Suffice to say, I found it extremely difficult to put the controller down.
Suffice to say, I found it extremely difficult to put the controller down. Maybe it was my completionist nature or my need to be good at something, but this game drew me in like Scorpion from Mortal Combat and has yet to let go.
I had to get this game for myself and so I did a few days after. Like I said, I don't don't spend my Microsoft Points™ on just anything, but once I did, I was ensnared again.
So let's get down to it.
The game is nothing more that a motocross character going through a series of obstacle courses. Easy right? Think again. At first, when you're going through the tutorials, beginner and easy levels, all seems like bliss. Sure, you make a mistake here and there and are compelled to restart the course. You achieve gold medals like they were being given out like pencils at an SAT exam. But it's just a warm up, sir. After about an hour or so, you find yourself at the 'medium' level. All the gaming you've done before as a kid are now being tested.
The most simple controls you can think of have now become one of the hardest things to master. Left-trigger to go, right-trigger to brake (front wheel ONLY, btw) and left-analog to lean forward or backward. It's no longer as simple as that. The hills become steeper and the courses now have bumps that will flip your bike forward or back if you're not careful. That left-analog stick becomes your best friend and your worst enemy at the same time...
Physics, physics and more physics. It seems to be common theme in games that catch my attention, and Trials HD is no exception.While you're trying to master leaning forward and backward, keep in mind that gravity does work and the drive wheel will move forward, even if your front wheel doesn't.
If you've ever driven a motorcycle, or a manually shifted car that matter, you know what I mean when I say precise timing of those four controls is essential. It's no longer about trying to hold the trigger down as hard as you can and just go. No, no. You have to be patient with yourself sometimes and other times not, use your best judgment, because there are multiple ways to complete each track, even on separate paths of the same track!
And then there are the challenge levels. These 'tracks' are almost more fun than the normal tracks. Flying through rings of fire and being a human pinball are the best of times. Soak it up.
I enjoy this game, to say the least. I'll let you know when I get past the 'hard' levels...