Tron: Catalyst
Preview
A Glitch in the matrix
by William Thompson
previewed on PC
Rewriting Time
Stepping into the digital world of Tron: Catalyst, players take on the role of Exo, a seemingly ordinary courier program whose routine delivery takes a catastrophic turn. Caught in the aftermath of an explosion, Exo finds herself not only imprisoned but also imbued with a mysterious ability: the Glitch, a power that allows her to loop time itself. This intriguing premise sets the stage for a narrative experience that feels like a high-stakes digital version of Groundhog Day.
The core of Tron: Catalyst's storytelling lies within these temporal loops. To progress, players must strategically navigate these repeating scenarios, gleaning crucial information in one loop that will unlock new possibilities in the next. Discovering that a key character will appear at a specific location and time, for instance, requires restarting the loop to seize that opportunity for interaction. Through these repeated cycles and the conversations Exo has with the diverse programs she encounters, the narrative unfolds layer by layer, promising a compelling mystery surrounding the glitches that threaten to unravel this digital realm and Exo's unexpected connection to them. Adding to the intrigue is the relentless pursuit by Conn, a malevolent program whose own agenda casts a long shadow over Exo's journey.
Combat in the digital universe
Of course, in a world patrolled by guards and haunted by the menacing Conn, conflict is inevitable. Combat in Tron: Catalyst is fluid and intuitive. Exo is armed with the iconic Identity Disc, a versatile tool that serves as both a potent melee weapon and a throwable projectile for ranged attacks. In its ranged form, the disc exhibits a satisfying boomerang-like quality, slicing through enemies before returning to Exo's hand, reminiscent of Captain America's shield.
While the combat system feels smooth, the preview code hinted at increasing challenges. As Exo ventured deeper into new locations, encounters with multiple enemies attacking from all sides became more frequent. Evasion through skillful dodging becomes essential, and mastering the timing for parrying offers a valuable defensive edge. Interestingly, the hands-on suggested that getting up close and personal with melee attacks often yields more damage than ranged strikes, a tactical consideration that becomes particularly important when facing time-sensitive objectives.
Get your motor running
The promise of traversing the digital landscape via a Light Cycle also looms large. While the preview offered limited opportunities to experience this iconic vehicle, it's clear that it will provide a faster means of navigating the expansive environments and even offers the potential to directly engage pursuing guards. However, the current controls felt a touch imprecise, suggesting an area that might see further refinement before the full release.
Beyond the immediate objectives, Tron: Catalyst rewards curiosity and thorough exploration. Venturing off the beaten path and delving into the nooks and crannies of each environment often leads to the discovery of valuable Data Shards. These collectibles serve as the key to upgrading Exo's abilities, such as enhancing the damage output of her Identity Disc, encouraging players to leave no digital stone unturned.
Neon lighting
Presented through an isometric perspective, the environments of Tron: Catalyst exude a distinct scientific aesthetic, bathed in the signature neon glow that defines the Tron universe. This visual style, combined with the intriguing time-loop mechanic and the fluid combat, creates a promising foundation for what could be a unique and engaging experience. While the preview offered a tantalizing glimpse into the world of Tron: Catalyst, the full extent of its narrative depth, the versatility of the Light Cycle, and the evolution of its challenges remain eagerly anticipated.
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