📅 Date : April 18, 2012
🎮 Platform : Xbox 360
📍 Event : Official Game Release
Trials Evolution is one of the flagship titles of the Trials series, and it marked a true evolution compared to Trials HD, its predecessor. Developed by RedLynx, Trials Evolution retained the core elements that made the franchise successful while enriching them with new environments, more variety in the tracks, and even smoother and more exciting gameplay.
In Trials Evolution, players are invited to take control of their motorcycle through a series of tracks that vary depending on environments and challenges. From the hardened concrete of modern cities to steep mountains and dense forests, each level is designed to test the player’s skill in balancing speed and control, in situations where a single mistake can be fatal. The game stays true to its core concept: platforming gameplay where balance and timing are essential to overcome increasingly complex obstacles.
One of the major additions in Trials Evolution is the expansion of the game’s universe with varied environments and motorcycles that have different characteristics. Each vehicle has its own specifics, offering players greater freedom in approaching each course. The tracks are also very diverse, ranging from urban asphalt to wilder terrains, each with unique obstacles to overcome. The game’s progression system is classic: complete a track, earn medals based on performance, and unlock new motorcycles and equipment.
The career mode is the heart of the game, with difficulty increasing as the player advances. But the real appeal lies in the level editor, a powerful tool that allows players to create and share their own tracks. This community aspect is one of the strengths of Trials Evolution, offering hundreds of new tracks created by players that continuously enrich the gaming experience.
On the technical side, Trials Evolution made a significant leap compared to Trials HD, with more detailed graphics and improved fluidity. The game runs perfectly on the Xbox 360 while offering ultra-precise gameplay, which is crucial in a game where every millimeter counts.
The game was well received by specialized press, which praised its ability to push the series’ limits while staying true to the recipe that made it successful. Critics especially appreciated the new environments, the quality of track design, and the smoothness of the gameplay. Trials Evolution is a demanding game but also incredibly satisfying, perfect for players looking to test their skills while competing with others through global leaderboards.
Player reception was also very favorable, although some expressed frustration with the difficulty of the most advanced levels. However, this difficulty is part of the charm of Trials Evolution, making each success even more rewarding.
At the community level, this era saw a growing number of both online and in-person events, organized either by the community itself or by RedLynx.
The ninja side of the game continued to develop, with new techniques being invented — many of which are still used today — even before the release of Trials Fusion or Trials Rising.
Moreover, many long-time fans of the franchise, especially those familiar with Trials HD, as well as many newcomers, still consider Trials Evo to be the best entry in the franchise, notably thanks to the quality of the numerous player-created tracks and the physics of the « agile » motorcycle: the Phoenix Evo.
Unfortunately, the online servers have since shut down, meaning that Track Central (which had eliminated the need to be Xbox friends to access custom tracks) is no longer available. Players must now share tracks manually and import them onto their old Xbox consoles in order to play them.
Even today, Trials Evolution remains in the top 5 best-selling games on Xbox Live Arcade.