Tron: Catalyst PC Preview

With a new Tron movie on the horizon… it seems like a good time for a new Tron game. From Bithell (creators of Tron: Identity) comes Tron: Catalyst a story driven isometric action adventure game, set in the immersive and diverse locations of Tron: Identity. You play as Exo, a program that wields an unexpected power known as the Glitch. As you progress you will gain strengths and abilities that the overlord’s of the crumbling Arq Grid societies wish to bring under control. You will ride Light Cycles, engage in Identity Disc combat and more as you are pursued through the city and beyond by Conn, a malevolent program with an agenda of his own.

From the get go the story is quite engaging and sets the scene quite nicely. You start as a courier delivering packages… unbeknownst to you, one of them is about to change your life. After an explosion that grants you powers beyond any normal program’s normal function… you will need to use these powers to unlock the mysteries of this grid and to become the hero it needs you to be. The Arq Grid is losing stability and glitches roll back time… something only you can see (and use to your advantage, think Edge of Tomorrow… learn something then reach a block… “rewind” and use that new knowledge to get further the next time.).

During my play time I certainly felt like this world slots easily into the established world of Tron… not only that but it feels like you get to engage with the world in a more personal way (rather than through the eyes of a human). The visuals are familiar as is the music but they also have their own little take… it makes for a very comfortable yet somewhat fresh Tron experience.

The play mechanics are enjoyable… the idea of going through a scenario, learning something important at the end of it but not being able to go further, activating the loop and using that new knowledge to progress is a fun idea and works really well. As you level up you also start to feel more and more powerful and capable of taking on the harsh challenges ahead.

An entertaining story with some solid visuals and a great soundtrack certainly make this a game to keep an eye out for if you are a fan of the Tron universe or even just like a bit of Neon action adventure fun!

Current Release date slated as 17th June 2025.