TRON: Catalyst preview

When a franchise like TRON comes into the gaming sphere, expectations run high for neon-lit streets, iconic Light Cycles, and a pulse-pounding electronic soundtrack. With TRON: Catalyst, developer Bithell Games is diving back into the grid, blending the signature elements of the TRON universe with their own storytelling and gameplay expertise. As a follow-up to TRON: Identity, the game promises a fresh narrative, complex gameplay mechanics, and an authentic TRON atmosphere for fans of the franchise.

What we know

TRON: Catalyst is an isometric action-adventure game developed by Bithell Games, a studio known for titles like Thomas Was Alone and Subsurface Circular. Set in the neon-drenched world of the Arq Grid, players take control of Exo, a resilient program who gains a mysterious power known as the Glitch. With multiple factions vying for control over the grid, Exo must navigate an increasingly unstable digital world, battling enemies in fast-paced melee and ranged combat, both on foot and on Light Cycles. As you progress, you’ll unlock new abilities, weapons, and upgrades while exploring the Arq Grid’s richly detailed environments.

The game will launch on PC and consoles, though specific platforms and release dates haven’t been confirmed yet. As the game is backed by both Big Fan Games and Devolver Digital and being developed by a team with has already worked on TRON before, we can expect a polished experience that stays true to the TRON aesthetic.

What we saw

At Gamescom, we had the opportunity to attend a hands-off presentation led by Mike Bithell himself. During this session, we were shown several sections of live gameplay, showcasing TRON: Catalyst’s combat system, Light Cycle mechanics, and some of its intricate narrative elements. We also participated in a Q&A with the developer, which shed light on the team’s vision for the game.

What we thought

Based on what we saw, TRON: Catalyst seems to nail the iconic TRON vibe in terms of both visuals and sound. The neon-lit environments and sleek design immediately evoke the distinctive TRON atmosphere, and the isometric perspective offers a fresh take on how players engage with this universe. While some fans might expect a larger-scale, AAA experience from the TRON franchise, the smaller scale of Bithell Games allows for a tighter, more focused narrative. The game doesn’t just feel like a TRON title – it sounds like one too, with an immersive soundtrack that ties into the grand vision the developers have for the series. Mike Bithell expressed they recognize this significance of the music in the films, and they want to echo this in Catalyst.

The gameplay itself appears dynamic, with an intriguing blend of combat styles. Switching between on-foot battles and Light Cycle chases adds variety, but it remains to be seen how fluidly these different mechanics will transition during extended play. Combat, with its parries and Disc kicks, seems fast-paced and skill-based, which should appeal to players looking for a more tactical approach to action.

One concern, however, might be the game’s smaller development team. While Bithell Games has delivered solid experiences before, fans of the franchise might have loftier expectations for a TRON game. However, if expectations are managed, this more intimate approach could actually work in the game’s favor, allowing for a focused and personal story that still delivers the big moments, especially when considering the narrative depth that Bithell Games has proven capable of in past projects.

Overall, TRON: Catalyst looks promising, and with its attention to TRON’s audiovisual identity and strong narrative foundations, it has the potential to deliver an engaging experience for both longtime fans and newcomers to the grid. Mike Bithell himself seems like a massive fan of the franchise, so the project is in good hands. We can’t wait to see and experience more of it in the months to come.