Ben-DutkaIt’s a cult classic that spawned a huge arcade hit and believe it or not, “Tron” is nearly 30 years old. Well, that means it’s long past time to revive it…in both film and video game form. The movie, “Tron: Legacy,” is currently in the works (a true sequel that takes place a few decades after the original) and the game, Tron: Evolution , which acts as a bridge between the two movies in question, is also on the way. Fans are wondering if the game will in any way be similar to the old-school iterations, but in all honesty, would that be realistic considering today’s technology? It’s unlikely that what you see will remind you of those good ol’ days in the arcades, desperately attempting to get through another Light Cycle level, but Propaganda Games still wants to cater to both the long-time fans and a new generation that has never heard of “Tron.” Therefore, you can expect a slick futuristic presentation combined with all new mechanics that really bring the game to life. But who wants them to include the old arcade game as an unlockable…?
Tron: Evolution , according to some recent hands-on time IGN spent with it, actually plays a bit like DICE’s Mirror’s Edge . It isn’t quite as involved as the latter but the primary movement system in Evolution will consist of “parkour moves,” which have you running on walls and vaulting over obstacles. In other words, we’re going to expect some frenetic, high-flying action that really puts you in midst of the action; immersion and engagement will be key. What we’re wondering is if the game is more combat or platform-oriented; early feedback seems to point towards fighting as a staple, which may or may not be a bonus. See, you’ll actually use that nifty Tron disc – in addition to some awesome melee attacks – so…well, I have to say, this sort of reminds me of Deathrow . It was a game for the original Xbox that featured a sport where you throw a disc through a goal; you fought opponents, too, but not with the disc. It sounds really cool to string together some normal melee strikes, launch yourself into the air with the “parkour move” and nail ‘em with the disc.
Apparently, the AI may not be much more than mindless drones but than again, aren’t we fighting stupid AI beings within a computer, or something? We just like the fact that the combat is reportedly very fast and fluid, and the addition of an upgrade system for your character will indeed be welcomed. For example, you’ll actually be able to upgrade that attacking disc; IGN mentions the Bomb Disc, which just sounds totally bad-ass: “it causes colorful explosions” and also deals a ton of damage, as you may expect. Other tools and instruments you will commonly utilize will also receive the benefit of upgrades, and we’re hoping we’ll have the benefit of some passive character traits as well. I know it’s sort of like asking for an RPG within the game, but how many action experiences now boast clear role-playing elements? And besides, considering the premise, the developer could really give us a futuristic, highly stylized overall presentation… with some appreciated depth.
Oh, and those Light Cycles? They’ll be back, of course. Remember how you’d zip around, leaving an impassable wall behind, attempting to cause your opponent to slam into it? Yeah, same type of idea, except this time, it won’t be so cut-and-dry. Evidently, you can lightly brush the wall or even bump off it, but we’re assuming that if you hit it hard enough, it’s Game Over. Man, I remember how fast this level could get in the old arcade game…it could turn your brain to oatmeal. Well, a lot of coin-op games back then did that. Anyway, Tron: Evolution could indeed cater to both the old-school fans and to new fans of the upcoming movie. And if they do it right, it could be a definite sleeper hit.
