The first thing you notice about Tron: Evolution is how much is tugs at your heart-strings. Those who have grown up watching the original film will have an immediate sense of recognition; from light cycles to the glowing discs – it’s all there.
I asked the game’s director – Darren Hedges – whether he was nervous about creating a game based on such a cult film. He said that the film’s fan base is very passionate, but Propaganda Games is up to the challenge, and instead of just creating a movie spin-off they have created a prequel with a whole new story.
The code I played had two levels. ‘Ground Zero’ is a light cycle based level where the objective is to simply survive to the end of the course. At set points rival riders will try and destroy you, and of course enemy ships will block your path with instant death force fields. The cycles handled fairly well and there are hints of the old racing game ‘Xtreme G’ in the way it is all presented – something that Darren confirmed.
The speed of the cycle is also a plus point – you really do feel like you’re tearing down the road at break neck speed. On the negative side it is a bit trial and error. The levels are disintegrating mintue by minute so you have to learn the patterns to get through in just one try – or have lightening quick reactions (which I don’t).
‘Welcome to Arjia’ is a third person section – and is actually from a few hours into the game. Context sensitive buttons are the order of the day here. To try and streamline the controls a lot of the features can be triggered by holding R1. For example – if you are near a wall run point, holding R1 will activate said wall run; holding R1 near some wall mounted lasers though and you will hop over them.
It’s a decent enough system and I managed to work my way over to the combat sections. The combat system on its own is robust, but is let down by a hideous camera. You have multiple strength attacks and combos, as well as a parry attack. Unfortunately the camera has a mind of its own, and will often switch to face you. Add that to the fact it freaks out every time an enemy strikes you, and it’s something Propaganda Games really needs to look at.
Tron: Evolution is also one of the PS3’s batch of 3D enabled games. The 3D looks good, but the character models could do with a bit of spit and polish – there is still plenty of time for that though. The levels are exactly what you would expect from a Tron game with lots of blue and red – it’s all faithfully recreated.
I came away from my time with Tron: Evolution feeling reasonably positive. Whilst I wasn’t blown away, the game was enjoyable – and if they can rectify that wandering camera it will improve the game no end. Will it have enough variety to keep people happy though? I just don’t know.
djsunna
can’t wait for this loved original film since i was a kid.
any news on a release date ???
Dan Lee
Not yet – I can ask though.
JoshHood
It’s planned to be a week or two before the film, last I heard.
djsunna
the film is out on boxing day acoording to imdb.com can’t find anything on games release date.
monkeyspoon
Did you get to try the Move controls.
Dan Lee
No, only DS3 was there at the Preview event – sorry!
Charmed_Fanatic
alot of R1 pressing :P
moshi
Sounds like our R1 button will not last the game
cc_star
I have never seen Tron
(there, that feels better getting that out into the open)
Dazbobaby
Oh the shame you must feel, like a lepper with a bell.
hazelam
who are you? :o
never seen tron? o_O
Uhyve
I watched Tron for the first time 6 or 7 years ago, it’s aged very well. In my opinion, that movie is really good, even without the nostalgia factor. Kinda like the 3 Star Wars movies…
Oh, and Flinn is a badass, especially after you watch him in Iron Man.
Uhyve
Oops, was meaning to reply to cc_star, never mind.
hazelam
ok, forget trinity, quorra’s my new crush. :)
Tanzil
same here, WALLPAPERED!