Trials Fusion retains much of the same core gameplay mechanics that has made the series so successful in the past. Players still focus heavily on racing through different tracks, usually from the back of their dirt bike, while trying to keep as much speed as possible and not crashing, though the ragdoll physics make it pretty fun to crash at times. The game is heavily based in physics whether it be pushing over objects and driving over the new surfaces they create to bridge gaps or slowing down the bike just before a jump in order to land on a flat surface below and lose no momentum. One new thing added to Trials Fusion does allow players to perform tricks while in the air by moving around the right joystick, which is a nice addition, but it's one that doesn't really change how players explore standard levels in the game.
The setting and many of the track themes have changed for Trials Fusion. The game has an almost futuristic setting through many of the levels, but there is a good variety of areas to explore from a frozen factory on a snowy mountainside to the neon lit tracks that seem heavily inspired by the Tron series. Players won't always be alone in Trials Fusion through, since the new game introduces a friendly AI voice that interacts with the player to offer tips and some snarky comments sometimes as well. This all combines to make Trials Fusion the most narrative driven release in the series, though a storyline is hardly needed to enjoy racing through the levels of the game, and the story ultimately falls flat and feels forced on players rather than being a welcomed addition.
Trials Fusion features a campaign that is short compared to many other games available for its price. The campaign does feature some pretty interesting level design and a good variety of mission types, but players that have ever owned another game from the series will likely complete this title in only 3-4 hours maximum. Luckily, Trials Fusion does add bonus in-game objectives that can be completed to earn more cash and unlockables such as rider outfits and other accessories. These objectives add some length to the game with mission objectives typically requiring players to perform a series of flips or some other dangerous stunt that will make shooting for fast track times and gold medals nearly impossible to complete during the same race. In addition to the typical racing levels, there are trick events known as Skill Games that make their return in Trials Fusion to give players even more to do in Trials Fusion.
Trials Fusion has done away with online multiplayer, which some fans will no doubt be disappointed to see left out of the new release. Instead, players can enjoy the game with one to three other local gamers or race against the ghosts of friends and other players with their best uploaded times on each track. Trials Fusion also supports online leaderboards to give players one other way to compete with friends without having to leave home.
Trials Fusion sees the return of the track editor introduced in Trials Evolution. Track Central is where players will go to make their own tracks from a plethora of tools that can make Trials Fusion tracks more than just a racing experience. Players can also choose to upload and share their creations with other players online once the tracks have been completed. Trials Evolution enjoyed great success with much credit going to the amazing custom tracks available for players to download online and enjoy in their own game free of charge, and players can expect the community to come through with plenty of great creations in the new release as well, though, only time will tell if Trials Fusion will be able to surpass Trials Evolution is this regard.
RedLynx and Ubisoft have already announced six different DLC releases will be added to Trials Fusion before May of 2015. Players can gain access to each DLC drop by purchasing the Trials Fusion Season Pass for their system of choice for only $19.99. This obviously drives up the price of the game to $40.00 for players to receive the full Trials Fusion experience, but fans of the series will be more than willing to shell out a little extra cash to get even more levels and other great content added to this fun new release.
Trials Fusion is a great looking game and produces the best visuals in the series across all platforms, though the game seemed to look best while running on PlayStation 4 during our time spent with the game. Many of the iconic crashes at the end of Trials Fusion levels are particularly memorable thanks to the improved graphics that make some levels impossible to forget. The impressive graphics do come with the major drawback of several lengthy loading screens at different moments in the game, but it seems like a trade that most gamers would be willing to make for Trials Fusion. Sound design is ok in the game with a pretty good soundtrack but voice acting that doesn't really do the lame storyline any favors. Other good qualities about the game include the new trick system that is easy to control, difficult to master and always hilarious to watch beginner level players learn to execute.
Trials Fusion is a worthy successor for Trials Evolution that takes some missteps along the way but is ultimately a better experience for its efforts. Players will enjoy the new tracks and busting out some tricks to show off or to complete objectives and earn some more cash to unlock some nice prizes. Much of the gameplay remains the same though, and that's a good thing. If you believe Trials Evolution was one of the best downloadable titles to release in the last couple of years, then you shouldn't hesitate to pick up a copy of Trials Fusion. The game is a lot of fun and a great release for the series that should be added to your gaming library today!
Trials Fusion is now available for PlayStation Network, Xbox LIVE Arcade and Steam and can be purchased for $19.99. Trials Fusion is rated E by the ESRB for Mild Language & Mild Violence. For more information on the game, check out the official Trials Fusion website.
Game Features:
- Offline Multiplayer 1-4
- Career, Track Editor and other Modes
- Online Leaderboards
- DLC Support
- Trophy/Achievement Support
Game Information:
Developer: RedLynx
Publisher: Ubisoft
Platforms: PlayStation 4 (reviewed), Xbox One, Xbox 360 & PC
Release Date: April 16, 2014
