Tron, huh? That’s a name I haven’t heard in a minute—kinda wild if you ask me. Despite its epic debut into the world way back in ‘82, it’s not like Tron movies have really jumped headfirst into actual video games much. Which, when you think about it, is bizarre. But here’s the thing—some folks at Bithell Games decided, “Hey, why don’t we switch things up a bit?” Enter Tron: Catalyst, shoving us past the flashy lights and fast motorbikes into something cooler, if that makes sense.
Now here’s the scoop: I got my hands on Tron: Catalyst and literally got sucked into its world, almost like it’s some trippy, digital conspiracy trip, codes and all. Seriously, you’re diving into this Grid world which, weirdly, feels alive—a kaleidoscope of neon lights and, well, grey everywhere. Picture a time loop-ish twist that’s not mind-numbing, but rather refreshing. We’re all noses in screens, might as well do it in style!
Anyway, let’s talk Exo. She’s no ordinary program—you get to be this courier, but plot twist, one of her deliveries pops like a firework gone wrong. Things go sideways, and she’s left scrapping around for clues in this mess, possibly the victim of some digi-backstabbing fiasco. Long story short, she’s in cuffs, Matrix-style—almost. But she’s clever, finds glitches—imperfections in the system that let her play around with time. Not gonna lie, sounds like a lot, right? But it’s sort of fun, watching her put on her detective boots, piecing together this digital jigsaw to find who framed her.
It’s a bit like Tron: Identity—remember that visual novel kinda narrative? The carried-over investigation vibes are there, a bit more hands-on with real spaces as opposed to reading so much your eyes water. More moving around, less static screen time. And honestly, knowing you can bump into familiar faces like Query is kinda cool.
The vibe? Think of that mix—Death’s Door meets a bit of Tunic—not entirely complex, but still with a bit of intrigue, blocks of narrative exploration scattered within a combative, bustling cityscape. Exo’s cruising through town, chatting up other programs, leaning into those detective genes.
Now combat—here’s where it gets interesting. The iconic identity discs—oh boy, it’s like holding an old friend. Switching between melee smacks and chucking that thing across the room, landing a neat parry, was sweet. A sort-of fun dance of precision—it’s clean, meticulous, but I’m begging it doesn’t stop there. Keep that axe sharp, why not throw in new tricks?
Exploring the city’s no walk in the park either, mind you. Call up the lightcycle—it’s a Tron staple, cruising through the city, but it’s got its risks. Draw the wrong eyes of Grid enforcers and you’re in for a manhunt that would make GTA blush. It’s not free-roam city chaos though, more segmented. But those moments of zipping through the highway? Priceless.
Storytime is another high—every action feels almost calculated, right down to rewinding time a la Edge of Tomorrow style. It’s the thrill of uncovering secrets from the bustling digital mouths of characters, who might or might not have your back.
And here’s the kicker—Catalyst nails that classic Tron aesthetic with sparks from Tron: Legacy’s world. It’s like a technoart exhibit of colors and lights—but dig deeper and the storyline, plus the undercurrent of societal struggle within the Grid, has a Tron: Uprising beat to it. Kind of undersung, if you ask me—these subtle nods heighten the experience to more than just pixels.
To close it up, Tron: Catalyst is staking out its territory, not just a danger-filled maze. It’s the “what’s next” step after Identity. It’s more full-bodied this time, still needing room to stretch those muscled ideas. Throw in more exhilarating moments, aim for the heart-thumping spirit of its onscreen ancestors. I mean, who wouldn’t want to dive back into Tron’s rich, beautiful chaos? But then again, that’s what makes it tick.
