Tron Identity Review: For the Users

Bithell Games does it again.

Bithell Games sure knows how to pick a licensed property. John Wick Hex was as simple as it was complex, and a perfect puzzler that tapped into the organised chaos of the assassin it was named for.

It should also be said, of course, that Bithell Games knows how to do something original too; Thomas Was Alone was an undeniable narrative hit. It’s in those footsteps that Tron Identity follows, a rain-soaked, neon-lit narrative adventure with just the right amount of puzzle elements thrown in.

Tron Identity is a traditional whodunnit in a non-traditional setting. Players fill the digital shoes of Query, a detective investigating a break-in at the Repository of a new Grid. Query’s task is complex, not only requiring the deduction of the Program — or Programs — that caused an explosion in the Repository, but why the explosion was triggered in the first place. Was it to cover up a theft? Or something more sinister?

Gameplay in Identity involves making decisions at forks in the narrative, usually presented with three dialogue options that will impact what unfolds next. You’ll be prompted when you’ve made an important decision; that flag will pop as a reminder — or perhaps showing that you have new options because of something you’ve done before — when asked to make subsequent choices.

There aren’t that many characters to be found within Identity, but each is unique and intriguing. Branching narratives may mean that someone you’ve grown rather close to will end up a stranger in your next run… or worse yet, removed from the story completely. A single runthrough of the story doesn’t take that long; a branching Codex feature is reminiscent of what was found within Detroit Become Human and makes it easy to figure out where you need to change your tact if you want to explore a new path.

Your decisions are invigorated with puzzle elements that arise when Query needs to use his special powers of defragmentation. The explosion that rocked the Repository had the side effect of messing with the memories of those around you; it’s only right that you help put them back. To do so, you’ll work on a Program’s disc, matching cards by numerical value or suit. Cards can only be matched when it certain proximity to others; as you progress through the story, cards will take on secondary traits if not paired soon enough, like reproducing themselves or shifting locations with others.

Identity does a good job of introducing you to these puzzle elements, and also to the more complex versions that present themselves as you progress. Players can also take advantage of an infinite Undo Move option and can also engage AI (rather fittingly, given the subject matter) for three moves per puzzle.

If you enjoy the puzzles that present themselves when defragging a Program, you can opt out of the narrative altogether and play an Endless Mode that ups the complexity (or not, as you’ve control over what’s generated for you).

There’s a lot of fun to be had within Identity, from a delightful narrative, engaging characters and brain-teasing puzzles. It’s a small, yet refined package that’s sure to delight those into mysteries. Quite obviously, a bit of knowledge about the Tron universe will help players — and certainly add to understanding of lore — but isn’t necessarily required.

Tron Identity heads to Windows PC and Switch on 12 April (rather randomly — where’s support for other platforms?).

Tron Identity was reviewed using a promotional code on Windows PC via Steam, as provided by the developer. Click here to learn more about Stevivor’s scoring scale.

Tron Identity 12 April 2023 PC Switch   Buy on Windows PC via Steam Buy on the Nintendo Switch eShop