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Transistor

Review · Action · Nintendo Switch · PlayStation 4 · PC

Transistor

Reviewed: 01 May 2026

Nintendo Switch · PlayStation 4 · PC · iOS · macOS · Linux

Supergiant Games · 2014

Ludograph rating

B

Good

64 /100

Automated review

Transistor is a strategic RPG that develops problem-solving and critical thinking through its unique combat system, with very low risks.

06010030Benefit →Low risk →B 48 · R 3
The Ludograph reading, plotted from the published benefit and risk sub-scores.

Growth (BDS)

48

Risk (RIS)

3

Daily limit

120min

Age guidance

13+

Developmental benefits

B1Cognitive
0.72
B2Social-emotional
0.10
B3Motor
0.45

Transistor offers a rich, strategic gameplay experience that significantly develops cognitive skills such as problem-solving, strategic thinking, and creativity through its unique 'Turn' ability and thousands of Function combinations. The engaging narrative and atmospheric world also foster reading comprehension and critical engagement with the story.

Design risks

R1Compulsion-loop pressure
0.07
R2Monetization
0.00
R3Social risk
0.00

The game presents very low risks in terms of monetization and social interaction, as it is a single-player, one-time purchase title with no microtransactions or social features. Content risks are moderate, with some violence and thematic elements suitable for a Teen audience, but these are balanced by the game's strong cognitive benefits.

Content (not in risk score)

R4.1Violence Level
0.67
R4.2Sexual Content
0.00
R4.3Language
0.33
R4.4Substance References
0.00
R4.5Fear / Horror
0.33

Content risk is displayed separately and does not affect the time recommendation.

Regulatory design checks · DSA — Assessed: meets criteria·GDPR-K — Assessed: meets criteria·ODDS — Assessed: meets criteria

  • DSA:What Ludograph checks: whether the game's design gives minors the transparency the EU Digital Services Act expects: plain terms, honest defaults, and clear reporting routes.: Estimated from review data. No dark pattern or child-targeting concerns found.
  • GDPR-K:What Ludograph checks: whether age assurance and consent flows are designed for under-16s, in the spirit of GDPR Article 8.: Estimated from review data. No privacy or child-targeting concerns found.
  • ODDS:What Ludograph checks: whether paid random-reward drop rates are disclosed, as required in China, Japan and South Korea.: Estimated from review data. No paid random-reward mechanics found, so drop-rate disclosure requirements do not apply.

These reflect Ludograph's assessment of the game's design practices against each framework's criteria, not a legal compliance determination.

Avg playtime~4 hReviewedMay 2026Report a data error →How scores are calculated →

Parents ask…

Is Transistor safe for kids?

Ludograph gives Transistor a rating of 64/100, recommended for ages 13 and up. It offers solid benefits but needs parental guidance on the risks.

What age is Transistor appropriate for?

Ludograph's rubric recommends a minimum age of 13+ for Transistor, based on benefits, risks, and content review.

How long should kids play Transistor?

Our session recommendation for Transistor is up to 120 minutes per day. It is derived from the game's own structure (natural stopping points, compulsion-loop design, monetization pressure, and social dynamics), not from a universal screen-time dose.

Session recommendations are design-based heuristics. Evidence linking specific daily durations to child outcomes is limited, and context matters as much as time; treat this as a starting point for household rules, not a clinical threshold.

What are the main risks of Transistor?

The game presents very low risks in terms of monetization and social interaction, as it is a single-player, one-time purchase title with no microtransactions or social features. Content risks are moderate, with some violence and thematic elements suitable for a Teen audience, but these are balanced by the game's strong cognitive benefits.