The World Of Tron Prepares To Take On Challengers Once Again
Disney Interactive Studios Celebrates the 25th Anniversary of the Landmark Film "Tron" with the Re-Release of Tron and Discs of Tron -- for Xbox LIVE Arcade
BURBANK, Calif. - May 3, 2007 - Since the early era of video games, "Tron" has been synonymous as both a landmark CGI film and the engaging arcade games inspired by that film. In honor of the 25th anniversary of "Tron," Disney Interactive Studios today announced the classic arcade games Tron and Discs of Tron will be re-released this summer through Xbox LIVE ® Arcade for the Xbox 360 TM video game and entertainment system. Xbox LIVE Arcade is the premier destination for digitally distributed, high-definition original and classic games. "The 'Tron' film has captured the imaginations of video game players and film fans for generations with its ground-breaking visuals and action-filled story," said Craig Relyea, vice president of marketing, Disney Interactive Studios. "The classic arcade games Tron and Discs of Tron are returning this summer through Xbox LIVE Arcade with new features and options for the film's 25th anniversary."
Each game includes the original version as well as an enhanced version with new graphics and audio features. Through Xbox LIVE Arcade, players can also compete in both games against another player in four online modes.
In Tron, which first appeared in arcades in 1982, players must complete four increasingly challenging game types to advance through levels. Players battle tank forces, engage in treacherous light cycle combat, attack the MCP cone and fight off grid bugs to enter the I/O tower.
Discs of Tron, a follow-up 1983 arcade game, enables players to fight Sark, the defender of Master Control Program, in one-on-one battles taking place in three-dimensional futuristic arenas. Players must move between platforms while throwing energy-charged discs at Sark and deflecting oncoming discs to avoid being "derezzed."
Published by Disney Interactive Studios and developed by Backbone Charlottetown, Tron and Discs of Tron are rated E for Everyone by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB). Both games will be available individually this summer exclusively on Xbox LIVE Arcade.
About the Tron franchise
"Tron," a 1982 Walt Disney Pictures' release, explores the worlds of video games and three-dimensional computer-generated animation. When Flynn hacks into the mainframe of his ex-employer to prove his work was stolen by another executive, he finds himself on a much bigger adventure. Beamed inside by a power-hungry Master Control Program, he joins computer gladiators on a deadly game grid, complete with high-velocity "Light Cycles" and Tron, a specialized security program. Together they fight the ultimate battle with the MCP to decide the fate of both the electronic world and the real world.
Since the Tron and Discs of Tron arcade games, Tron has continued to make the logical transition to video games. Disney Interactive Studios published Tron 2.0 for Windows PC in 2003 and Tron 2.0: Killer App in 2004 for the Xbox TM video game system and the Game Boy ® Advance. Tron was also among the featured Disney worlds in KINGDOM HEARTS II, the top-selling role playing game from Square Enix Co., Ltd. and Disney Interactive Studios. KINGDOM HEARTS II is available for the PlayStation ® 2 computer entertainment system.
About Disney Interactive Studios
Disney Interactive Studios is the interactive entertainment affiliate of The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS). Disney Interactive Studios self-publishes and distributes a broad portfolio of multi-platform video games and interactive entertainment worldwide. The company also licenses properties and works directly with other interactive game publishers to bring products for all ages to market. Disney Interactive Studios is based in Glendale, Calif., and has four internal game development studios around the world including Avalanche Software, Fall Line Studio, Propaganda Games and Climax Racing. For more information, please log on to www.disney.com/videogames.
Tron ® Disney
Arcade games: Discs of Tron ® 1983 Midway Amusement Games, LLC;
Tron ® 1982 Midway Amusement Games, LLC.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Disney Interactive Studios
Eric Wein
(818) 553-4137
Kohnke Communications
Rannie Yoo
(415) 777-4000
rannie@kohnkecomm.com