Some games tell their stories through dialogue. Others through environments. But Transistor—developed by Supergiant Games, the team behind Bastion and Hades—does both while wrapping it all in an emotionally charged narrative, a mesmerizing soundtrack, and a combat system that blends real-time action with turn-based strategy.
From the moment you pick up the Transistor—a glowing, intelligent sword pulsating with lost voices—you are drawn into a world of mystery, tragedy, and quiet determination. This is a game that demands your attention, not just for its fast-paced combat and deep mechanics but for its ability to tell a story in ways few other games do.
A Story Told Through Silence and a Voice
You play as Red, a famous singer in the futuristic city of Cloudbank. As the game begins, Red is left voiceless after an attack by a shadowy force known as the Camerata—a secretive group that sought to control Cloudbank’s destiny. Their plan goes awry, and Red finds herself standing over a lifeless body, a mysterious glowing sword—the Transistor—impaled through his chest. The man’s soul is absorbed into the weapon, and while Red cannot speak, the Transistor itself does.
The sword’s voice—calm, affectionate, and deeply personal—guides Red as she tries to uncover the truth behind the Camerata and the city’s collapse. Meanwhile, the Process, a relentless army of robotic constructs, begins erasing Cloudbank’s once-thriving world, transforming it into a lifeless void.
As you traverse the city, the voice in the Transistor never stops talking to Red. Sometimes he comforts her, sometimes he reminisces, and sometimes he panics. The one-sided conversation is haunting, giving the game an intimate, melancholic atmosphere that sets it apart from anything else in the genre.
A Combat System That Lets You Choose Your Playstyle
One of Transistor’s defining features is its hybrid combat system. At any moment, you can fight in real-time—slashing through enemies, dodging attacks, and reacting on the fly—or you can pause the action and use Turn(), a tactical planning system that allows Red to move and execute attacks with precision.
- In real-time combat, Red moves freely, attacking enemies dynamically. This rewards players who prefer fluid action-based gameplay.
- In Turn() mode, Red can plan multiple moves in advance, dashing between enemies and executing a series of attacks before they can react. After executing a Turn() sequence, there’s a cooldown period before she can use it again, forcing strategic decision-making.
This blend of real-time action and tactical planning makes every encounter unique, giving players the flexibility to approach battles in their preferred style.
Functions – The Heart of Customization
Instead of traditional RPG skills or weapons, Transistor uses Functions, which represent the abilities of people who have been absorbed into the Transistor. Each Function can be used in one of three ways:
- Active Slot: Directly used in combat as a primary skill
- Upgrade Slot: Enhancing another ability by adding effects
- Passive Slot: Providing passive buffs to Red’s abilities
This system allows for deep customization. For example, the Crash() Function stuns enemies when used actively, but when combined as an upgrade with another skill like Breach(), it increases damage output. With dozens of Functions to experiment with, every playthrough can feel entirely different.
A World Built on Mystery and Atmosphere
Cloudbank is a city of constant change, where the population votes on everything from the color of the sky to the next big event. But as the Process consumes it, Cloudbank becomes eerily silent. Streets are empty, buildings dissolve into nothingness, and glowing red terminals—remnants of the city’s interactive past—offer glimpses into what was lost.
Supergiant’s signature hand-painted art style makes Cloudbank visually stunning. Every district has a unique aesthetic, from neon-lit alleys to the grand halls of the Camerata’s hideout. And Darren Korb’s soundtrack, featuring songs by Red’s voice actress, Ashley Barrett, enhances every moment. The music shifts dynamically during battles, often fading into atmospheric hums when Red stops to reflect.
Why Transistor Is Still a Must-Play Today
- A deeply emotional story told in a way that few games attempt, with a silent protagonist and a voice that never leaves her side.
- A combat system that is both strategic and fast-paced, allowing players to tailor the experience to their preference.
- An unforgettable soundtrack that stays with you long after you finish the game.
- A unique world full of mystery and atmosphere, rewarding players who pay close attention to its details.
- Endless replayability thanks to the deep Function system, allowing for different builds and playstyles in every playthrough.
At its core, Transistor is about loss, determination, and finding meaning even when everything is being erased around you. It’s a game that leaves an impact not just for its gameplay but for the emotions it evokes. Whether you’ve played Bastion or Hades before or are diving into Supergiant’s world for the first time, Transistor is an experience you won’t forget.
