'Trials Fusion' Impressions and Gameplay Video

Game Rant

By Anthony Taormina

Published Apr 16, 2014

Our latest gamplay video offers a closer look at the new features and modes available in 'Trials Fusion,' the first next-gen iteration for RedLynx's physics-based motorbike title.

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From its early moments, Trials Fusion establishes a very specific tone, one that will be very familiar to fans of the series. As the aptly titled and extremely goofy menu song "Welcome to the Future" plays, Trials Fusion confirms to players that, yes, this is still the Trials they know and love, and it continues to reassure them of that all the way through.

As viewers can see in our gameplay video above, Trials Fusion is the best looking game in the franchise thus far. The game's 58 tracks all carry a distinct personality and feature unique locales ranging from the industrial to futuristic to jungle. That isn't to say Trials Fusion is going to blow players away with its visuals, but the graphical fidelity of the game is nonetheless impressive, especially at 60 frames-per-second.

Underneath that new glossy sheen, though, Trials Fusion is still a physics-based title that delivers equal parts frustration and elation. However, developer RedLynx has smartly made Trials Fusion a more approachable franchise entry by decreasing the game's typically steep learning curve. Now, players can get through many of the game's early tracks, and even some of the more challenging ones, with a gold or silver medal. Simply put, Trials Fusion is the most forgiving game in the franchise.

That being said, players will still find themselves tested with unique obstacles, many of which will require plenty of patience. It might seem odd to some, but the way Trials' obstacles can deliver frustration and then instant relief is so unique that it's hard not to enjoy the experience. Like solving a particularly tough puzzle, the feeling that comes from triumphing over a seemingly impossible obstacle is hard to replicate, and Trials Fusion delivers plenty of those moments.

Our video also features a closer look at the game's new trick system, which uses the right joystick to control the rider's movements. The system is plenty challenging when it comes to enacting specific tricks, but it's also pretty forgiving as well. More importantly, performing tricks in Trials Fusion feels a lot more involved than in most action sports games (e.g. Tony Hawk, SSX), which makes the feature extremely satisfying. There is some room for improvement, no question, but this is a great start, and we could even see a full game built around this new system.

All told, Trials Fusion settles into its familiar form almost instantly, while still introducing new elements to help the game feel unique. Is it completely successful in that quest for individuality? No, but that's okay. What is there (so far) looks and plays great, and is innately Trials. And that will likely be enough for fans.

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