the Camerata have lost control of the Process. After battling numerous Process enemies, including a massive creature referred to as the "Spine", Red reaches the hideout of the Camerata in Bracket Towers, only to find that Grant and Asher have committed [[Medicine:Suicide|suicide]].

Resolving to track down the final member of the Camerata, Royce Bracket, and then escape the city, Red and her companion travel through Goldwalk, which has been "Processed" into a blocky, white facsimile of its original form. Royce approaches Red through a [[Engineering:Telerobotics|robotic proxy]] and offers to work together to stop the Process. He reveals that the Transistor, along with its docking point, the Cradle, are part of the apparatus used by the city's administrators to manipulate the landscape and environment of Cloudbank in order to satisfy the whims of the people. After fighting through the completely Processed district of Fairview, Red meets Royce and places the Transistor into the Cradle. This brings an end to the Process attack but also absorbs Red and Royce into the Transistor's virtual realm.

Royce informs Red that only one of them can return to Cloudbank and the two clash. After defeating Royce, Red is transported back into the city, where she begins rebuilding its Processed areas. Upon un-Processing the man's body and learning he cannot be restored from inside the Transistor, she sits down beside him and—despite his protests and pleadings otherwise—impales herself with the Transistor. In the closing credits sequence, it is shown that the man is reunited with Red within the virtual world of the Transistor. In a heartfelt embrace, she reveals that her voice has been restored.

== Development ==
[[Company:Supergiant Games|Supergiant Games]] began working on ''Transistor'' full-time in September 2012, though early concepts were already being developed the fall of 2011, around the time the studio wrapped up on their first game, ''[[Software:Bastion (video game)|Bastion]]''.<ref name="SGFAQ">{{cite web |date=June 11, 2013 |title=Transistor FAQ |url=https://www.supergiantgames.com/blog/transistor-faq |access-date=January 17, 2023 |website=[[Company:Supergiant Games|Supergiant Games]] |archive-date=January 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230117200910/https://www.supergiantgames.com/blog/transistor-faq/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The game was created by a team of twelve people, up from seven on ''Bastion''.<ref name="venturebeat">{{cite web |last=Takahashi |first=Dean |date=May 2, 2014 |title=How super-indie Supergiant Games is following the success of Bastion with Transistor (interview) |url=https://venturebeat.com/games/how-super-indie-supergiant-games-followed-the-success-of-bastion-with-transistor-interview/ |access-date=January 17, 2023 |website=VentureBeat |archive-date=January 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230117200904/https://venturebeat.com/games/how-super-indie-supergiant-games-followed-the-success-of-bastion-with-transistor-interview/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The team was led by studio director Amir Rao, with Greg Kasavin as its creative director and writer. Jen Zee was the game's art director and Darren Korb was its composer and audio director.<ref name="gameinformer">{{cite magazine |last=Wallace |first=Kimberley |date=May 20, 2021 |title=The Story Behind Supergiant Games' Transistor |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/2021/05/20/the-story-behind-supergiant-games-transistor |access-date=January 17, 2023 |magazine=Game Informer}}</ref> The game was developed primarily in Supergiant's new office in SoMa, {{wipe|San Francisco}}, though some audio work was done in {{wipe|New York City}}.<ref name="venturebeat"/>

The studio decided early on that the game would feature a science-fiction love story in a cyberpunk setting.<ref name="gameinformer"/> In designing Cloudbank, which eventually evolved into a "romanticized, anachronistic quasi-futuristic city", art director Jen Zee took inspiration from Art Nouveau artists such as Gustav Klimt and Alphonse Mucha, whose work was characterized by elongated, natural patterns and liberal use of the color gold.<ref name="skinny">{{cite web |last=Carle |first=Darren |date=May 20, 2014 |title=Transistor: Ready To Broadcast |url=https://www.theskinny.co.uk/tech/features/transistor-ready-to-broadcast |access-date=January 17, 2023 |website=The Skinny |archive-date=January 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230117225212/https://www.theskinny.co.uk/tech/features/transistor-ready-to-broadcast |url-status=live }}</ref>

Through the gameplay of ''Transistor'', Supergiant sought to capture the "drama and suspense" of [[Software:Turn-based strategy|turn-based strategy games]] within an [[Software:Action role-playing game|action/RPG]] game.<ref name="gameinformer"/> They wanted to create a system which, according to Rao, would discourage players from "forming early or rigid attachments to particular abilities" and encourage experimentation.<ref name=gamedeveloper/> ''Magic: The Gathering'' was a key early influence on the game's combat system, which was eventually simplified to a "deck" of 16 functions.<ref name=gamedeveloper>{{cite web |date=January 22, 2015 |title=Game Design Deep Dive: The Functions of Transistor |url=https://www.gamedeveloper.com/design/game-design-deep-dive-the-functions-of-i-transistor-i- |access-date=January 17, 2023 |website=Game Developer |archive-date=January 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230117225210/https://www.gamedeveloper.com/design/game-design-deep-dive-the-functions-of-i-transistor-i- |url-status=live }}</ref> ''[[Software:Fallout (video game)|Fallout]]'', ''[[Software:Fallout 2|Fallout 2]]'', and ''[[Software:Final Fantasy Tactics|Final Fantasy Tactics]]'' also informed the design of the game's strategy aspect.<ref name="venturebeat"/>

A playable version of the game was debuted at the March 2013 PAX East event.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Ryckert |first=Dan |date=March 23, 2013 |title=Transistor Preview - Transistor Playable In Stunning PAX East Debut |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/games/transistor/b/xbox360/archive/2013/03/23/transistor-playable-in-stunning-pax-east-debut.aspx |access-date=January 17, 2023 |magazine=Game Informer}}</ref> While ''Bastion'' was initially published by [[Company:Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment|Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment]], Supergiant opted to distribute ''Transistor'' through self-publishing.<ref>{{cite web |last=Cook |first=Dave |date=May 13, 2014 |title=Why Supergiant ditched publishers for the release of Transistor - interview |url=https://www.vg247.com/transistor-supergiant-interview-ps4-pc |access-date=January 17, 2023 |website=VG247 |archive-date=January 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230117233832/https://www.vg247.com/transistor-supergiant-interview-ps4-pc |url-status=live }}</ref> ''Transistor'' was released worldwide on May 20, 2014 on [[Software:Microsoft Windows|Windows]] through [[Software:Steam (service)|Steam]]. It was released on the same day in North America for PlayStation 4, and was made available in Europe the following day.<ref>{{Cite web | url = http://supergiantgames.com/index.php/2014/04/transistor-arrives-may-20-on-ps4-and-pc/ | title = Transistor arrives May 20 on PS4 and PC | first = Greg | last = Kasavin | date = April 10, 2014 | access-date = April 10, 2014 | publisher = [[Company:Supergiant Games|Supergiant Games]] | archive-date = June 25, 2014 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140625172235/http://supergiantgames.com/index.php/2014/04/transistor-arrives-may-20-on-ps4-and-pc/ | url-status = dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2014-05-16 |title=Transistor dev lifts the lid on its new game plus mode |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/transistor-dev-lifts-the-lid-on-its-new-game-plus-mode |access-date=2024-01-24 |work=Eurogamer.net |language=en}}</ref> The game became available on [[Software:OS X|OS X]] and [[Software:Linux|Linux]] on October 30, 2014,<ref>{{Cite web | url = http://www.supergiantgames.com/blog/transistor-out-now-on-mac-and-linux/ | title = Transistor Out Now on Mac and Linux! | first = Greg | last = Kasavin | date = October 30, 2014 | access-date = October 31, 2014 | publisher = [[Company:Supergiant Games|Supergiant Games]] | archive-date = March 24, 2016 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160324041338/http://www.supergiantgames.com/blog/transistor-out-now-on-mac-and-linux/ | url-status = live }}</ref> and on [[Software:IOS|iOS]] devices on June 11, 2015.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Scalzo|first1=John|title=Supergiant's Transistor is now available on iOS App Store|url=http://www.warpzoned.com/2015/06/supergiants-transistor-is-now-available-on-ios-app-store/|website=Warp Zoned|date=June 11, 2015|access-date=June 24, 2015|archive-date=June 30, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150630203937/http://www.warpzoned.com/2015/06/supergiants-transistor-is-now-available-on-ios-app-store/|url-status=live}}</ref> A version for [[Engineering:Nintendo Switch|Nintendo Switch]] was released on November 1, 2018.<ref>{{Citation |title=Transistor - Nintendo Switch Announcement Trailer - IGN |date=2018-08-28 |url=https://www.ign.com/videos/transistor-nintendo-switch-announcement-trailer |access-date=2024-01-24 |language=en}}</ref>

=== Music ===
{{Infobox album
| name       = Transistor Original Soundtrack
| type       = [[Engineering:Soundtrack|Soundtrack]]
| artist     = Darren Korb
| cover      = 
| caption    = 
| alt        =
| released   = May 20, 2014
| recorded   =
| venue      =
| studio     =
| genre      = [[Physics:Electronic music|Electronic]]
| length     = 72:23
| label      =
| producer   = Darren Korb
| prev_title =
| prev_year  =
| next_title =
| next_year  =
}}
''Transistor''{{'}}s soundtrack was written and produced by Darren Korb. It was released simultaneously with the game on May 20, 2014. Ashley Lynn Barrett, who was the female vocalist in Bastion's soundtrack, returned to provide vocals for "The Spine", "In Circles", "We All Become", "Signals", and "Paper Boats".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://supergiantgames.bandcamp.com/album/transistor-original-soundtrack |title=Transistor Original Soundtrack |website=Bandcamp |publisher=[[Company:Supergiant Games|Supergiant Games]] |access-date=June 5, 2014 |archive-date=July 29, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160729195409/http://supergiantgames.bandcamp.com/album/transistor-original-soundtrack |url-status=live }}</ref> The musical style of the soundtrack has been described by Korb as "old-world [[Physics:Electronic music|electronic]] post-rock". To fit that genre of music, the instruments used includes [[Engineering:Electric guitar|electric guitar]]s, [[Engineering:Harp|harp]]s, [[Engineering:Accordion|accordion]]s, [[Engineering:Mandolin|mandolin]]s, [[Engineering:Electric piano|electric piano]], and [[Engineering:Synthesizer|synth pads]]. Additionally, an [[Equalization (audio)|EQ]] filter is overlaid over the music during the pause and "Turn()" menus to have a distant, blurred sound.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://blog.us.playstation.com/2014/05/23/behind-the-music-and-sounds-of-transistor/ |title=Behind the Music and Sounds of Transistor |last1=Korb |first1=Darren |date=May 23, 2014 |website=PlayStation Blog |publisher=[[Software:Sony Computer Entertainment|Sony Computer Entertainment]] |access-date=June 3, 2014 |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304051659/http://blog.us.playstation.com/2014/05/23/behind-the-music-and-sounds-of-transistor/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

The soundtrack sold 48,000 copies within the first ten days of release.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://nypost.com/2014/06/07/wall-street-exec-moonlights-as-manager-for-indie-rockers/ |title=Wall Street exec moonlights as manager for indie rockers |last1=John Aidan |first1=Byrne |date=June 7, 2014 |website=New York Post |access-date=June 11, 2014 |archive-date=August 15, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220815070422/https://nypost.com/2014/06/07/wall-street-exec-moonlights-as-manager-for-indie-rockers/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

On November 2, 2015, to commemorate Transistor's release on [[Engineering:Apple TV|Apple TV]], a new bonus track written and produced by Darren Korb, "She Shines" was added to the soundtrack.  Ashley Barrett returned to provide the vocals.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.supergiantgames.com/blog/out-now-transistor-for-the-new-apple-tv/|title=Out Now: Transistor for the New Apple TV!|last=Greg|first=Kasavin|date=November 2, 2015|website=Supergiant Games|access-date=|archive-date=April 15, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170415202804/http://www.supergiantgames.com/blog/out-now-transistor-for-the-new-apple-tv/|url-status=live}}</ref>

{{Clear}}

== Reception ==
{{Video game reviews
| title = 
| MC = PS4: 83/100<ref name="Metacritic PS4">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/transistor/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-4 |title=Transistor for PlayStation 4 Reviews |website=Metacritic |publisher=CBS Interactive |access-date=May 23, 2014 |archive-date=May 9, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140509110403/http://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-4/transistor |url-status=live }}</ref><br />PC: 83/100<ref name="Metacritic PC">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/transistor/critic-reviews/?platform=pc |title=Transistor for PC Reviews |website=Metacritic |publisher=CBS Interactive |access-date=May 23, 2014 |archive-date=May 23, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140523174218/http://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/transistor |url-status=live }}</ref><br />iOS: 93/100<ref name="Metacritic iOS">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/transistor/critic-reviews/?platform=ios-iphoneipad |title=Transistor for iPhone/iPad Reviews |website=Metacritic |publisher=CBS Interactive |access-date=June 23, 2018 |archive-date=June 28, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180628003354/http://www.metacritic.com/game/ios/transistor |url-status=live }}</ref><br />NS: 86/100<ref name="Metacritic NS">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/transistor/critic-reviews/?platform=nintendo-switch |title=Transistor for Switch Reviews |website=Metacritic |publisher=CBS Interactive |access-date=May 5, 2019 |archive-date=June 3, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190603024728/https://www.metacritic.com/game/switch/transistor |url-status=live }}</ref>
| Destruct = 8.5/10<ref name="Destructoid Review">{{Cite web|url = http://www.destructoid.com/review-transistor-274855.phtml|title = Review: Transistor|date = May 20, 2014|access-date = May 20, 2014|website = [[Social:Destructoid|Destructoid]]|publisher = |last = Duncan|first = Alasdair|archive-date = April 21, 2016|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160421024451/http://www.destructoid.com/review-transistor-274855.phtml|url-status = live}}</ref>
| GI = 9/10<ref name="Game Informer Review">{{Cite magazine|url = http://www.gameinformer.com/games/transistor/b/pc/archive/2014/05/20/transistor-review-game-informer.aspx|title = Transistor: Weird And Wonderful Discovery|date = May 20, 2014|access-date = May 20, 2014|magazine = Game Informer|last = Miller|first = Matt}}</ref>
| GSpot = 8/10<ref name="GameSpot Review">{{Cite web|url = http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/transistor-review/1900-6415763/|title = Transistor Review|date = May 20, 2014|access-date = May 20, 2014|website = GameSpot|publisher = |last = Petit|first = Carolyn|archive-date = January 8, 2016|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160108040043/http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/transistor-review/1900-6415763|url-status = live}}</ref>
| IGN = 9/10<ref name="IGN Review">{{Cite web|url = http://www.ign.com/articles/2014/05/20/transistor-review|title = Transistor Review|date = May 20, 2014|access-date = May 20, 2014|website = IGN|publisher = |last = Sliva|first = Marty|archive-date = June 13, 2016|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160613204738/http://www.ign.com/articles/2014/05/20/transistor-review|url-status = live}}</ref>
| Poly = 8.5/10<ref name="Polygon Review">{{Cite web|url = http://www.polygon.com/2014/5/20/5714244/transistor-review-a-girl-and-her-sword|title = Transistor Review: A Girl and Her Sword|date = May 20, 2014|access-date = May 20, 2014|website = Polygon|publisher = |last = Riendeau|first = Danielle|archive-date = May 21, 2014|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140521034925/http://www.polygon.com/2014/5/20/5714244/transistor-review-a-girl-and-her-sword|url-status = live}}</ref>
| TA = {{rating|5|5}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://toucharcade.com/2015/06/19/transistor-review-an-action-packed-evocative-journey-in-an-amazing-world/ |title='Transistor' Review – An Action-Packed, Evocative Journey in an Amazing World |last=Lazarides |first=Tasos |date=June 19, 2015 |website=TouchArcade |access-date=June 23, 2018 |archive-date=June 23, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180623193910/https://toucharcade.com/2015/06/19/transistor-review-an-action-packed-evocative-journey-in-an-amazing-world/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
}}

''Transistor'' has been well received by game critics, receiving an 8/10 from ''GameSpot'', 8.5/10 from ''[[Social:Destructoid|Destructoid]]'', 9/10 from ''IGN'', and an 8.5/10 from ''Polygon''.{{r|GameSpot Review|Destructoid Review|IGN Review|Polygon Review}} It also has an 83 out of 100 on review aggregator Metacritic based on 57 reviews for PlayStation 4 and 35 reviews for Microsoft Windows, indicating "generally favorable reviews".{{r|Metacritic PS4|Metacritic PC}}<ref name="Kotaku Review">{{Cite web|url = http://kotaku.com/transistor-the-kotaku-review-1579004336|title = Transistor: The Kotaku Review|date = May 20, 2014|access-date = May 20, 2014|website = Kotaku|publisher = |last = LeJacq|first = Yannick|archive-date = May 21, 2014|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140521065856/http://kotaku.com/transistor-the-kotaku-review-1579004336|url-status = live}}</ref>

The game's visuals and soundtrack have been praised by reviewers. Richard Niak of ''Game Critics'' wrote that the aesthetics of Cloudbank, the game's main setting, are "a key factor in understanding the story and the destruction being wrought by the Process."<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://gamecritics.com/richard-naik/transistor-review/|title=Transistor Review – GameCritics.com|website=gamecritics.com|language=en-US|access-date=2017-04-18|archive-date=2017-04-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170419002854/https://gamecritics.com/richard-naik/transistor-review/|url-status=live}}</ref>  Randy Kalista of ''Gaming Nexus'' called the soundtrack "an indispensable element of Transistor's storytelling."<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.gamingnexus.com/Article/4447/Transistor/|title=Transistor - Gaming Nexus|work=Gaming Nexus|access-date=2017-04-18|language=en|archive-date=2017-04-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170419102433/https://www.gamingnexus.com/Article/4447/Transistor/|url-status=live}}</ref> Danielle Riendeau of ''Polygon'' wrote that Transistor is "oozing with style and aesthetic charm," and that the music and voice "set it apart aesthetically" and infuse the game with personality and life.<ref name="Polygon Review" />

The game's combat system has been received favorably, with many reviewers praising the game's flexibility and the variety of possible ability combinations. Christian Donlan of ''Eurogamer'' called the combat system "a tight system in which almost nothing is wasted and experimentation is encouraged."<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2014-05-20-transistor-review|title=Transistor review|last=Donlan|first=Christian|date=2014-05-20|website=Eurogamer|language=en-UK|access-date=2017-04-18|archive-date=2017-04-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170419101201/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2014-05-20-transistor-review|url-status=live}}</ref> Nicholas Plouffe of ''COG Connected'' wrote that Transistor "replicated the combat and movement style [of [[Software:Bastion (video game)|Bastion]]] that really sets the two completely apart from each other" and that the number of combinations in regards to combat abilities allows for very diverse play-styles.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://cogconnected.com/review/transistor-pc-review/|title=Transistor (PC) Review - Walk Softly and Carry a Talking Sword - COGconnected|work=COGconnected|access-date=2017-04-18|language=en-US|archive-date=2017-04-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170419100912/http://cogconnected.com/review/transistor-pc-review/|url-status=live}}</ref> John Fisco of ''DarkStation'' wrote that the combat "never felt overly difficult or too simplistic", that the distribution of ability upgrades was "smartly implemented", and that the action is "both quick, and at times, thoughtfully composed..."<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.darkstation.com/reviews/transistor|title=Transistor|work=DarkStation|access-date=2017-04-18|language=en-US|archive-date=2017-07-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170728113925/http://www.darkstation.com/reviews/transistor|url-status=live}}</ref>

The game's storytelling has received mixed reactions. Chris I. of ''Digitally Downloaded'' wrote, "Like Bastion before it, Transistor’s strength isn't found in its [[Software:Action role-playing game|action-RPG]] elements alone, but in the way that its narrative unravels along."<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.digitallydownloaded.net/2014/05/review-transistor-pc.html|title=Review: Transistor (PC)|last=S|first=Matt|website=www.digitallydownloaded.net|date=21 May 2014 |access-date=2017-04-18|archive-date=2017-04-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170419002820/http://www.digitallydownloaded.net/2014/05/review-transistor-pc.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Marty Sliva of ''IGN'' praised the game on how it "relies on subtlety in a way that few games ever do" in regards to its storytelling and [[Worldbuilding|worldbuilding]].<ref name="IGN Review" /> Danielle Riendeau praised the game's "fragmentary but effective" storytelling.<ref name="Polygon Review" /> Matt Miller on ''Game Informer'', however, notes that the linearity of the game made it "feel repetitive" and called it "an isolating adventure".<ref name="Game Informer Review" /> Daniel Podgosrski of ''The Gemsbok'' called the plot and its presentation "interestingly deep yet frustratingly vague". He noted the game "does with its narrative so much more and so much better than many other titles", but concluded that Transistor "opts for mystery over clarity."<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|url=http://thegemsbok.com/art-reviews-and-articles/mid-week-mission-transistor-super-giant-games/|title=Red Pen: On the Interestingly Deep yet Frustratingly Vague Plot of Supergiant Games' ''Transistor''|last=Podgorski|first=Daniel|date=May 4, 2016|website=The Gemsbok|access-date=February 6, 2017|archive-date=February 7, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170207044344/http://thegemsbok.com/art-reviews-and-articles/mid-week-mission-transistor-super-giant-games/|url-status=live}}</ref>

As of January 2015, the game has sold 600,000 copies.<ref name="600k">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/bastion-sells-3-million-transistor-hits-600-000/1100-6424555/ |title=Bastion Sells 3 Million, Transistor Hits 600,000 |first=Eddie |last=Makuch |work=GameSpot |publisher=CBS Interactive |date=2015-01-09 |access-date=2015-01-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150110043631/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/bastion-sells-3-million-transistor-hits-600-000/1100-6424555/ |archive-date=2015-01-10 |url-status=live}}</ref> By December 2015, the game had surpassed one million copies sold and had received over 100 industry accolades and awards.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|url=https://www.supergiantgames.com/blog/happy-holidays-from-supergiant_4/|title=Supergiant Games - Happy Holidays from Supergiant!|website=www.supergiantgames.com|access-date=2017-04-18|archive-date=2017-04-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170419101007/https://www.supergiantgames.com/blog/happy-holidays-from-supergiant_4/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=":0" />

{{Clear}}

=== Accolades ===
{|class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-uncollapsed" style="width:80%;"
|+List of post-release awards and nominations
|-
! Year
! Awards
! Category
! Result
! Ref.
|-
| rowspan="11" align="center" | 2014
| rowspan="2" align=center | The Game Awards
| Best Independent Game
| {{nom}}
| rowspan="2" align=center | <ref>{{cite web|url=http://thegameawards.com/nominees/|title=Nominees - Game Awards 2014|website=The Game Awards|access-date=December 6, 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151114024126/http://thegameawards.com/nominees/|archive-date=November 14, 2015}}</ref>
|-
| Best Score/Soundtrack
| {{nom}}
|-
| align=center |Giant Bomb's 2014 Game of the Year Awards
| Best Music
| {{Nom}}
| align=center |<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.giantbomb.com/articles/giant-bomb-s-2014-game-of-the-year-awards-day-two-/1100-5123/|title=Giant Bomb's 2014 Game of the Year Awards: Day Two Text Recap|date=December 27, 2014|website=Giant Bomb|publisher=CBS Interactive|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141228215507/http://www.giantbomb.com/articles/giant-bomb-s-2014-game-of-the-year-awards-day-two-/1100-5123/|archive-date=December 28, 2014|url-status=live|access-date=December 28, 2014}}</ref>
|-
| rowspan="7" align="center" |National Academy of Video Game Trade Reviewers (NAVGTR) awards
| Song, Original or Adapted<small> (''We All Become'')</small>
| {{Nom}}
| rowspan="7" align="center" |<ref>{{cite web|title=NAVGTR Awards (2014)|url=http://navgtr.org/archives/2445|website=National Academy of Video Game Trade Reviewers|access-date=2017-01-27|archive-date=2017-03-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170322064850/http://navgtr.org/archives/2445/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
|-
| Original Light Mix Score, New IP
| {{Nom}}
|-
| Game, Original Role Playing
| {{Nom}}
|-
| Song Collection
| {{Nom}}
|-
| Game Design, New IP
| {{Nom}}
|-
|  Character Design
| {{Nom}}
|-
|Art Direction, Contemporary
| {{Nom}}
|-
| align=center | Gametrailers's Game of the Year Awards
| Best Strategy
| {{Won}}
| align=center | <ref>{{Citation|last=GameTrailers|title=Game of the Year Awards 2014 - Best Strategy|date=2016-07-19|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ve7NHzxEdJE|access-date=2017-04-18|archive-date=2017-08-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170816173626/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ve7NHzxEdJE|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
| rowspan="14" align="center" | 2015
| rowspan="6" align=center | IGN's Best of 2014
| Best Graphics - Art
| {{Won}}
| align=center | <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/lists/best-of-games-achievement/art/transistor|title=Winner: Best Graphics - Art|date=January 13, 2015|website=IGN|publisher=Ziff Davis|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150212013027/http://www.ign.com/lists/best-of-games-achievement/art/transistor|archive-date=February 12, 2015|url-status=live|access-date=February 12, 2015}}</ref>
|-
| Best Music
| {{Nominated}}
| align=center | <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/lists/best-of-games-achievement/music/transistor|title=Best Music|date=January 13, 2015|website=IGN|publisher=Ziff Davis|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150212013614/http://www.ign.com/lists/best-of-games-achievement/music/transistor|archive-date=February 12, 2015|url-status=live|access-date=February 12, 2015}}</ref>
|-
| Best Overall Game
| {{Nominated}}
| align=center | <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/lists/best-of-games-platform/overall/transistor|title=Best Overall Game|date=January 13, 2015|website=IGN|publisher=Ziff Davis|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150212013651/http://www.ign.com/lists/best-of-games-platform/overall/transistor|archive-date=February 12, 2015|url-status=live|access-date=February 12, 2015}}</ref>
|-
| Best PS4 Game
| {{Nominated}}
| align=center | <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/lists/best-of-games-platform/ps4/transistor|title=Best PS4 Game|date=January 13, 2015|website=IGN|publisher=Ziff Davis|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150212013235/http://www.ign.com/lists/best-of-games-platform/ps4/transistor|archive-date=February 12, 2015|url-status=live|access-date=February 12, 2015}}</ref>
|-
| Best Sound Design
| {{Nominated}}
| align=center | <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/lists/best-of-games-achievement/sound/transistor|title=Best Sound Design|date=January 13, 2015|website=IGN|publisher=Ziff Davis|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150212013339/http://www.ign.com/lists/best-of-games-achievement/sound/transistor|archive-date=February 12, 2015|url-status=live|access-date=February 12, 2015}}</ref>
|-
| Best Strategy
| {{Nominated}}
| align=center | <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/lists/best-of-games-genre/strategy/transistor|title=Best Strategy|date=January 13, 2015|website=IGN|publisher=Ziff Davis|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141218121438/http://www.ign.com/lists/best-of-games-genre/strategy|archive-date=December 18, 2014 |url-status=live|access-date=February 12, 2015}}</ref>
|-
| rowspan="2" align="center" |AIAS' 18th Annual D.I.C.E. Awards
|D.I.C.E. Sprite Award
|{{Won}}
| rowspan="2" align="center" |<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.interactive.org/games/video_game_details.asp?idAward=2015&idGame=1416|title=Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences D.I.C.E. Awards 2015|last=|first=|date=|website=|access-date=April 15, 2017|archive-date=May 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220521023825/https://www.interactive.org/games/video_game_details.asp?idAward=2015&idGame=1416|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|Outstanding Achievement in Original Music Composition
|{{Nominated}}
|-
|align="center" |Game Developers Choice Awards
|Best Audio
| {{Nominated}}
|align="center" |<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.gamechoiceawards.com/archive/gdca_15th.html|title=Game Developers Choice Awards|website=www.gamechoiceawards.com|access-date=2017-04-15|archive-date=2019-03-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190321132657/http://gamechoiceawards.com/archive/gdca_15th.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|align="center" |British Academy Awards (BAFTA)
|Performer in 2015 <small>(Logan Cunningham)</small>
|{{Nominated}}
|align="center" |<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://awards.bafta.org/award/2015/games|title=Games in 2015 {{!}} BAFTA Awards|website=awards.bafta.org|language=en|access-date=2017-04-15|archive-date=2015-04-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150411181919/http://awards.bafta.org/award/2015/games|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
| align="center" rowspan="4" |SXSW Gaming Awards
|Excellence in Musical Score
|{{Won}}
| align="center" rowspan="4" |<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=https://www.supergiantgames.com/blog/transistor-earns-60-industry-accolades-sells-more-than-600k-copies/|title=Supergiant Games - Transistor Earns 100+ Industry Accolades, Sells More Than 600k Copies|website=www.supergiantgames.com|access-date=2017-04-18|archive-date=2017-04-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170427231709/http://www.supergiantgames.com/blog/transistor-earns-60-industry-accolades-sells-more-than-600k-copies|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.sxsw.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/2015-SXSW-Gaming-Awards-winners-release.pdf|title=Second Annual SXSW Gaming Awards Announces Top Winners in 21 Categories|last=|first=|date=|website=|access-date=18 April 2017|archive-date=13 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170313125042/https://www.sxsw.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/2015-SXSW-Gaming-Awards-winners-release.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite press release|url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/second-annual-sxsw-gaming-awards-announces-finalists-in-21-categories-300024647.html|title=Second-Annual SXSW Gaming Awards Announces Finalists in 21 Categories|last=|first=|date=|website=PR Newswire|access-date=18 April 2017}}</ref>
|-
|Excellence in Art
|{{Nominated}}
|-
|Excellence in Visual Achievement
|{{Nominated}}
|-
|Most Valuable Character <small>(Red)</small>
|{{Nominated}}
|}

== References ==
{{reflist}}

== Further reading ==

{{refbegin}}

* {{Cite magazine |last1=Wallace |first1=Kimberley |title=The Story Behind Supergiant Games' Transistor |magazine=Game Informer |date=2021-04-21 |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/2021/04/21/the-story-behind-supergiant-games-transistor |language=en |access-date=2021-05-02 }}

{{refend}}

==External links==


[[Category:Action role-playing video games]]
[[Category:IOS games]]
[[Category:Linux games]]
[[Category:MacOS games]]
[[Category:Role-playing video games]]
[[Category:Science fiction video games]]
[[Category:Single-player video games]]
[[Category:Turn-based strategy video games]]
[[Category:Windows games]]

{{Sourceattribution|Transistor (video game)}}