Trials Evolution

Lore & Background

Trials Evolution places the player in control of a motorcycle trials rider navigating obstacle courses. The game uses 3D graphics but restricts movement to a 2D plane, allowing only forward and backward motion along with pitch control on the ground or in the air. The objective is to complete each course as quickly as possible with as few faults (crashes) as possible. The simple control scheme is described as easy to learn but hard to master, with high-level players relying on micro-adjustment techniques for extremely difficult tracks. Up to four players can compete simultaneously on the same console or over Xbox LIVE, with specialized tracks allowing side-by-side racing akin to Excitebike or ghost bike competition on in-line courses. Players earn money through single-player progression to customize their rider and motorcycle's appearance. The line of movement can now curve, enabling more creative map designs. The game includes 50 single-player tracks and tracks statistics such as medals and money earned, which can be compared with Xbox Live friends via leaderboards.

Reader's Guide

Trials Evolution received universal acclaim from critics, holding aggregate scores of 91.58% on GameRankings and 90/100 on Metacritic. It received five perfect scores from outlets including Joystiq, Digital Spy, Giant Bomb, Gameblog.fr, and Gamereactor Sweden. The game sold an estimated 100,000 units on its first day, making it the highest-selling day-one Xbox Live Arcade title until Minecraft: Xbox 360 Edition three weeks later, and had sold over 1 million units by the end of 2012. It was nominated for Racing Game of the Year at the 16th Annual D.I.C.E. Awards. Critics praised the visuals, core gameplay, multiplayer, track editor, and replay factor, though some noted the soundtrack may not appeal to all players. The inclusion of license tests to unlock additional tracks was seen as improving player progression. The game's editor, available in Lite and Pro variants, allows full content creation including a visual programming language, enabling scenarios resembling games such as Angry Birds, 'Splosion Man, Marble Blast Ultra, and Xevious. Over 1,500 objects are available for custom scenarios, and user-created tracks can be shared via an in-game interface with categories and custom search. Leaderboards are tracked for user-created environments. The game engine was upgraded from Trials HD, with increased draw distance, streaming content instead of loading all assets into RAM, and a locked 60 frames per second. The soundtrack was composed by Mike Reagan, and voice work was done by Art Webb, Rake Yohn, and Brandon DiCamillo of Jackass fame.

Did You Know?

• Trials Evolution was the first Xbox Live Arcade title released under the Arcade Next promotion, which doubled the standard gamerscore to 400 points.
• The game's Pro Editor includes a visual programming language that allows creation of entirely different scenarios, such as a first-person shooter or top-down racing game.
• The outdoor environment in Trials Evolution measures two by four kilometers, a change from the warehouse setting of Trials HD.
• Voice work for the game was performed by three Pennsylvanian actors: Art Webb, Rake Yohn, and Brandon DiCamillo of Jackass fame.