Platform: Xbox
Genre: Shooter
Publisher: Buena Vista Interactive
Developer: Climax
ETA: October 2004

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TRON 2.0 Killer App

It’s amazing how a game based on a 24-year-old movie that used computer technology so ridiculously ancient and primitive as its principal story focus (compared to today’s advanced technological computing power) can be so relevant with its storyline regarding issues that affect each and every one of us in the current age of computers. But TRON 2.0 Killer App (T2KA), the Xbox-exclusive first-person shooter follow-up to last year’s TRON 2.0 PC game (well-received by critics and gamers alike) does just that.

The T2KA story delves into the world of hacking and a quick-spreading and highly debilitating viral computer infections that keeps IT personnel who work for huge corporations reliant on lock-tight network security up late at night. Wrapped around that topical storyline is promising FPS gameplay with Xbox Live online support that is crucial for the success of any FPS nowadays. Fuse that with the futuristic and brilliantly gorgeous neon-color graphics and T2KA by all indications should build exponentially on the popularity of its PC predecessor.

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Here’s the official game info delivered by a Buena Vista PR rep driving a pimped-out light cycle:

T2KA is an epic FPS that digitizes players inside the world of a war-ravaged computer system on the verge of collapse from a seemingly unstoppable army of corrupt programs lead by the evil "user" Thorne. As Thorne's relentless army grows, it infects helpless programs, converting them into savage digital mercenaries aimed at spreading viral agents throughout the system. The security forces in the system struggle to quarantine the corruption, but are hopelessly outnumbered by the mounting army of infected programs. Only a human "user" inside the computer world, armed with an arsenal of powerful digital weapons and vehicles can even the odds. Players will face off in action-packed warfare against legions of horribly mutated programs as they fight to stop the corruption from spreading.

Features:

Created exclusively for Xbox video game system from Microsoft by award-winning Climax game studio (MotoGP, Sudeki).

Intense multiplayer gameplay over Xbox Live and LAN system link mode for up to 16 players featuring traditional Deathmatch games, as well as new gameplay modes that are unique to T2KA.

overRIDE: From sniper to cycle in two seconds flat! The all-new overRIDE mode allows players to instantly switch from first-person combat to light cycle and back at any time. This is unique to vehicles in current FPS titles in that the player has more control and flexibility as to when and how their light cycles are used. All-new strategies will come into play as combat takes places between foot based and light cycle based combatants – with the light cycle becoming both transportation and weapon.

Squad-based team multiplayer in the TRON universe. Players choose to be one of six classes to suit their individual and team playing styles as they engage in action-packed objective based missions.

Heavy support of Xbox Live capabilities, including Xbox Live 3.0 features like MSN messenger, voice, authentication/matchmaking, Xbox Live! Aware (friends list), teams, player list, per user data, content download, auto updates and web services.

Split screen multiplayer combat capability for up to four players.

More than ten new and exciting multiplayer maps.

Single and multiplayer light cycle modes allowing players to compete on the digital Game Grid.

An arsenal of 16 high-impact weapons, including the powerful disc, digital grenades and cyber sniper rifles.

Players can equip and fine-tune their character through the innovative player customization system that allows weapons, shields, gadgets and ability modifiers to be personalized.

Amazingly detailed glowing environments where players face-off against Security Programs, Thorne's corrupt minions, Resource Hogs, Seekers and other rogue "users".

More than 30 action-packed single-player levels from the award-winning TRON 2.0 upgraded for the Xbox's fast-paced first-person shooter gameplay.

As perfectly suited to PC gaming that the first game was, online play will be T2KA’s biggest determining factor as to how popular T2KA becomes amongst Xbox gamers. With heavy competition from Halo 2 and Unreal Championship 2: The Liandri Conflict (yes, that’s actually its formal title), T2KA had better come prepared to the Xbox Live FPS battlefield with its A-game. If the game takes full advantage of the graphical power of the Xbox and Live connectivity, however, it certainly deserves to take some of the overwhelming attention and hype away from the mega-force in the Xbox community that will surround Halo 2.

- Lee Cieniawa
lcieniawa@armchairempire.com

(July 18, 2004)