I couldn't refuse the chance to test the new RedLynx creation especially if this is centered again on Trials series. Following the last year success with Trials 2: Second Edition (read the review), RedLynx decided it's time to spread their addictive game on XBOX Live Marketplace as an Arcade product. Based on the same recipe, they created a totally new product specially designed for XBOX 360 users, a game where the XBOX controller is the best tool to manipulate the rider and his motorcycle.

For the ones that are unfamiliar with Trials in general, this game is based on a simple concept. You have to control a motorcycle rider in a 2D perspective through multiple obstacles in order to cross the finish line. Imagine the legendary Mario riding a motorcycle the whole game. As simple it might look like, this game is extremely addictive, the whole concept being based on a high-score competition. Thirty five levels are standing at your disposal in order to be completed without mistakes in the fastest time possible. Featuring smart environmental design full of physics simulations and rag-doll effects, the game becomes extremely challenging. The success of completing every level in the fastest time depends on how good you can control the bike with the controller's triggers and the left analog stick. It's all about accelerating at the right time, having the rider positioned in the right angle to achieve the best stance for the bike.

Compared to the previous Trials game, now you can choose from several motorcycles, each one having a different handling. First bikes are for beginners and feature an easy handling, while the later ones tend to become hard to handle but they deliver a higher power which might help you get over that 'impossible hill' or crossing over that 'huge crate'. Unfortunately there aren't many to choose from so usually you will stick to a single one. Besides those 35 tracks you also get the chance this time to complete minigames like riding the bike in a huge ball, flying through as many rings of fire, ski-jumping from the bike, etc. In general these minigames cause hilarious moments which might make you repeat them over and over again just for the fun of seeing your rider smashing his bones. It's almost a sadistic feeling, but the rag-doll effects are too funny not to watch. If you think that those tracks and minigames are not enough, you can test your skills in tournaments where you have to compete in a series of tracks cumulating the shortest time possible.

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From the beginning I was impressed by the dynamic camera view which shows every situation from the best angle possible giving you the chance besides the best control, to admire the level desig. In Trials HD you won't get only a good level design, but also amazing graphics effects simulating explosions, electrical sparks or dynamical shards. And these effects are directly implemented in the gameplay causing drastic physics changes (let's take for example the minigame where you have to carry a cart full of rockets which can explode at every bump causing the end of your ride).

What had bothered me at this title was the increased difficulty present already from the first half of the game. From fast and exhilarating levels in the first two parts of the game, you will get to ride on difficult layouts in the next parts making you reconsider every move as you navigate through the whole levels. The restart points will become your friends using them excessively.  In this way the game becomes more tactical than you might expect from such a genre. You have to calculate your every move and eventually learn some new styles in order to cross elaborate obstacles. But the learning process is extremely hard and frustrating for most of the gamers. I wonder why they didn't implement the replay function present Trials 2 Second Edition where you could view other performances as an example. It's almost unfair how difficult some of the levels can be. This is why in general you won't even bother to reconsider playing them over and over again. The only thing that makes turn back at this game is the leader board in which you can compare your scores with your friends or the whole community. The battle for every second can become epic, your efforts being rewarded as you win places on the leader board step by step.

For the hardcore fans, a level creator stands at their disposal where they can build levels as challenging as the developers creations. Here you have access to all components that were used by the developers to create each level. If you are determined enough, with this powerful tool you can create something worthy and can share your creations with on your friends list. I still don't get it why RedLynx didn't implement a possibility to share your creation with the whole community or to forward one user's creation to another one from your list? In this way the players would have paid much more attention by creating good levels which could have been made public. Trackmania has this power!

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Conclusion

RedLynx remains true to its origins with this new creation adding an addictive game to the increasingly Arcade games collection on XBOX Live. A game which will cause you a lot of frustration but delivering lots of hilarious moments. Trials HD = rag-doll humor.

Gameplay: 87

With its simple concept this game can cause tremendous addiction to any gamer. It's not necessarily about motorcycle or trials events, but more about fun and crazy events. In general the game is rewarding for every completed level and it makes you return to it over and over again to improve your times  in the leader board. Since FlatOut series I didn't felt such a sadistic joy to see my fellow rider break his bones in the most twisted manner. 

Graphics: 86

The game looks extremely detailed and flashy, featuring smart level design very similar to in-door trials events. Of course there is insanity involved in each level as every obstacle or chain of obstacles are exaggerated for the benefit of the gameplay overall. This time fire and glass play an important role in the physics system creating enough difficult moments for the player to pass through levels.

Multiplayer: N/A

I wouldn't go so far saying that this game features the multiplayer option, but the online leader boards play an important role in creating a greater addiction to this game.

Sound: 73

The developers didn't pay too much attention to the sound effects probably because this is not a game to demand special sound effects.

Hardware: 88

Instant loading times while respawning or reloading the level. This is the result of a process which loads all the game's content to the XBOX 360 memory at startup. Therefore you will have non-stop action all the way.