Trials Fusion: A Futuristic Test of Balance and Skill

Trials Fusion stands as the ideological heir to the mobile hit Gravity Defied, serving as the direct sequel to Trials Evolution. Released on April 15, 2014, this title is a demanding platformer where players pilot trial bikes through increasingly complex obstacle courses. The game challenges the player's ability to maintain balance, execute precise jumps, and perform mid-air tricks. It builds upon the established blueprint of the Trials series by introducing new features while maintaining the core mechanics that define the franchise's reputation for fun and challenge. The game is rendered fully in 3D but utilizes a 2.5D side-scrolling perspective to ensure player comfort while navigating the track.

Challenging Gameplay and Mechanics

The primary objective is to navigate stages of escalating difficulty, which range from accessible to ridiculously hard. Players must memorize track layouts and endure endless retries to master the courses. The game walks a fine line between challenging and fun, though the difficulty curve can be steep, with some levels proving incredibly frustrating. The developers have gone to great lengths to introduce new features, yet the game remains firmly built on an established blueprint.

Key gameplay elements include:

  • The FMX System: A new addition allowing players to perform high-flying antics in mid-air using the right analog stick. These events are separate from normal obstacle levels but contribute to progression.
  • Vehicle Variety: While primarily focused on motorbikes, the game introduces driving an ATV during specific courses for a change of pace.
  • Track Central: A flexible course builder returns, offering excellent tools for enterprising creators and a curated system to guide players to the best user-crafted tracks.
  • Unlockables: A simple progression system offers rewards for medals and achievements. Players slowly earn mostly cosmetic adjustments to their bike and rider, though the unlock system is described as streamlined with limited meaningful purchases.

A Sci-Fi Setting and Story

Trials Fusion catapults the setting into the future, specifically the year 2042. The backdrop involves an unidentified object falling from the skies, which triggers the launch of the "Anomaly AI" system. This event forever changes the world, creating perfect conditions for the crazy tracks included in the game.

The narrative is described as an odd meta-story about artificial intelligences who have a strong affinity for obstacle courses. The environment reflects this futuristic theme with players riding on solar panels and leaping off hover planes. The stages take players through diverse environments, including desert landscapes, forests, snow-covered mountain tops, and futuristic cities.

Platform Availability and Multiplayer

Trials Fusion is available across multiple platforms, ensuring accessibility for a wide audience. The game supports:

  • PC
  • Xbox One
  • PlayStation 4
  • Xbox 360
  • PlayStation 3

The title also includes local multiplayer capabilities, supporting four-rider competitive matches. However, the selection of courses available for local play at launch is noted to be small, serving primarily as a party distraction rather than a deep competitive mode.

Who It Appeals To

This title is ideal for fans of the Trials series who are eager for another batch of courses and established mechanics. It appeals to players who enjoy a fine line between challenging and fun, even if the game sometimes leans heavily into the challenging side. The game offers a "bundle of fun packaged in frustration," making it a compelling choice for those who enjoy grinding for better times, mastering difficult tracks, and customizing their rides. It is particularly suited for players who do not mind repetition and memorization as part of the gameplay loop.