|
|
|
TRON IDENTITY (SWI)
|
Publisher: Bithell Games.
Developer: Bithell Games. Released: April 2023. Genre: Visual Novel; Puzzle. Other versions: PC. Posted 19th April 2025. By Shane Battams © 2025 |
|
As you’d expect from its digital world and the events that take place within it, Tron has seen a number of video games since its release in the 1980s. Coin-ops inspired directly by the film, a first-person shooter and a prequel to Tron: Legacy, there’s plenty to uncover for those enthralled with the universe. Tron: Identity marks something quite different, eschewing traditions and opting for a story-driven experience. Mixing visual novel elements with a puzzler, Bithell Games’ effort is unusual, and seeing an independently developed game based on a Disney property is certainly surreal. The good news is that it’s also rather enjoyable.
Set more than a decade after the events of Tron: Legacy, Identity focuses on the investigation conducted by Query. In a backup Grid created by Kevin Flynn, an explosion in The Repository sees Query called out to discover the cause and what was stolen. But as you soon find out, things are far more complicated than a simple break-in with a group of characters all hiding secrets. The story proves a fascinating addendum to the films, creating new intrigue from the source material. It helps that the writing is stellar, gifting each character a distinct personality whether through direct dialogue or narration. It’s even more impressive that this is so effective without any voice acting. It’s also quite a malleable tale, and proves satisfying no matter what path you choose.
Despite evolving with the times, Tron's distinctive art style remains instantly recognisable
Tron: Identity mixes a visual novel with a unique puzzler. The former takes up a majority of the game, seeing you given free rein to explore The Repository. Each area usually houses a character to talk to, ranging from ill-tempered guard Grish, to visitor-turned-prisoner Sierra. Handily, despite heavy quantities of text, colour-coded text clearly separates each character’s lines and keeps things easy to follow. Key decisions throughout the experience shape others’ perception of Query, such as a light cycle encounter in the opening, which is witnessed by Grish. A handful of outcomes are available, which see a myriad of fates unfolding for each character. You’ll likely need a good three playthroughs to see these, and returning for more never grows tiring.
Outside of the narrative aspects, a matching puzzle takes up the rest of the game. This sees you defragging discs of characters you meet, as the explosions seem to be causing memory issues. Presented with a disc formation of cards, you’ll have to match these and clear as many as you can. However, subsequent puzzles add new quirks such as blockades which randomise or duplicate cards unless you clear them quickly. They prove a fun diversion away from the visual novel scenes, and bonus objectives encourage you to play strategically. Completing these rewards modifiers for the Endless Mode, which allows you to play a round of these puzzles without the story elements. The analogue steering can be a touch finicky on longer games, but the matching still proves fun.
Outside of the narrative aspects, a matching puzzle takes up the rest of the game. This sees you defragging discs of characters you meet, as the explosions seem to be causing memory issues. Presented with a disc formation of cards, you’ll have to match these and clear as many as you can. However, subsequent puzzles add new quirks such as blockades which randomise or duplicate cards unless you clear them quickly. They prove a fun diversion away from the visual novel scenes, and bonus objectives encourage you to play strategically. Completing these rewards modifiers for the Endless Mode, which allows you to play a round of these puzzles without the story elements. The analogue steering can be a touch finicky on longer games, but the matching still proves fun.
|
|
The presentation is also ace. A striking art style presents characters so vividly during certain, such as Grish’s facial scar or Repository boss Prinz’s unnerving grin. A few moments of 3D stills also look quality, highlighting more action-focused scenes. The dark environments cooled with coloured lighting prove a distinctive mix, especially the defined colours of each character’s discs. There are minor instances of slowdown, but considering the nature of the game, it’s forgivable. The audio is also strong, with atmospheric tracks from Dan Le Sac that utilise synth to build tension, a sense of wonder, or dread. It fires on all levels. The sound effects are also well balanced with those music tracks, immersing you in the world.
There is something of an issue with Tron: Identity sadly. All of the above combine for an enjoyable experience, but it’s a very short one. Even an initial, explorative run will likely take around 90 minutes. The story certainly builds and pays off well, leaving the potential for a follow-up, but it also leaves you wanting more. Granted, a further couple of playthroughs amount to around four hours, and the Endless mode has some pick-up-and-play appeal. But for £14.99, the replay value here doesn’t quite justify that higher price tag.
There is something of an issue with Tron: Identity sadly. All of the above combine for an enjoyable experience, but it’s a very short one. Even an initial, explorative run will likely take around 90 minutes. The story certainly builds and pays off well, leaving the potential for a follow-up, but it also leaves you wanting more. Granted, a further couple of playthroughs amount to around four hours, and the Endless mode has some pick-up-and-play appeal. But for £14.99, the replay value here doesn’t quite justify that higher price tag.
|
|
It's a shame really, as perhaps with a slightly longer runtime, Tron: Identity could’ve been close to the peak of games based on the iconic property. Instead, it’s almost like the prelude to a longer experience, but before that can materialise, it ends. Despite this, rich storytelling buoyed by fantastic characters, strong presentation and a decent matching puzzle game makes for a good time. It’s an experience that will please Tron fans no-end. However, those unfamiliar with the license might find the cost a little high for the content available.
|
|
VERDICT"Despite boasting a rich story buoyed by fantastic characters and a decent matching puzzle game, Tron: Identity’s brief runtime means it feels like the prelude to something more substantial. However, Tron aficionados will find it worthy of investigation." OVERALL: 7/10 |
OTHER STORY-LED GAMES REVIEWED
Corpse Party: Book of Shadows (2013, PlayStation Portable)
|
Collar x Malice (2017, PlayStation Vita)
|