Tron: Catalyst Feels Like Deathloop and Hades Had a Baby in the Matrix

I approached Tron: Catalyst with some trepidation, given my limited knowledge of Disney's cyberpunk movie series. It was clear that I had a lot to take in, but it quickly became apparent that Bithell's new game was something special.

Pivoting away from the visual novel format of its predecessor, Tron: Identity, Catalyst presents a fast and fluid isometric adventure that puts action front and center. The top-down viewpoint lends itself to a familiar roguelike twist, thanks in part to Hades 2, which helped me stay engaged with the game's many context clues.

The Grid is the setting for Tron: Catalyst, and the Core is the megalomaniacal self-appointed government that has seized control. Paired with stellar voice acting, a innovative Deathloop-esque time-bending mechanic framing the narrative, and moreish combat encounters, it's little wonder I became hooked within just three hours.

Combat in Tron: Catalyst is Fast-Paced and Rewarding

I was initially a bit hesitant to master Tron: Catalyst's combat mechanics, but they soon became second nature. The parry mechanic is useful for deflecting incoming damage back at your attacker, while the space bar helps you dash or dodge away in the nick of time.

Switching to a D-pad made all the difference for me, allowing me to navigate the combat more comfortably and less frenetically than with my mouse. Upgrading my disc to ricochet off multiple enemies was a real game-changer, especially when facing hordes of enemies.

A Roiling Tale of Power, Control, and Dystopian Tyranny

Bithell sets up a compelling narrative that explores the themes of power, control, and dystopian tyranny. Exo is an intriguing (albeit unwilling) heroine who finds herself at the center of it all.

There's just enough RPG flavor to allow players to tailor her responses accordingly, carving out a distinct identity for both her and the high-stakes world she lives in. The first two chapters of Tron: Catalyst impressed me, leaving me eager to see where the story will go from here.

A Pitch to Play Tron: Identity

Given how much I enjoyed Tron: Catalyst, Bithell has made an excellent pitch for me to play its predecessor, Tron: Identity. Don't be put off if you haven't played it yet – you really don't need to. The wait for the sequel's June 17 release will be worth it, trust me.

— Jasmine, Staff Writer