Machine Guides

Game History

Discs of Tron is an arcade game released by Bally Midway in 1983 as a sequel to the original Tron arcade game. Unlike the multi-segmented original, Discs of Tron focused exclusively on the disc-throwing combat inspired by the jai alai-style sequence from the 1982 Disney film. The game was originally intended to be included as a fifth segment of the 1982 Tron arcade release but was spun off into its own standalone title due to time constraints and its complexity.

The game featured innovative 3D-style gameplay where players controlled Tron in an arena battle against Sark, attempting to knock him off concentric circular platforms by throwing discs. Players could throw up to three discs at a time and defend themselves by either deflecting Sark's discs with their own or using a limited supply of deflectors. In later levels, platforms began moving vertically, requiring players to aim up and down as well.

Discs of Tron was notable for its distinctive cabinet designs, particularly the rare "environmental" cabinet where players would stand inside the enclosure on a disc, with lights flashing when Tron was killed on screen. Although not as commercially successful as the original Tron, Discs of Tron became a cult classic due to its unique gameplay and ambitious cabinet design.

How to Play

Objective

The main goal of Discs of Tron is to defeat Sark in a one-on-one disc battle by knocking him off the circular platforms. You must win multiple rounds to claim victory in the match. The ultimate objective is to progress through increasingly difficult levels by defeating Sark and becoming the champion of the disc arena.

Controls

• Joystick: Use the joystick to move Tron left and right around the circular platforms
• Disc Throw Button: Press to throw your disc at Sark
• Deflector Button: Press to activate your energy shield to deflect Sark's disc attacks
• Aim Up/Down: Use additional controls to aim your disc vertically on later levels with moving platforms

Gameplay

• Starting the Game: Press the Start Button to begin your disc battle.

• Arena Navigation: Move Tron around the circular platforms while avoiding Sark's disc attacks and positioning yourself for effective counterattacks.

• Disc Combat: Throw your disc at Sark to knock him off balance and eventually off the platforms. You can have up to three discs in play at once.

• Defensive Maneuvers: Use your deflector shield to block Sark's incoming disc attacks. The deflector has limited uses and must be replenished.

• Platform Mechanics: Navigate the multi-tiered circular platforms, avoiding gaps and edges that could cause you to fall.

• Level Progression: Advance through increasingly difficult levels where Sark becomes more aggressive and platforms begin moving vertically.

• Round Victory: Win a round by successfully knocking Sark off the platforms multiple times.

• Match Victory: Win the required number of rounds to defeat Sark and advance to the next level with increased difficulty.

• Game Over: The game ends when you are defeated by Sark. Your final score is displayed based on your performance.