This review is not intended to thoroughly downplay the qualities of this game.  The graphics are stunning -- unlike anything I've ever seen before.  The music is great, especially the opening sequence which would have worked magnificently on the silver screen.  (I won't go into story details; you can get that easily enough.)

But, fellow TRON-fans, this game just isn't worth it.  The gameplay is fun only to a degree.  It's addictive, certainly, but only in so much as you keep on wanting to see that pay-off cut scene (which sometimes come and most of the time do not) or that grandiose image or situation that has a big connection to the 1982-hit film -- which, let's face it, is the whole reason why we're playing this game in the first place.

Also, there is no payoff at the end.  I watched the ending animation clip and thought, "That's it?  That's all you're going to give me for all this trouble?"  For, make no mistake about it, this game is a lot of trouble.  I played it on "Easy" (there are also "Medium," "Difficult," and "Insane" levels) and it was tough.  After awhile, I felt like I was just being challenged for no reason and my character was wandering around.  It was like reading an 800-page book that could have been condensed to 300 pages.

I think most people who bought or will buy this game are doing so mainly because of the unique opportunity to explore the TRON universe.  The gameplay is just an added bonus.  Unfortunately with this game, the universe you're exploring occasionally looks like the film you saw as a kid, but overall it's been revved up with extra icing and eye-candy and less actual substance.

I think the game could have been a lot better if it had looked much more like the movie.  Or perhaps if there had been gameplay scenarios like the movie.  Yes, there are a few.  For instance your primary weapon is the memory disc (that frisbee-looking thing) and there are light-cycles galore.  (These things earn this game two stars from me instead of one).  Perhaps we just weren't ready to jump immediately into the 21st century.  Maybe they could have divided the storyline into segments: one key chapter of the game taking place in the 80s (perhaps right after the film takes place), one in the 90s, and a climactic finale present day.

Those are my two cents' worth.  And I hope for the sake of a possible sequel that they echo many of the desires of other fans as well.
This review is not intended to thoroughly downplay the qualities of this game. The graphics are stunning -- unlike anything I've ever seen before. The music is great, especially the opening sequence which would have worked magnificently on the silver screen. (I won't go into story details; you can get that easily enough. )

But, fellow TRON-fans, this game just isn't worth it. The gameplay is fun only to a degree. It's addictive, certainly, but only in so much as you keep on wanting to see that pay-off cut scene (which sometimes come and most of the time do not) or that grandiose image or situation that has a big connection to the 1982-hit film -- which, let's face it, is the whole reason why we're playing this game in the first place. Also, there is no payoff at the end. I watched the ending animation clip and thought, "That's it? That's all you're going to give me for all this trouble? "  For, make no mistake about it, this game is a lot of trouble. I played it on "Easy" (there are also "Medium," "Difficult," and "Insane" levels) and it was tough. After awhile, I felt like I was just being challenged for no reason and my character was wandering around. It was like reading an 800-page book that could have been condensed to 300 pages. I think most people who bought or will buy this game are doing so mainly because of the unique opportunity to explore the TRON universe. The gameplay is just an added bonus. Unfortunately with this game, the universe you're exploring occasionally looks like the film you saw as a kid, but overall it's been revved up with extra icing and eye-candy and less actual substance. I think the game could have been a lot better if it had looked much more like the movie. Or perhaps if there had been gameplay scenarios like the movie. Yes, there are a few. For instance your primary weapon is the memory disc (that frisbee-looking thing) and there are light-cycles galore. (These things earn this game two stars from me instead of one). Perhaps we just weren't ready to jump immediately into the 21st century. Maybe they could have divided the storyline into segments: one key chapter of the game taking place in the 80s (perhaps right after the film takes place), one in the 90s, and a climactic finale present day. Those are my two cents' worth. And I hope for the sake of a possible sequel that they echo many of the desires of other fans as well.