TRON: Catalyst has finally arrived and has taken a different spin on what lovers of the franchise expect, combining immersive storytelling with adrenaline-fueled action. Created by the team at Bithell Games, this isometric adventure drops players into an atmospheric cyber realm, offering dynamic combat and is a huge step away from the visual novel that was the last instalment in the series, TRON: Identity.

In TRON: Catalyst, players take control of Exo, a program caught in the underbelly of a corrupted zone known as Vertical Slice. It’s a rough, neon-lit sector where every program has secrets, and trust is a rare commodity. The environment feels closer to Cyberpunk 2077 than traditional TRON, filled with smoky nightclubs, alleyway deals, and backdoor information brokers. 

The core gameplay of TRON: Catalyst unfolds in a top-down, action format. Armed with your signature Identity Disc, you can unleash melee combos, hurl it across rooms to tag enemies from range, and perform precise parries or dodges when the heat is on. It’s not trying to redefine action combat, but the responsiveness and visual feedback make each hit feel impactful.

As you progress, you unlock new disc techniques and skill upgrades. One standout early upgrade lets your disc ricochet between multiple enemies, instantly transforming you from a cautious hacker to a mid-air whirlwind. It’s fast, clean, and very TRON.

Combat is interwoven with dynamic mission scenarios. In brief experiences, Exo tracked rogue programs, breached encrypted nodes, and attended a shadowy rooftop pool party without leaving Vertical Slice. Environments shift from slick black-glass alleys to vibrant party decks high above the city, showcasing the game’s polished aesthetic and clever level design.

One of Exo’s key abilities involves a system glitch mechanic that lets you rewind time. Thankfully, this isn’t a roguelike gimmick or soft reset mechanic; it’s more compared to a strategic puzzle tool. If you blow your cover or miss a key opportunity, rewinding lets you replay that moment with the foresight of what’s ahead.

The game does give you vehicular traversal via the Light Cycle. You can summon it outdoors to cover distance quickly or trap pursuers with its trademark light trail. It felt smooth and very satisfying.

I played TRON: Catalyst on the Steam Deck, which ran smoothly and maintained a solid 60 FPS even during disc-heavy skirmishes. The verticality of some levels and the reactive lighting make traversal feel cinematic, even when sticking to an isometric perspective.

Multiple dialogue branches suggest a range of outcomes and approaches to situations, giving players narrative control beyond just selecting missions. The voice work is sharp, and while the soundtrack doesn’t channel Daft Punk directly, it perfectly fits the mood. Deep synths and cool, minimalist beats keep the energy grounded and immersive. Despite the fantastical setting, the world feels lived in and a little dangerous.

If you’ve ever dreamed of stepping into the Grid, this might be the most immersive interpretation yet. Keep an eye out when TRON: Catalyst launches on June 17 for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.

Written by: Bradley Thorsen