Trials of the Blood Dragon REVIEW
By Edwin Velez
Reviewed on Xbox One
Trials With A Story Is Everything You Never KNew You Wanted
Trials of the Blood Dragon unexpectedly released the day of Ubisoft’s E3 2016 presentation, and to my delight, it is a hell of a Trials title. Taking equal parts Trials and Farcry’s spinoff titles Far Cry Blood Dragon, TotBD is the first Trials title with a grounded story. You play as Roxanne and Slayter Colt, the offspring of the Rex Power Colt, Far Cry Blood Dragon’s over the top action hero. TotBD is unlike other Trials in many ways, and the changes brought forward in this title are a welcome change of pace to the typical hardcore, terrain climbing from the previous entries. Add that in with its stellar level design and 80’s movie themes, you get one hell of a ride.
Roxanne and Slayter, much like their father, are over the top action heroes. They maintain this status while still being only teenagers. Tasked with top secret missions to thwart communism, each is skilled in different ways and have a character all their own that keeps the charisma from both supporting titles intact. Their personalities are one of the first noticeable changes to the formula, and this change is continuously noticeable throughout the whole title. As opposed to traditional menus with level listings, we get a cool hub that is basically the sibling’s room. They can be seen doing different activities each time you visit, and the levels are presented through cool pseudo-movie posters strewn up on their walls. The graphical style in both the hub and cut scenes is neat too, and visually is reminiscent of a Gorillaz music video. It’s evident from the get go that it’s got all the Trials flair and appeal with the over the top attitude that is Blood Dragon. It’s awesome for fans of either series, especially if you are a fan of both like me.
Roxanne and Slayter, much like their father, are over the top action heroes. They maintain this status while still being only teenagers. Tasked with top secret missions to thwart communism, each is skilled in different ways and have a character all their own that keeps the charisma from both supporting titles intact. Their personalities are one of the first noticeable changes to the formula, and this change is continuously noticeable throughout the whole title. As opposed to traditional menus with level listings, we get a cool hub that is basically the sibling’s room. They can be seen doing different activities each time you visit, and the levels are presented through cool pseudo-movie posters strewn up on their walls. The graphical style in both the hub and cut scenes is neat too, and visually is reminiscent of a Gorillaz music video. It’s evident from the get go that it’s got all the Trials flair and appeal with the over the top attitude that is Blood Dragon. It’s awesome for fans of either series, especially if you are a fan of both like me.
The changes to the gameplay are extremely varied. While motorbikes are very much still in play, players are also introduced to jet packs, tanks, rc cars, and even traveling on foot for certain segments. Also for the first time ever, players get to shoot guns, yes GUNS! On bike or on foot, certain levels allow you to blast away commies with ease. Enemies fire back to, so it is just another new dynamic that changes the way you play trials. The jet packs and tank segments, of which there are only a couple each, are fun in their own ways. The jetpack is one of the more difficult ways of traversal, while the tank is straight forward and action packed. Another new tool is the grapple hook, which is used to span big gaps on certain stages. The newest feature you will be experiencing for a lot of the game is the on foot travel, which is inspiring and disappointing all the same. Some moments are great, mirroring titles like Shadow Complex in excitement and style, but other moments are more frustrating than anything. If they ever do another spin off Trials that features on foot travel, a little refinement will do wonders for what is in place all ready.
The biggest stand out of the game is the impeccable level design. Some of the best levels in the series are right here in Trials of the Blood Dragon, and I like to believe it is because the title features a streamlined narrative. The levels shine, and are as varied as ever. The inspirations are clear and fully fleshed out, from Hotline Miami, Indiana Jones, and more, it’s got 80’s inspirations in every direction you go. As a huge Hotline Miami fan, the aforementioned inspired level set is one of my favorites. Equipped with an animal mask and a sub-machine gun, the levels are a riot. In the campaign as a whole, there are several drug trip segments that deserve the highest of praise. They have smooth, focused transitions and color palate changes like you have never seen. They are highly impressive, as is the majority of the levels, and are only furthered by the excellent soundtrack. The tunes tie in the vibes for a complete, concise vision that keeps the themes going.
One other addition worth noting is the inclusion of an Inner Beast, which is a Pokemon styled sprite that you pick at the start of the game. This creature levels up over time, using the points you earned in a level as experience. It’s a cute way of furthering the replayability, in addition to having grades per each course. Though Trials of the Blood Dragon has some issues as far some of the new features goes, it stands out as a great change of pace for the series. Quickly becoming one of my favorite titles, the game goes to show that taking risks with a formula can pay off. Its flair and charisma is shown in incredible strides, and while a bit short, is without a doubt worth the ride for fans of either series. RedLynx has done it again, taking Trials to new waters and coming out all the better for it.
One other addition worth noting is the inclusion of an Inner Beast, which is a Pokemon styled sprite that you pick at the start of the game. This creature levels up over time, using the points you earned in a level as experience. It’s a cute way of furthering the replayability, in addition to having grades per each course. Though Trials of the Blood Dragon has some issues as far some of the new features goes, it stands out as a great change of pace for the series. Quickly becoming one of my favorite titles, the game goes to show that taking risks with a formula can pay off. Its flair and charisma is shown in incredible strides, and while a bit short, is without a doubt worth the ride for fans of either series. RedLynx has done it again, taking Trials to new waters and coming out all the better for it.
FINAL SCORE: 8/10
|
+Awesome Themes
+Great Charisma +Takes Risks |
-Some of those Risks need Polished
-A bit short |
Release Date: 6/13/2016
Developer: RedLynx
Publisher: Ubisoft Entertainment
Developer: RedLynx
Publisher: Ubisoft Entertainment