Trials Fusion is the third instalment in the Trails franchise, and the first attempt at a next gen game. Fusion looks to incorporate all the success of the previous 2 games, Trials HD and Trials Evolution on the Xbox 360, as well as adding to an already classic. But how will this gem from the old generation fare in the new world of the Xbox One, will it ride true or blow bust?
As with all the Trials games in the past they all follow a similar tried, tested and successful past, so it’s no surprise to see the developers, RedLynx change from that now. Looking at Trials Fusion and you can see that this franchise has come a long way since its first release as a platformer in 2000, and this instalment is something which fans of the franchise won’t want to miss.
For those new to Trials I have one question, “Where have you been?!” This franchise is probably one of the best Xbox Arcade games I have ever played, it’s simple yet challenging structure means that even a 5 year old can pick up the controller and give it a good go. Trials Fusion doesn’t change from the path of the previous success so it’s as you were as you attempt to get your miniature virtual self safely across the ramps and obstacles in record time!
All the same features are incorporated into Fusion as you would expect and with Xbox offering a cut price compared to that of Amazon, followers of the franchise won’t be disappointed with what the game has to offer. But what is on offer I hear you cry? Well breaking it down is simple, the career mode comprises of 8 levels with 7 sub levels within them, which comes out at 56 levels all in all for the eagle eyed amongst you.
It won’t be any surprise to you that they all follow a particular theme ranging from an urban landscape to a Central American wasteland. The graphics here excel in the surroundings but some of the rendering needs some work which is a shame, some of the time the game can blur at the start. Getting through the ‘Campaign’ is relatively simplistic at first but as you can see from the video below things do get harder!
Alongside the campaign is your basic multiplayer, again nothing new here and it’s exactly what it says on the tin, with simultaneous tracks racing amongst your mates is as it was in previous instalments. Returning from Trials Evolution is the custom track creator and the ability to play other players tracks, a nifty addition back then and still is today. At the time of writing the number of tracks just surpassed the 500 mark so there is plenty to sink your teeth into.
The actual creation part of the game is a bit difficult, especially without using the tutorials which for some reason aren’t even in the game but on YouTube! Without the tutorials the creation centre is pretty difficult to get your head around and can be frustrating at times, but you get a real sense of achievement when you pull something off. Making the most simple of tracks is relatively easy, but for high achievers the nitty-gritty of the in game editor will be something you can really sink your teeth into and make something truly special. In the coming months RedLynx will be running tournaments and competitions using the created user tracks so it could be worth testing your skills out!
Within the tracks RedLynx has now added tricks alongside the challenge of completing the tracks; this has opened the game up to additional modes such as skill games, performing numerous skills in order to accumulate as many points as possible for the gold medal, pretty easy on the face of it and the controls react well but pulling off that high point move isn’t easy and offers the player a chance to fine tune their skills.
Overall Trials Fusion is as good as it ever was and pushes the boundary of how good the game can be a little further with the more precise features and the additions of the tricks and skills within the game. Fans of the series will want to certainly pick up this latest instalment today as it won’t disappoint! It’s also important to note that the game has certain locked features which makes reviewing the game fully rather difficult but if you are a fan of the single player and the in-game creation centre it’s a must purchase!
RedLynx are offering a season pass with the game, 6 DLCs are included, you can collect Trials Fusion from the Xbox Store for around 17.50 or collect off Amazon with Season pass included for a £5 save.
