Many journalists provided critical acclaim for the PC version last year, and while it does not add anything new as far as the technology goes, Tron 2.0 does offer players Xbox Live 3.0 for multiplayer goodness. Now I know that most of you out there are knee deep in Halo 2 multiplayer, but if you can find the time for another, Tron 2.0 offers a good amount of depth for multiplayer fun, as well as an entertaining story that will keep you quite interested until the credits roll.

Fans of the Tron film will recognize the neon styling that this game offers. Tron 2.0 tries to give off the impression of what it would be like if components inside the computer were alive. Since the textures and lighting are fairly similar throughout the game, it was left up to the developers to design some incredibly thought out levels since changing locales would not be in the cards for a game of this nature. The results are fantastic and really bring this alternate reality to life. This is not just for the 60 levels of single player action either, this holds true for the 10 huge multiplayer maps built for up to 16 players. You can expect the same loving detail and creativity from the character design, weapons and vehicles as well. If you have seen the film, you will notice that the vision of the movie has aged a bit, but in the gaming world, this design still seems fresh and exciting as if it were 1980 all over again.

Audio gets an upgrade as well, especially in the voice-acting department. Here you will find such actors as Rebecca Romijn Stamos and Bruce Boxleitner lending their voice talents to the game. Take note developers…paying real actors to provide voiceovers pay off in spades. You have heard this result in LOTR, Spiderman 2, and even here, while the actors are not 20 million dollar a film prospects, the fact that they are veterans of the screen makes the story more believable. The game has that unique futuristic score you would hope to find in such a title, and even such bands like Breaking Benjamin lend a chord or two to the game’s audio. There does seem to be a bit too much bass in the final mix, this is especially true when close to something highly electrically charged. Overall kudos for a nice audio mix.

Gameplay is your typical FPS affair when on foot. If you have played any FPS before, you will find that picking this one up is easy. It is not until you come across the Light Cycles that the game kicks in a different direction. Even better is the fact that in multiplayer mode there is an option that allows you to ride and walk all in a flash. Tron 2.0’s A.I. will not win any awards here, but it does put up enough of a challenge that you may find yourself repeating several levels.

Tron 2.0’s single player will put you through 60 levels that provide a rich and engaging storyline. Where Tron 2.0 becomes the self-proclaimed “Killer App” is the multiplayer mode. You get to experience all the Xbox Live 3.0 goodies, from clans to chatting, it is all here. Tron 2.0’s online offers up to 16 players online to dual in over 10 massive maps. You can play death match, Light Cycle racing, or Data Capture (rich man’s capture the flag). Honestly, if the mighty Halo 2 did not exist, I would have to believe that Tron 2.0 would be in a lot more Xbox Live playlists right now. It is just that good online. If you need something to play after Halo 2 and before the next big thing (Mech Assault 2), you might want to give Tron 2.0 a go.

Overall, Tron 2.0 is a very solid game, especially for one that was released over a year ago on the PC. The transition to the Xbox was flawless, and the added multiplayer maps are just icing on the cake. Call it bad timing, but this title may have done better on the market if released a few months ago during the summer lull, as is though, I expect this title to be swept under the rug for some lucky gamer to find in the bargain bin once the flood of AAA titles have been released and played through. I just hope Buena Vista has the patience to keep the servers going until that day comes.