A Digital Journey Through Time and Space
For those who might not know, TRON is a film that first came out in 1982 but was way ahead of its time in regard to its story and animation. Even if you haven’t seen the movie, you are likely aware of its distinct neon visuals and design.
Since those early 1980s times, there have also been many video games set in that world, and they have been a mixed bag of quality. Hopefully, all that will now change with the release of TRON: Catalyst, created by Mike Bithell, the man behind Thomas Was Alone.
Does it capture the TRON magic? Let’s find out.
The Glitch Catalyst
A visual novel game in this world called TRON: Identity came out in 2023, and TRON: Catalyst has links to it, even though it can be played as a stand-alone experience.
Set in a computer program from the film, called the Arq Grid, you play as Exo, a courier program that blows up while delivering a package. Surviving the blast, she wakes up to find she has developed a power called the Glitch Catalyst. This means she can travel back in time over a short period and change the nature of events. She is subsequently pulled into a political tug-of-war between different factions, where her decisions and actions could change the nature of the Arq Grid completely.
The story found in TRON: Catalyst is strong, with many interesting characters to meet and some brilliantly written dialogue throughout. And alongside that, the time-looping narrative is well-conceived and cleverly constructed.
Top-Down Tactics and Disc Combat
The layout of this game is that of a top-down isometric adventure, which feels natural when exploring the world of Tron. You can navigate the open world of this digital realm and interact with its people and the environment.
But the first major game mechanic to discuss is the time loop, which you can use to reset events at any time. For example, you might use one time loop to gain access to an area so that when you reset the loop, you can easily pass through that same area to meet someone. I am trying not to spoil anything as I’d like you to experience TRON: Catalyst for yourself, but rest assured, you get to explore some interesting puzzles with this mechanic.
Light Cycles and Light Jets
There is combat too, which is functional and good, without being amazing, but it does get repetitive. Like in the films, it’s disc-based; you can perform fast melee attacks and must dodge at the right moments. You can also throw your weapon at enemies for damage, and throughout Catalyst, you’ll end up combining both strategies when facing multiple enemies at once.
As you would expect from a game focused on the Tron world, you also get to ride the famous light cycles to move around the city, as well as get involved in some bike-on-bike action. There is also a light jet to fly at one point, but I’ll be honest and say I found it a bit trickier to navigate and get used to. Overall though, the gameplay feels varied and engaging.
Neon Aesthetics and Synth Soundscapes
For old nostalgics like me, it’s great to see the aesthetics of Tron on full display in the visuals department, with its neon blues, greens, and purples shining on the screen. TRON: Catalyst has the feel of an old-fashioned game and shows off its indie credentials well, rather than feeling like a big Triple-A title. Neatly, the cutscenes are presented as animated visual novels, which works well.
The sound design is good, with some impressive music full of synth tracks and electronic beats to put you in the Tron mood. It’s a great piece of sound design and made me completely believe I was being dropped into this neon computer world. An impressive voice cast delivers a large amount of voice-over as well, helping build things to give the feel of a major film event.
A Captivating Journey into the TRON Universe
The top-down visuals give TRON: Catalyst an old-fashioned feel, which seems appropriate for the Tron Universe. I found the storytelling in this game to be intriguing and full of interesting plots and character dynamics. And whilst the combat is fine, it is too repetitive. Ultimately, it’s being in this world that will prove to be the real highlight.
I might well go back now and watch the two films from 1982 and 2010 to keep my Tron torch alight.
Important Links
Enter the Grid as Disney TRON: Catalyst is Announced for PC and Consoles – https://www.thexboxhub.com/enter-the-grid-as-disney-tron-catalyst-is-announced-for-pc-and-consoles/
Master the Light Cycle, Uncover the Conspiracy – TRON: Catalyst is Here – https://www.thexboxhub.com/master-the-light-cycle-uncover-the-conspiracy-tron-catalyst-is-here/
Buy TRON: Catalyst on Xbox – https://www.xbox.com/en-gb/games/store/tron-catalyst/9PFXL9C1KJ26
