Review: TRON Evolution

Platform: PS3 (also on Xbox 360, PC*)

Developer: Propaganda Games

Publisher: Disney Interactive Studios

# of Players: 1 (online 1 - 8)

ESRB Rating: T (Teen)

Official Site

Score: B-

As licensed movie games go, TRON: Evolution does a pretty good job of bringing gamers into its world as a mostly enjoyable experience that while not a masterpiece, has some pretty cool elements going for it. It's not the usual licensed title that repeats the movie experience, but a bridge between the 1982 original and the new sequel (TRON: Legacy) that you may want to play BEFORE you see the movie. Enjoying the game fully requires a bit of knowledge (and yes, nostalgia) about the original's film's plot and characters, but you can complete it without knowing who's who. However, If you just want a new action game to play and go in cold with no intentions to see either film, the story might seem weak and hard to follow in spots. On the other hand, if you're a fan of the original and have seen (or plan to see) the new film, what's here does a solid job of updating and expanding while making you want more in the process. There's also the kernel of a great MMO experience here, should Disney decide to allow the developer to add to what's here and take the game further in future installments.

The Music of TRON Evolution - featuring Daft Punk

DAFT PUNK headlines TRON: Evolution - The Video Game with two key tracks from the upcoming TRON: Legacy film score: "Derezzed" and "The Grid." It's alllmost here, folks. December 7th is just around the corner...

TRON Evolution TV Trailer

It's almost here and looking pretty darn cool, that's for sure. Propaganda's got the chops, the gameplay is tight and thrilling and all it needs are a ton of fans who can appreciate all the hard work that's gone into the project to hop on board and enjoy the ride they've created. Back with more video in a bit...

TRON Evolution - Beyond The Code (Or: A Little History Lesson...)

Whether you're a TRON fan since the original movie release (and the subsequent games of assorted quality) looking for more info or a total newcomer wondering why your dad, uncle and his balding buddies are acting all dorky about the upcoming film and game, this video should assist somewhat in learning you a few things about the series - enjoy!

TRON: Evolution Multiplayer Preview Video

Multiplayer disc battles or light cycle races, anyone? As long as the game is fluid and actually fun to play, I can see this being a staple as well as a nice change of pace from the usual FPS for some core gamers.

Update: Tron Evolution Hands-On (NYCC)

Wow. The last time I played a build of Tron Evolution, the game looked Ok, but definitely needed a bit more visual polish. In the time since, Propaganda Games has indeed buffed up the game to a super-shiny finish, adding reflective surfaces, tons of detail along with a bit of motion blur and depth of field effects. The light cycle portion I tried at NYCC from a good part into the game was fiercely challenging, but focused and very fun to play. Between the tons of stuff dropping from the skies and the many jumps and cures along the roadway, expect to feel that adrenaline pumping away as you try and make it to the next checkpoint.

Also tightened up were the parkour-based platform sections and the fast-paced combat. The same layer of visual shine exists in these stages and the already tight action areas feel even more fluid. Interestingly enough, Disney only had the game and Epic Mickey playable on one station each, making it the smallest game-related booth at NYCC. The rest of the Disney booth was set up for books and a few films, which was surprising 9well, at least to me). Both games definitely had crowds gathering around to ogle or try them out. Not as HUGE crowds as the Capcom, Square Enix, Rockstar or Sega booth, but still...

Overall, this is yet another licensed game that's going to surprise those who think ALL movie-based games stink. I say those ladies and germs that fall into that particularly negative camp just need to play more good licensed games. Anyway, short and sweet update this time. back later with more on the game shortly.

TRON: Evolution PAX Gameplay Footage

Nice update here with a bit more polish to the game world and movement. So far, so good...

TRON: Evolution Video Overview

So, what can you expect from Propaganda Games' upcoming PS3 and Xbox 360 action game? Well, click on that PLAY button and find out. It's looking better and better with each update, huh?

TRON: Evolution PAX Gameplay Video

Excellent gameplay footage from Propaganda's upcoming TRON: Evolution showing off the parkour-inspired navigation and capoeira-influenced combat along with some great light cycle sequences. This one is looking like it'll be quite a lot of fun to dive into and play.

Disney Interactive Announces Epic Mickey, TRON: Evolution Collector's Editions

With two of the most anticipated (and definitely two of my most anticipated) game releases this year, Disney Interactive Studios is definitely putting Disney Epic Mickey and TRON: Evolution fans on notice that they're in for some really cool collector's editions. There's also a cool TRON iPhone/iPod Touch app from Disney Mobile that's free and has a few fun features (that updated version of Tanks is pretty darn cool, by the way.

Click away below for press releases and nice photos. Now if only someone would get one of those fancy custom bike shop wizards to cook up a WORKING life-size Tron light cycle replica...

TRON Evolution Hands-On Preview

Propaganda Games is toiling away like mad on two licensed games I'm really looking forward to: Pirates of the Caribbean: Armada of the Damned and TRON: Evolution. While both titles are being published by Disney Interactive Studios, core gamers in the loop are anticipating each game for a number of reasons. I got to try a bit of the PS3 version of Evolution at Sony's excellent Holiday showcase and came away impressed by what's looking to be the rare licensed movie game that goes above and beyond the call.

TRON: Evolution Teaser Trailer

Hmmm... This definitely looks pretty interesting and it's a great teaser, for sure. I'm ancient enough to recall seeing the original film a few times during it's first run back in 1982 and catching it on cable as many times as possible back in the day. Propaganda Games might have a sleeper here, provided the game goes beyond what the film brings to the table.