An indie RPG that delivers
It was a true pleasure to play through Transistor, a short but potent sci-fi indie RPG. It's undisclosed whether this game is taking place inside a computer system (ala the old CG animated show "Reboot"), if it's some sort of simulation, or if this is simply the future and humans have integrated with technology to the point where the two are inseparable. Regardless, people are disappearing and the world is disintegrating as "The Process", a malicious program, begins wiping the city of CloudBank from existence. Standing in its way is "Red", a woman who's lost her voice, but gained a unique piece of technology that enables her to fight the virus.
There are no "skills" or "attacks" in this game. There are "functions" and the more you unlock, the more you can customize how you play. Each function can be used as a primary, passive, or upgrade to another function. All of the functions are named after various programming and technology terms, so the game appeals to the inner geek as well as those who enjoy a good noir sci-fi setting.
I was seriously impressed with the emotional impact that the end of such a (relatively) short RPG had. It was certainly a more interesting and satisfying ending than many big budget titles I've played in recent years, and both the achievements and the promise of deciphering more of the mystery provide good motivation for a second playthrough.
