Each week the OWC Blog Staff picks a free iOS application to review. This week, we’re taking a look at Disney’s TRON app.
App Store Description
Enter the grid to play an updated version of the classic Tanks game from the Tron Arcade. Includes both Singleplayer and Multiplayer modes. Battle through 15 levels of enemy drones to escape and claim victory in Singleplayer. Compete against friends and foes in Multiplayer Arenas. Look for massive updates to come.
OWC Chris’s Review
I’ll admit, I’m actually kind of excited about the new Tron movie coming out in December. However, I’m generally pretty leery of video game crossovers, so when the Tron game was chosen, I approached it with a mix of anticipation and dread.
There actually seems to be quite a bit going on with this app. There are the obligatory links to the new movie and the related console game coming out, and then the game itself.
The game is based off of my personal favorite vehicle from the original movie – the tanks. The concept is simple enough – just drive around and shoot pretty much everything that moves. Sure, there are some simple “puzzle” aspects to the game as well, but they’re all easy enough to solve, so you don’t have to worry about that too much.
However, the controls are where this game kind of stumbles. It relies on a dual-joystick control, which might have worked well on a console or even a keyboard, but is just a little too difficult to control on a touch surface. Maybe it’s just me, but I wasn’t even able to get past the third level on single-player due to this.
There is also a multi-player mode, but as I am using an iPod touch and don’t have Internet access at home, I was unable to try this aspect.
I really want to like this game. I really do. But the difficult (for me, at least) controls cause me too much frustration to play it for very long. I’m keeping it around, though, simply because of the promise to “evolve” as the movie grows closer. That should be interesting.
Final Verdict: Great game, if you can get past the controls.
OWC Michael’s Review
This is a great tank game. Graphics are on par with what you’d expect coming from Disney, and the navigation is simple and intuitive. You use your left thumb on a virtual joystick to control your movement, your right thumb on a virtual joystick controls the turret. Additional touch buttons allow you to switch ammunition and weapons. The goal of the game is to navigate each level and survive the perils within. Enemy tanks, turret towers and giant drones are there to shut you down. Navigation isn’t a simple go from point A to point B either, there are laser walls that need to be deactivated, physical walls that need to be broken through, and teleport portals to traverse. It does become a very entertaining skill game very quickly.
My View: Definitely download this one. I give it two joysticked thumbs up.
OWC Mike H’s Review
With the deluge of garbage (and graphically lacking games) out there having a high-quality game delivered is a breath of fresh air, and to be free is just crazy great. I like the dual “thumbsticks” and thought the Tron style was fantastic. A lot of games make control way too easy and I actually prefer games that have a bit of a learning/mastering curve to their controls… for me it adds to the unique feel of the game. The original 80s arcade game had some massive control mastery required.
- Graphics: stellar Tron themed (is it too much to ask for a light bike game though… seriously)
- Controls: intermediate learning curve
- Replay value: high
I think we need more games like this… heck even a throw back to the original Tron arcade on the 80s would be cool. Are you listening Disney?
Your Review
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I really like the game. But the controls drive me nuts.
I thought it was just because I’m too old. ;-)
You seem to have had the same problem as I did; that “dual Joystick” thing was the only thing that bugged me about the game.
Luckily, I found another game in the “Tron” vein with an interesting twist to it: LightBike 2.
It’s an interesting twist on the classic “Light Cycles” motif, and I’m really enjoying it.
I recommend picking it up now while it’s free. :-)
Never too old to have fun MacRat! But I get the control bit…was doing the same on similar game.