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Games : Highly Recommended
Ranking:
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Release Date: April 16th, 2014 Movie Release Year: 2014

Trials Fusion

Overview -

Have videogames gotten too easy for you? Does the thought of regenerating health make you cringe? Do you yearn for the glory days of videogame difficulty? If a challenge is what you seek, then look no further than 'Trials Fusion.' Developer RedLynx has been honing their motor cross racing mechanics for more than a decade. Starting their development efforts on the PC, then eventually transitioning later titles of the 'Trials' franchise onto the home console market. Their latest iteration, 'Trials Fusion', is the first title to include the PlayStation platform, and the first 'Trials' of the new console generation. The PS4 version boasts of HD visuals, multiplayer, a track editor in addition to the core gameplay tenets of the prior 'Trials Evolution' and 'Trials HD,' but a new platform means new development challenges. And so, without ado, it's time to dive right into 'Trials Fusion.'

OVERALL:
Highly Recommended
Rating Breakdown
VIDEO
AUDIO
Tech Specs & Release Details
Video Resolution/Codec:
1080p
Audio Formats:
LPCM 7.1
Release Date:
April 16th, 2014

Video Review

Ranking:

Previous iterations of the 'Trials' franchise have always had the edge when it comes to the visuals. 'Trials Fusion' is no different. Taking full advantage of the PlayStation 4's technical advancements, the developers at RedLynx have created a racer that embraces all of the visual beauty one has come to expect from the team. Dust particles are kicked up as you run through a wooded landscape. Water splashes as you puddle-jump your way to victory. And birds will even fly through your path as you sore through the air. Dynamic weather effects keep things varied through flares, nighttime light reflections, and a dense fog, which are all always pleasing to the eye. However, it's the industrial explosions and moving platforms that alter the track's path that, for me, were the real highlights of 'Trials Fusion.'

As stunning as the game is, I was surprised to see a moderate level of texture popping while playing both the career and local multiplayer modes. It never detracted from the overall experience, but neither was it insignificant. A day one patch is promised to further optimize the already blazing framerate.

Audio Review

Ranking:

Although 'Trials Fusion' takes full advantage of a 7.1 audio codec, it does so from more of a soundtrack perspective. Utilizing an in-your-face techno-rock sound, albeit a rather corny one, each of my surround speakers were nicely balanced and pumping out music that helped to elevate the extreme nature of the racing game. While the special sound effects of the revving motor and squealing tires were reserved more for my front and center channels, I honestly was not expecting much more in the way of surround sound.

Commentary that is added during and after many of the individual races takes on a comedic tone reminiscent of Wheatley and Cave Johnson from 'Portal 2.' They are witty and jokingly state the obvious. It's worth staying through to the end of each of the races' brutal conclusion just to hear the next announcement.

Final Thoughts

'Trials Fusion' falls into that game category of not needing to fix that which is not broken. RedLynx has taken an already solid concept from years of development efforts and refined and polished it to a high gloss. While I was not able to experiment with any of the online multiplayer, past and present 'Trials' experiences make me fairly confident that when the mode is released and goes live, it's certain to run in a respectably smooth manner. In the meantime, I look forward to furthering my career in preparation for the online chaos that is sure to occur. With 'Trials Fusion,' PlayStation only gamers have reason to celebrate, and a reason to get to know and love the latest 'Trials.'