XBLA Review: Trials Evolution

Rich Bloomfield
April 20, 2012 1:00 pm

Trials Evolution was just released on April 18^th to kick off Xbox Lives Arcade NEXT promotion. And, let me tell you, it starts things off with a bang (many times, literally!). From gameplay improvements to updated graphics, Trials Evolution definitely lives up to its name by improving upon 2009’s Trials HD’s formula.

The first thing that you will notice upon starting up this gem is the enhanced graphics. This game looks beautiful; this, by the way, is something that I am seeing in downloadable games more and more. The game now has you navigating different obstacles in outside environments and it is a refreshing change of pace from the dark warehouses of the original title. You will visit places like a rollercoaster track and a lumber yard and they all look gorgeous.

As a Trials Motocross rider, you will be navigating different obstacles while trying to reach the finish line in the best time possible and with the least amount of mistakes. Wrecking will just cause your rider to start back at the last checkpoint you had reached, however, the time will still be counting and a wreck will be tallied in the upper right hand corner of the screen. One thing that you will do well to remember is that even though you are to finish the track as quickly as possible you are also supposed to complete it accurately.

So, a lead foot will do you no good in this game. At the same time though, slow and steady doesn’t always win the race either. Learning the distinction of when to gas and when to brake is a skill that you will need to master early on if you want to be successful. The other main mechanic of the game is leaning. You will use leaning, either forward or back, to navigate through the obstacles in each level. For instance, one thing you will be using leaning for often is to climb steep hills. When you come upon a steep hill you must lean forward so that your bike does not tip backwards and cause you to wreck. These simple mechanics make for a very challenging, but rewarding game.

Depending on how well you complete each track determines which medals you will receive. The medals are used for unlocking additional tracks as well as gear for your rider and motorcycle. Also, depending on how well you do depends on the amount of money you earn. You will use the money you earn to purchase the items you have unlocks to outfit your rider or your bike. This addition seems to bring forth more need to do well on each course and that is a welcome feeling.

Also new to the series is multiplayer. There are three multiplayer modes that can be played either locally or via Xbox LIVE. The first that you will experience is Supercross. This, as I’m sure you’ve gleaned, is just a standard race to the finish line. Now, this is not to say that it does not come with its array of challenges. While trying to beat the other racers to the finish line you will still need to navigate a rough terrain of hills and jumps.

The second mode, Trials, is a version of the single player game where you try to complete the track with all the obstacles present before the other players. Instead of having all four players visible, you will only see your rider and there will instead be a name indicating where the other players are on the course. The last game mode is Hardcore Trials, and like the name suggests, it is just a clone of the previous type with more difficult courses.

The bottom line: With several new gameplay aspects this installment in the Trials franchise brings a lot of action to the table with lasting appeal. Besides, with a price tag of 1200 MP ($15), it’s not like there is much room for disappointment.

Nizulo gives this game 9/10

Trials Evolution is available on Xbox Live Arcade only.

Meet Rich Bloomfield

Rich is the founder and editor-in-chief of Nizulo. He's an 80's baby, raised on a strict diet of Donkey Kong, Mario Kart, and Street Fighter, and while he occasionally fed on Sonic, his palate never truly appreciated that taste. Now, the big bastard eats anything and everything, with Red Dead Redemption being his favorite taste so far.