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FanExpo 2010
B Number 2 – Tron: Evolution

Easy to recognize.

When Tron 2.0 came out, it was pretty clear to me that only those of us who saw the original movie would be excited, if at all; fans are a fickle bunch; resistant to change; any departure from the plot is met with a frown and an insistence that “this never would have happened in the original”. Monolith did a good job toeing that line between canon and the introduction of new material. Even with generally favourable reviews, Tron 2.0 underperformed from a sales perspective, and support was eventually dropped; a shame, really, since the faithful user community kept producing mods for it, as well as an expansion.

Tron: Evolution, though, is a whole other story, and has something going for it that 2.0 did not: an accompanying motion picture (Tron: Legacy); even though that film may not be as closely tied to the game as one might expect.

Tron: Evolution

I met with Chris Whiteside from Propaganda Games (Disney Interactive) amidst a display of TRON goodness; some folks walked around in Tron-based leather biker gear; clones of Olivia Wilde’s character smiled and handed out goodies; consoles were set up in a few places for people to try the different console versions of the game; and towering above the swag, the characters, and the displays, was a Recognizer.

I started off our meeting by trying to take a picture of Chris looking off into the distance like a badass. Unfortunately, it can’t be done; Chris is too nice of a guy; this is made even more obvious by the beginning of our discussion.

Nice guys finish games.

“At the beginning, when we announced the game, I could barely sleep, ” Chris said, earnestly, in response to a question I asked about taking on the mantle of a cult classic, ” I mean, we were all really worried how fans of the original movie were going to react. We didn’t want to let anyone down.”

The reaction from fans though, was the opposite: positive (for both the game and the movie). In my opinion, the reaction to the game is probably due to the fact that Chris’ team is really trying to be true to the film, and are being up-front about what they are doing.

“It’s about taking what’s there and being true to it, while using the opportunity to expand and make an impression while keeping the original story in mind.”

Tron: Evolution is a third-person action-adventure that takes place between the first film and the sequel, serving as both a historical record for events that have occurred since Flynn defeated Master Control, and also as a prelude that sets up the film that’s hitting the theatres later this year. The scope of this game is huge, blowing the fiction from the first movie wide open, paving the way for the new film, and leaving many options open for other directions; this is what games based on movies should do.

“We now have a living and breathing world, with a rich history and future. Just as important is the fact that the fiction is heavily reliant on all three pieces of media each growing the universe, and feeding into one another at all times. It truly is a new form of cross pollination in media.”

Two handsome and charming gents talking about Tron: Evolution.

Single player mode is relatively linear (as are most story-driven games), and while there is a defined path to the end, getting there will be an adventure, as there will be multiple paths to your goals. Exploration will reveal regions of this living, breathing world that Propaganda has created. A robust combat system adds to the feel of the game, allowing for heated battles; since this game is both single player and multiplayer, Chris explained that they wanted the combat system to be deep and unique, to allow for strategic play instead of blind-firing and running around like chickens with heads cut off.

But why run when you can take a light cycle? Who could forget these awesome vehicles that brought new meaning to the phrases “need for speed” and “hairpin turns”? Not me, that’s for sure; Chris indicated that these will factor into the game, and there will be a pleasant surprise for us when we play.

In terms of the multiplayer, the online portion of Tron: Evolution will offer a safe place for everyone to play. What’s more, everything that you gained in the single player campaign goes with you; you have an inter-game backpack, essentially. Even better, whatever happens online in terms of character development and such will follow you back into the single player campaign, thus nullifying any time-based sacrifice that usually occurs when choosing between single and multiplayer modes.

They are going all out! Tron controllers? YES!

Tron: Evolution will take advantage of some motion technology: the Nintendo Wii and Sony PS3 will have motion-based controls (both will also have 3D). I played the Wii version briefly, steering my light cycle through a challenging twisting, turning course. Controls were responsive and immersive; your light cycle drives like a normal cycle, with the exception of turbo boost and jagged strafing manoeuvres for dodging.

Lots is being planned in the way of online goodies as well; DLC are being planned, and will build upon the rich and robust world that exists in Tron: Evolution. Chris didn’t really get into what exactly is currently in development; suffice to say, he was smiling from ear to ear when he told me, “Don’t worry, man. It’s going to be awesome. Simply awesome.”

You had better watch out, or these two will derezz you.

Disney’s Tron: Evolution looks to be an awesome game. Catering to both current fans and future ones, the game will serve as a middle ground between the two, linking Tron and Tron: Legacy in a very interactive way. An engaging single player experience awaits you, as does a rich multiplayer experience.

And on top if it all, surrounding the game are a plethora of other items: Tron-based console controllers, action figures, discs and clothing. It is a good time to be a human being in the year 2010 if you like anything related to Tron. Tron: Evolution spins your way in early December from Disney interactive for Windows, PS3, Xbox 360, Wii, DS and PSP.

Click here to check out our FanExpo Canada 2010 Tron:Evolution Gallery! »

Posted in Events, First Impressions, Move, PC, PlayStation 3, PSP, Wii, Xbox 360 |