Disney TRON: Catalyst Developer Shows Off Its Gameplay, World [Preview]

by

Disney TRON: Catalyst Developer Shows Off Its Gameplay, World [Preview]

As a long-time fan of the Tron franchise, it feels like I’ve been waiting for this moment since I first saw the neon-lit Grid in 1982. The world of Tron has always held a special place in my heart, and now, with Disney TRON: Catalyst, it seems that Bithell Games is ready to take us back on another thrilling journey.

TRON, undoubtedly, is one of the most iconic franchises that symbolizes the essence of futuristic sci-fi with sleek, neon visuals and thought-provoking explorations on the relationship between man and machine. Ever since the 1982 film debuted, its unique vision has left an indelible mark on the genre and popular culture. Through a sequel and supplementary content, the universe and mythology of TRON have grown to offer a wealth of fascinating possibilities within its immersive cybernetic environment.

Previously, Bithell Games, in collaboration with Disney, launched “TRON: Identity”. This game, published by Disney, was a unique addition to the existing TRON universe, paying homage to its origins while forging its own path within the franchise. Now, the studio is gearing up for a new title, set to be distributed by Big Fan Games, which is part of Devolver Digital. During its unveiling, Game Rant attended a session led by creative director Mike Bithell. He showcased designs and emphasized significant elements that players can anticipate in “Disney TRON: Catalyst”, as they embark on another exhilarating adventure within the Grid.

A
third
TRON
film
, set for 2025, has also been previously announced.

Disney TRON: Catalyst Preview: Developer Delves Into its Gameplay, World, and Characters

Disney TRON: Catalyst’s Setup

In Disney’s TRON: Catalyst, the groundbreaking representation of cyberspace teems with intelligent computer programs creating intricate societies – a feature evident from the start. This series expands on this idea, inviting fans to explore the Arq Grid, a partitioned haven for discarded software, which was initially introduced in TRON: Identity. Bithell further mentioned that due to time passing much faster within this Grid, it has led to a highly developed culture.

In this game, players assume the character of Exo, a software entity determined to challenge the rulers of a deteriorating network known as the Grid. They’ll face off against Conn, a sinister figure from CORE. Exo navigates and battles through this digital terrain, investigating the enigma of an unusual “Glitch” that endangers the Grid while overcoming various challenges and hazards hiding within. Bithell mentioned that the demonstrated segment occurred around the one-hour mark in the narrative, where Exo is on a quest to locate a specific program avatar capable of granting access to restricted zones.

Disney TRON: Catalyst’s Core Loops and Mechanics

While TRON: Identity is a game focused on narrative interactions, Disney TRON: Catalyst is an action game played from a third-person isometric perspective. The demo initially showcased a combat segment, with the distinctive Light Disc serving as Exo’s primary weapon. This disc offers various ranged and melee attacks, and players can employ techniques like parrying, dodging, overcharging, and even returning the disc to enemies to perform an engaging series of combos. These fights are designed to feel smooth and satisfying, thanks to the careful inclusion of pauses between intense confrontations and quieter story moments by the developers at Bithell.

As a gamer diving into Catalyst, I’m super excited about one of its key aspects – a loop mechanic reminiscent of Groundhog Day. This means I’ll be repeating certain sequences, but with the advantage of keeping any earned unlocks, upgrades, and crucial story details to propel my character forward. In the demo, to move on, my character, Exo, needs her Identity Disc modified to gain access to a restricted area. To do this, I’ll have to track down a specialist NPC. Once I’ve completed this task, I’ll need to reset the level. But here’s the twist – with the disc altered, I can now enter a building that was previously off-limits on my next playthrough.

This system intends to seamlessly weave various journeys through different stages, with the storyline tying together and offering explanations for these repetitions. Although Disney TRON: Catalyst bears a resemblance to Metroidvania-style games, Bithell clarified that it’s not striving to copy every aspect of that genre. The concept is likened to Exo unlocking “god mode” as she becomes wiser and gains greater command over the Grid’s operations.

World Building and Level Design in Disney TRON: Catalyst

The “repeated exploration” is a crucial element in the experience of Disney TRON: Catalyst, as explained by Bithell. This aspect greatly influenced the appearance and ambiance of its levels. The world exhibits a “multi-dimensional” quality, with vertical layers that highlight the distinct characteristics of each locale within the Arq Grid. Exo can discover shortcuts throughout different areas, uncover hidden collectibles, and engage in optional encounters, all while expanding her understanding and proficiency. To traverse the Grid, players will employ the renowned Lightcycle from TRON, which can be quickly summoned to dash through the illuminated streets, providing both functionality and enjoyment to operate.

The title additionally strives to explore reactivity and perspective in creative ways, by having interactions with Non-Player Characters (NPCs) that develop and change as players delve deeper. Yet, it keeps its central narrative emphasis firmly intact. Familiar characters like Query from TRON: Identity will reappear alongside a multitude of fresh faces. Players will converse through text dialogues, offering limited options for response and the choice of tone for Exo.

As a gamer, I’ve got to say, one thing that sets this game apart from my previous favorite, Identity, is the fully-voiced larger story moments. It feels like I’m part of a more immersive experience, as if I’m on a real-life journey through these vibrant hubs. The architecture and NPCs respond dynamically to my actions, creating a sense of unpredictability that makes each playthrough feel unique, like a virtual tourism adventure unfolding right before my eyes.

Disney TRON: Catalyst Will Accommodate All Ranges of Fans

Bithell openly shared his affection and respect for the TRON series, describing it as a “realm of powerful video game actions” that enhances the immersive and smooth feel of the games created by the studio. During an interview, he mentioned that while there are elements related to the IP in Disney TRON: Catalyst, no prior knowledge is necessary to appreciate and enjoy the game. The game will be accessible to all types of audiences, acting as a starting point for newcomers while staying true to its roots. From this demo, it’s clear that Disney TRON: Catalyst will offer an intelligent and thrilling adventure that leverages the strengths of the TRON franchise and Bithell Games’ skills to produce a contemporary title that is both innovative and satisfying.

Disney TRON: Catalyst launches on PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch in 2025.

Read More

2024-10-14 16:05