TRON: Catalyst Review, A Bite-Sized Masterpiece of Ambition
▼ Summary
– TRON: Catalyst is a compact, well-designed RPG-lite optimized for portable play, featuring simple controls and short quests.
– The game’s story is delivered in a visual novel style, offering a high-stakes adventure across the Arq Grid with streamlined, Bioware-like progression.
– Combat is engaging and TRON-themed, focusing on disc attacks, parrying, and Light Cycles, with an RPG-lite skill tree for upgrades.
– The game introduces a time-loop mechanic, allowing players to reset loops while retaining progress, adding depth without excessive repetition.
– Set in a new grid with its own lore, Catalyst explores themes of oppression and resistance among programs, expanding the TRON universe creatively.
TRON: Catalyst delivers a surprisingly deep experience packed into a compact, budget-friendly package that honors the franchise while carving its own path. This inventive RPG-lite shines with smart design choices tailored for quick play sessions, yet never feels like a watered-down experience. Its visual novel-inspired storytelling and streamlined mechanics make it perfect for handheld devices, though it holds up just as well on larger screens.
Developed by Bithell Games and published by Big Fan Games and Devolver Digital, Catalyst builds on the studio’s earlier TRON: Identity while offering a far more dynamic adventure. Set in the expansive Arq Grid, the game follows a high-stakes journey reminiscent of classic BioWare titles, think Jade Empire with tighter pacing. Though choices are largely illusionary, the narrative remains engaging, focusing on a rebellion within a digital world teetering on collapse.
Combat is where Catalyst truly excels, blending satisfying disc-throwing mechanics with parry-heavy melee brawls. The Light Cycle segments, often a weak point in TRON games, feel refreshingly modern here. Instead of rigid right-angle turns, bikes handle like actual vehicles, turning chaotic chases into thrilling neon spectacles. A light RPG progression system adds depth, letting players upgrade abilities like ricocheting discs or temporary weapon thefts.
Where the game truly stands out is its time-loop mechanic, which cleverly integrates into both story and gameplay. Resetting loops preserves key upgrades while opening new pathways, minimizing frustration. It’s not as open-ended as something like Deathloop, but it transforms failure into a strategic tool rather than a setback.
Visually, Catalyst leans heavily into TRON: Legacy’s aesthetic, moody blues and smoky backdrops dominate, though it smartly avoids that film’s narrative missteps. The Arq Grid feels alive, with factions like ISOs and Automata clashing over beliefs in human creators. These themes echo real-world debates without becoming heavy-handed, letting the action take center stage.
Accessibility options ensure a smooth experience, with adjustable difficulty and resizable UI elements. While the game’s modest budget shows in its scope, its ambition never wavers. From the snappy combat to the surprisingly emotional story beats, Catalyst proves that smaller-scale projects can still deliver big impact.
For fans of the franchise, this is a must-play. For newcomers, it’s a polished, inventive RPG that respects its source material while pushing it forward. Whether on Steam Deck, Switch, or console, TRON: Catalyst is a bite-sized gem that punches well above its weight.
(Source: Eurogamer)
