(XBLA) Trials Evolution Review
20/04/2012
Trials Evolution
Developer: RedLynx
Publisher: Microsoft Studios
Platforms: XBLA
Genre: Platform/Racing
Modes: Single Player, 2-4 Multiplayer
Trials HD is one of the most successful games on the XBLA platform, constantly topping sales charts even after almost 2 years since its release. Trials Evolution is the sequel to that smash hit, developed by Ubisoft’s RedLynx studio. The title looks to vamp up everything that made the original game great, then some. But is this evolution one for the better, or is less really more when it comes to the already successful formula? Read on to find out…
Gameplay
Just like Trials HD, Trials Evolution is a fairly simple core game; you must ride a bike from point A to B, along a straight line (you can’t turn or anything of the sort). But this simplicity is where Trials makes a name for itself. It’s so criminally simple that its reliance on general physics creates a truly great experience.
The levels start out very basic, with easy jumps and manoeuvres being thrust upon the player. But as you progress, thing go for from breezy and relaxing to fun and challenging, and later to unbearably frustrating and gut-clenchingly insane. Yet still, no matter how hard it becomes, the game manages to never really turns you off completely or annoys you too badly. You will always have a ‘one more go’ mentality and never be able to put the controller down even when you feel like pegging it through the telly or out the window.
Something I found was an issue here though, was much like the original Trials game, Evolution makes the difficulty jump very abruptly. It does break it up a little with the new ‘Licence’ system where you must prove you know how to do the upcoming challenges first before you can progress, but it still can’t prepare you for just what some of the levels have in store.
Making a triumphant return are the games leaderboards. This is a major part of the title, as competition with friends is a massive slab of the fun in Trials. You can play with or without your friends ghosts’ on the track, and compare times and failures post-race. Seeing how close you come to your mates gives a real purpose to replaying the levels. You will find yourself playing and replaying the levels to perfect your runs to beat your mates and try to creep up the leaderboards. Be warned though; there some insanely talented riders out there, you may have a hard time keeping up.
Taking the fun of beating your friends’ scores one step further, RedLynx have delivered a full multiplayer experience, too. Up to 4 players can race together locally or online. Some levels have all players side by side on wider tracks, but more simply use a ghost feature. Despite this, multiplayer is a ton of fun online! To see your opponents racing in real time can create some very invigorating moments and more than a few laughs. Given the individual time tracking, lag is not an issue whatsoever too, making for a consistently enjoyable online experience, best shared with friends.
Track editing has also made a return, this time better than before. It now comes with Lite and Pro variations. It’s the same tools that the developers used to make the tracks too, so with a lot of patience and skill you will be crafting masterpieces. Pro editor is a completely new tool though, allowing those with a ton of time on their hands to make completely unique experiences. While it’s still too early to see the true potential of this tool from the community, in the coming weeks we will likely be seeing some ingenious designs from all around.
Graphics
Arguably the main improvement with the game I think are the new settings. RedLynx have done away with the old dirty Warehouse/Factory setting, with amazing new surroundings to race in now. The game takes on a journey through war torn battlefields, glorious green hills, creepy desolate castles, ancient ruins – the list goes on. This plays into every mode too, essentially improving every aspect of the title. The developers have truly gone above and beyond with the scenery, which in turn makes for even more enjoyable props, stunts and general gameplay. It makes the game feel fresh and it definitely my highlight of what’s new in Evolution.
Models, textures and lighting have also been ironed out and improved, making racing look better than ever too.
Sound
Our boys Rake Yohn and Art Webb reprise their role of voice over and screaming talent, and are complemented by a fairly heavy rocky soundtrack which fits perfectly with the game. That aside, all your explosion and engine sounds are fairly basic, there’s nothing noteworthy here but it works.
Keep It?
- Amazing new settings and scenery
- Multiplayer works wonders
- Powerful track editor
- Better sense of progression
Ditch It?
- Return of the steep difficulty curve
- Can become frustratingly hard
Anything Else?
Evolution is a fitting title for this game; it expands on the original Trials HD in every aspect, and the new elements and features all work wonderfully. From the new multiplayer features, the new editing tools and the new settings and scenery, Trials Evolution is a worthy sequel and definitely worth looking into if you don’t mind wanting to back your own head in with your controller more often than is healthy.
Score: 8.5/10