Is the next iteration in the Trials series a successful one or does it need more work?

Apr 18, 2012 14:16 GMT  ·  By

After delighting lots of Xbox 360 owners back in 2009 with Trials HD, developer RedLynx is back with Trials Evolution, which aims at improving basically every single aspect of the original game, while allowing players to create their own tracks, riders, bikes and even gameplay modes, thanks to an array of built-in tools.

The long wait is finally over and Trials Evolution is now available for download via the Xbox Live Arcade.

Does the new stunt game pull off new tricks or does it crash before reaching the finish line? Let’s have a quick look.

I first got a taste of the Trials experience many, many years ago when the game was still a little Flash application available on different websites. While I skipped Trials HD when it first came out, Trials Evolution looked like the perfect experience for a lapsed stuntman like myself.

Even if the new game isn’t that pretty to look at, especially after coming off an experience like Fez, its gameplay more than makes up for it, as it’s still the classic Trials experience.

During the regular races you need to control a stunt biker who maneuvers his bike throughout a 2D obstacle course.

While at first you deal with normal tracks and experiences, they slowly become more and more far-fetched, ranging from navigating an elaborate roller coasters to recreating the Normandy beach landing.

What’s more, Trials Evolution introduces you to some of the more peculiar gameplay modes that result from experimenting with the in-game track creator. As such, instead of guiding your biker, you’ll find yourself maneuvering a metal ball in an experience similar to Super Monkey Ball, or teaching a biker how to fly using two planks strapped to his hands.

Trials Evolution delivers a great experience overall and, while it may take some getting used to the new modes and more outlandish tracks, veteran virtual stuntmen will certainly feel right at home after a few races.