GDC 2013 Preview: Transistor

In 2011, the brilliance of Bastion took over the indie gaming world, quietly but quickly amassing a loyal fan base with its vibrant, watercolor-like art style and appeasingly rugged narration. With an amassed 1.7 million copies sold over several platforms including XBLA, Steam, and iOS, it has undoubtedly paved the way for the next title from Supergiant Games, who have spent the past year crafting a stylish follow up to their big debut.

At GDC this year I was given the chance to catch up with them and take a look at their next project, Transistor. It stars a female protagonist wielding a sword of unknown origin. As she evades the evil seeking to retake the weapon, players navigate her through an isometric layout and enemy based checkpoint system, set to a futuristic sci-fi backdrop etched in bright ambers and watery greens and blues. Gameplay is more or less like Bastion but with the addition of a new element, an alternate dimension that allows for turn-based attacks and dodge moves, allowing for strategy and planning.

The game features voice actor Logan Cunningham as the narrator, a welcome return to already-established fans. I found the sword's design and its attacks reminiscent of Nightmare wielding the Soul Edge which, whether intentional or not, convey a satiating sense of power. Creating a string of attacks and dodge moves in the alternate, turn-based dimension is immensely gratifying as well. Whether this will be enough to change up the gameplay from Bastion remains yet to be seen but so far, it seems promising.

In terms of visuals I can confidentally say that so far it also lives up to the lush legacy of its predecessor. The rich, aquatic hues of the distant cityscape, with futuristic flourishes reminiscent of the original Bioshock, go far to establish this title as characteristic of Supergiant's pattern of creating a virtual feast for the eyes.

Transistor expected in early 2014, with platforms yet to be announced (it should be noted I played the demo on a laptop, with an Xbox controller).