Glad to see Supergiant here again
Let me just say this up front: This wont be a game for everyone. It is a complex game that doesnt do a lot of hand holding. Youre thrown right into the middle of things; not knowing who you are, what to do, or why to do it. It isnt clear what your various powers do, or how best to use them.
For gamers who need a game to mother them along, look elsewhere. For everyone else, rejoice! Rejoice because this game is deep. It is a powerful, individual experience exactly because of what it doesnt tell you; what it doesnt show you; what it doesnt explain.
In Transistor, like Bastion before it, it is the journey that makes the game stand out in you memory long after you complete it. It becomes *your* journey of exploration and discovery. You will feel a sense of accomplishment each time you discover something new.
New questions and ideas will form in your mind as you become accustomed to the William Gibson-esque world you find yourself in. And the game provides ample opportunity for you to try out those ideas, should you be so inclined.
Some will complete the game and think, ok, this was a decent game. Others, who invest a bit more thought and reflection as they progress, will walk away in awe. Bastion affected me like this, and Transistor has the same ingredients. It is rare indeed that games of this calibre are crafted.
The sublime performances of Darren and Ashley are in full display here, as they were in Bastion. Bravo for the soundtrack and vocals! If I had to point to a single element that makes this game, Id point to the audio. Darrens atmospheric soundtrack and Ashleys haunting vocals do so much to reinforce the world building that the visuals begin for us.
So why is this not 5 stars? Im reserving that for a future version, as v1.0 is not quite at the level of its PC and console cousins.
Firstly, where are Reds hum and flourish abilities? Im disappointed that they dont seem to be in this iOS version.
On the other platforms you could make Red hum along to most background songs. On other platforms she has a flourish move where she does a little dance with her sword. Nothing that serves any practical purpose, of course, but it is subtle details like this which elevate a game from being merely good to being awesome. The lack of these details in the iOS version stick out from an otherwise excellent port.
One enhancement I would suggest is to implement a pinch-to-zoom feature. The zoom level is fine for the original PC platform and consoles because monitors and TVs are large. But on a tiny tablet screen, let alone a phone, Red and her surroundings are so small that it is difficult to appreciate the level of detail and craftsmanship that went into them. A zoom feature would help.
Looking forward to hearing Red hum to her music in a future version!
Cryolathe about Transistor, v1.00
