A game that’s exclusive to PCs and the Nintendo Switch, TRON: Identity by Bithell Games brings a refreshing take on the beloved TRON franchise with a visual novel adventure game that offers players an engaging and intriguing storyline, memorable characters, and a unique approach to puzzles. We checked out the Switch version.
In TRON: Identity, an original adventure based on the familiar world of TRON, you play as Query, a detective program tasked with uncovering the mystery of a crime committed in a new Grid. The Repository, the center of the society in this Grid, has been broken into, and it’s up to you to investigate and find out what was taken and by whom.
One of the most significant strengths of TRON: Identity is the game’s unique world-building and storytelling – tapping into the cinematic universe of the cult classic film with fresh characters and ideas. The game takes place in a brand-new Grid with its own nuanced structure, and as you investigate and question suspects, you’ll discover more about the programs and places around you. The storyline is engaging and keeps players invested throughout, with decisions that actively influence the story and a multitude of possible outcomes, depending on your choices.
The character art in TRON: Identity is also noteworthy, with beautiful, hand-crafted designs that bring the story to life. The characters you encounter are intriguing, each with their own backstory and motivations. Players can decide whether to ally with them, spurn them, or even derezz them, adding another layer of decision-making that affects the game’s outcome.
Another standout feature of TRON: Identity is the unique approach to puzzles. In the game, you need to recover the lost memories of those around you, and these memories are hidden in Identity Discs. Defragging these Discs is a unique puzzle mechanic that requires careful consideration and problem-solving skills, adding an extra layer of challenge to the game.
TRON: Identity also offers players a new extension of the TRON franchise, with a never-before-seen server filled with new, original programs to join forces with or oppose. Developed by the award-winning team behind Thomas Was Alone and Subsurface Circular, the game is a testament to the team’s expertise in sci-fi storytelling and it’s great to see them apply their skills towards a well-known IP again.
But while TRON: Identity offers many strengths, it won’t appeal to everyone, mostly on account of its visual novel approach. As with most games in the genre, the game can feel slow-paced if you’re not used to it, but at the same time it’s going to feel on the shorter side for those who love ploughing through visual novels as well. And despite the puzzles, there’s a distinct lack of replay value once the main storyline is completed.
In conclusion, TRON: Identity is an engaging and unique visual novel adventure game that offers a fresh take on the TRON franchise. With its engaging storyline, memorable characters, unique approach to puzzles, and beautiful character art, it’s a game that’s well worth playing. Some will have a tough time with the fact that it’s primarily a visual novel game and low on action and traditional gameplay mechanics beyond those puzzles, but these are minor issues in an otherwise good game.
Score: 7.5/10
Press Play Media 