Transistor is the upcoming title from Supergiant Games, developer of the indie hit Bastion. We haven't learned much about it since its E3 reveal last year other than a basic description and what we've gotten from short gameplay clips in its awesome debut trailer, but we're now seeing some extended gameplay footage from PAX.
The video below comes courtesy of IGN, though unfortunately it's a recording of the TV rather than direct capture footage resulting in reduced quality. This is presumably all that Supergiant is allowing at this time, so we'll have to be content with it for now. Still, we get to watch two and a half minutes of Transistor gameplay, which teaches us a few things about the game.
There are clearly puzzle elements present in the title, since the beginning segment of the video shows the player stuck at one such obstacle. It requires the use of some sort of future planning ghost-like ability, which you can manipulate to place the Transistor (the sword) down in multiple places and then rapidly jump between the two points.
The same power can be used in battle, and it pauses time while you input your directions. The player is seen stopping the game with the Transistor, running around the back of an enemy, inputting an attack, and then unfreezing time. When movement continues, Red carries out the commands, moving along the same path and administering the appropriate attacks.
We also can hear that, like Bastion, a narrator will be present in Transistor. It was a key element of Supergiant's previous game, making the title real stand out and giving players a lasting impression. They're employing a similar device here, and it's a very useful tool for moving the narrative along and immersing you in the world without stopping for cut-scenes.
We very recently got a release date for Transistor, and it will be out sooner than most expected. It's coming to PS4 (no Xbox, at least for now), Windows, Linux, and Mac on May 20.
