Having played this game in 2014, I considered playing it again this year since I had such an enjoyable time playing the game. A game developed by Supergiant Games, this game got everything right, sure there were some areas it could have done better or improve, but everything it tries to do, it delivers in a beautiful, captivating game that is both easy to play, yet lets you have tons of fun when you master it. The design and concept of this game catches the eye, the scenery and art style very refreshing and new, making you want to explore more of the world, it keeps you playing.
Its premise? You play as a woman named Red and she has people coming after her, thankfully she has with her a sword, that also happens to be her lover (whose name was never mentioned), to help her fend off any harm.
The people causing her harm and killing her lover? That's what you'll have to find out in the game. As you go through the story, you'll discover the reason behind the attack, how the sword (which is called the Transistor) works and explore the beautiful world Supergiant Games has made for you. It may seem a bit difficult to swallow, but the game eases you into the story as you go through the it.
Game Mechanics
The game mechanics are extremely easy to pick up, and thankfully there isn't an extremely long tutorial you have to complete before you start playing the game, they are explained to you as you go on. Controlled by mouse and keyboard, you can have a total of 4 attacks, shown in slots at the bottom center of your screen. Point and click allows you to move around, the numbers 1-4 allow you to use your attacks (also known as functions in the game) and these are the primary controls you use to navigate Red in the isometric landscape. (all drawn, mind you) The game initially plays in real time (by initially I mean the first one minute or so) then introduces you to its turn based aspect, which is done brilliantly I must say.
"Not good for your knees, but I guess it gets the job done," - Transistor
You can attack enemies in real time, using your mouse to fire, and pressing the 1-4 buttons select your attacks and right click to use them when already selected. You can go through most of the game this way if you favour a more real time experience. However, doing so means you're wasting a very powerful mechanic given to you, Turn()
"Ok Red, don't panic... or you could just do that"
By pressing the space bar, you activate Turn() which stops time in the game, allowing you to plan your attacks and moves, to a certain limit shown by a gauge at the top of your screen. Pressing space bar again ends Turn() and Red unleashes those commands given at hyper speed (which is Faruq jargon for you move around really fast and watch her smash enemies to pieces).
Also for those who: enjoy destruction, smashing things, and whacking the life out of stuff
For one, IT'S SUPER AWESOME TO LOOK AT and also allows you to chain together attacks. If you chain Crash() (which allows you to stun enemies) and follow that up with another attack, you can deal more damage. The same goes when you attack an enemy from the back, which gives you backstab damage. Like I said, once you get the hang of the mechanics, its simplicity and depth make Transistor really exciting to play and it keeps you thinking of new ways to attack and plan attacks.
Another aspect of combat I like is how you can augment your various attacks by adding unused functions to them. Doing so applies effects of the otherwise, unused function to enhance the functions you want to use. With over 20 functions at your disposal, the combinations are endless.
You can mix and match, discover wonderful combinations and even produce effects that would be so overpowered it shouldn't be in the game. The choices available to you are really what make the combat so enjoyable and it should be staple for every game.
Visuals and Soundtrack
Never have I played a game in which the soundtrack and art actually added another layer of comprehension to the game. The music not only captivates but also acts as an audible queue to your actions. Take for instance when activating Turn(), the music changes to a version of her humming the tune, which makes me imagine she's taking her sweet time, planning out her actions.
Here's the normal one
And here's the one playing when she activates Turn()
The soundtrack is also used to tell the story, several have vocals sung by the very talented singer, Ashley Barrett and the music direction by Darren Korb is very unique, the vocals are sung in style of old music, yet the music itself from electronic and digitally produced instruments. Supergiant Games has graciously added the whole soundtrack to YouTube so if you want you can check it out, but be warned, there are spoilers.
Red, herself, is a singer, so it makes sense that she would sing along as she travels through the game. The art and concept are very unique but I can't explain much (as it is visual information) so I'll let the pictures do the talking.
Again, this is all drawn and not rendered by 3D software
Both work in tandem, really bringing the world of Heightmap to life and I am happy I got to explore it!
Storyline
There is a reason I chose to talk about the story last, it's fairly straight forward, the key aspect of her journey explained to you as you move through the paces, but there are a few things left unexplained, or in this case, a conscious choice to leave the rest to the imagination. The game also explores various methods of explaining itself to you, from the sword narrating and giving you advice along the way, to the various OVC terminals spread throughout the game, to the backstories of the people you take along with you as you progress, to even the conversations you have with the antagonists. This indirect approach allows you to piece together what you know and also invites you to play the game a few more times so you can finally grasp its whole premise. I understand the decision but I would like more explained, haha, especially with the ending =,=
The story does not hold much, but the characters are definitely endearing, you sympathize with Red through her endeavor, you sympathize with the sword as he tries to make light of his situation to cheer Red up and you can see that Red is distressed but refuses to show how fragile she is in order to defeat the villains. Which brings me to another point, the sword is the only thing that is entertaining about this game, contrasting greatly with the melancholy the game portrays. Both admirable how they've managed to make you feel that way yet frustrating because they made you feel that way. Confusing? Exactly. play the game, it will all make sense.
All in all, I really enjoyed the game, the soundtrack I still listen to and sometimes I go for a quick run through the game to enjoy its excellently put together combat system, trying to find a new combination that would work. If you're a casual gamer, I'd suggest you play this game, if you're a pro gamer, you should try this game. And if that's not enough to tell you how I feel about this game, IT'S A REALLY GOOD GAME!!!
That's all and have a nice time playing games, especially this one, you should play it, don't have it? Buy it. If not, you know there are other ways (not that I'm saying you should but you know...)
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