Tron 2.0 Preview

Exactly 20 years ago, when the world of computers and video games was just beginning to thrive, Disney came up with a most innovative premise for a sci-fi movie. Its cyber-themed flick Tron offered viewers a first look into the digital 3D world of computer technology. The very notion of actually being able to get inside a 3D virtual world quickly began to enthrall people and the movie achieved considerable success. It involved a character named Flynn (played by Jeff Bridges), who managed to hack and transport himself into the so-called Master Control Program, which was created by ENCOM - his former employer. To cut a long story short, the system was being used to dominate net systems both in the real and virtual world. Trapped in a vast cyber world, Flynn has to replace the evil Master Control Program with Tron, an efficient system security program.

Even without a colossal blockbuster budget, the appealing and imaginative premise of Tron captured the hearts of countless fans worldwide. The release of the Tron DVD version already caused quite a stir and that was obviously a green flag for Disney to proceed with Tron 2.0 (a.k.a Tron Killer App), a remake of the original movie. Subsequently, Disney Interactive signed a deal with Monolith Productions to begin work on a first-person action game for the PC. So, here we are.

Look at me in my fancy glowing suit!

Neo-Tokyo, baby!

I know this may come as a disappointment to all Tron fans, but the PC game won’t be following the plot of the original movie; and that means you’re not going to play as Flynn. More appropriately, the game puts players 20 years after the events of the first film. You are placed in the "virtual shoes" of Jet Bradley, a youthful programmer who gets transported into the digital world of the computer in order to find his father Alan Bradley. The character Alan Bradley, the creator of the old Tron security program, mysteriously disappeared while working on a new technology that allows humans to be digitized directly into network systems. Alan also works for a company called Future Control Industries, which came up with the malicious idea of using special agents Data Wraiths to gain control of all network systems from within.

How’s that for a game plot? Not bad I’d say. What’s even better is that the developers emphasized their firm intention of savoring some of memorable moments of the original movie, such as the discs, lightcycles, the so-called Recognizers, and many other cool details. For an accurate restoration of these elements, Monolith was aided by conceptual artist Syd Mead. Good ol’ Syd has been around you know; and his previous work encompasses a number of famous Hollywood sci-fi flicks, like Blade Runner, Aliens, Mission to Mars, etc. Syd has worked with the Tron 2.0 designing team to convey the digital environments from the old movie and give it a sparkling up-to-date visual treat. But, we’ll get to that later on.

Tron 2.0 will have a solid gameplay structure. The game is mostly story-driven and your missions are going to be pretty clear and straightforward. However, that doesn’t mean it will be easy. Using your wits is your only way of staying alive and getting through certain areas safely. One of the most crucial gameplay element is Jet’s ability to use his weapon systems. At first, he will be somewhat inaccurate and sloppy, but after bashing a couple of those malevolent Data Wraiths around, he will be able to use his weapons with great skill and precision.

One of the main tasks of the development team was to transfer all the memorable objects from the movie, and that includes various weapons and items. The best thing about the weapons is that most of them are upgradeable, which allows them to cause more damage to the enemy. This upgrading can be achieved by adding various subroutines to your memory. Incidentally, each section in the game gives you a certain amount of Active System Memory where you can store weapons and upgrades. Locating subroutines throughout the levels will be simple enough, but you’re gonna have to select the appropriate subroutine for the weapon you wish to use. The player will able to adjust the subroutine according to the system (or level) he’s located in (PDA, fCon, etc.) - every system has a different amount of memory present (rather like any computer, after all you are trapped in the computer itself). Of course, the weapons department features another Tron reminiscence - the discs. The basic disc can be fired at enemies or thrown as a deadly boomerang, or even used as a cluster disc (which is similar to a frag grenade). Additionally, players will be able to use an electric rod; a melee weapon, which can be upgraded into a blaster or even a sniper rifle (cool idea). Some of the weapons will not be easy to obtain because they’re controlled by the Data Wraiths. One particularly handy device they tend to use is the Mesh "claw," which can be attached to a hand and used to emit a beam that reduces the enemy’s energy and health. Other weapons include blasters, missiles (which can be guided by the player), balls (no, it isn’t what you think), upgradeable discs, and so on.

Ph34r mah neon lights!

Where did that firewall go?!

Sadly, nothing can be gained effortlessly; even within a digital world. Like I said, the Data Wraiths are fierce opponents and they are guaranteed to put up a fight in their dire attempt to control the entire global network system. So, you’re likely to encounter a pretty serious enemy AI. Your enemies will be grouping, running if they’re outnumbered, and rushing at you if they sense the appropriate tactical advantage (I hope they’re as good as those in NOLF2).

The most challenging task for the designing and programming team was to preserve the former Tron look, while using up-to-the-minute technology. And the best way to do that would be to utilize the capabilities of the latest Nvidia GeForce cards. Using this technology, and powered by LithTech's Triton engine, the developers have successfully created a cool-looking glowing effect - the best sample of that effect can be observed on the digi-suites, which were bestowed upon the in-game characters (hence, another memorable moment from the movie). Some of these lighting effects look absolutely splendid and they effectively evoke some of the movie’s landmarks and unique characters. The innovation comes in with the newly-designed surroundings. We will basically see levels that resemble contemporary computer terms and concepts such as firewalls, internet hubs, databases, PDA architecture, and so on (fire-wall, huh? - Ed). Again, creating all of these features falls on the shoulders of the team of designers and Syd Mead. The developers have also taken extra care in providing the game with sound effects that befit the digital ambiance of Tron. It was revealed that the game will feature a few music tracks from the author Wendy Carlos, who worked on the original Tron score - a mix of electronic and symphonic orchestra music. True Tron fans should be thankful for that one.

Also, it was uncovered that the game includes a team-based multiplayer. The basic idea is to encourage players to enter battle arenas (multiplayer maps) and engage in team-based missions, which will require more cooperation from the players and some rather sophisticated strategies. Quite a nice variety from standard multiplayer rides such as deathmatches and capture-the-flag.

There are many gameplay aspects that remain under a cloak of secrecy for the time being. For example, we do not know how the lightcycles will work (although we do know they will be included). Lightcycles are high-speed cyber bikes, which gamers may get to drive in the digital world. Still, this wasn’t officially confirmed yet. So, keep your fingers crossed for that one.
On the other hand, the development team did reveal a couple of things; the players will be participating in over 30 missions and will be able to test over 12 different weapons. In addition, it is said that gamers may need a solid rig to run Tron 2.0 - something in the vicinity of a PIII with a 32MB GeForce 3 (or GeForce 4) video card.

To sum it up, I think it’s safe to assume that the innovative storyline and Monolith’s excellent reputation as a developer (NOLF 1 & 2, AvP2, etc.) give Tron 2.0 a good chance of making a significant mark in the vast crowd of FPS’s out there.