📅 Date : June 13, 2016
🎮 Platform : PC, Xbox One, PS4
📍 Event : Official Game Release
Trials of the Blood Dragon is a unique spin-off within the Trials series universe, blending the franchise’s acrobatic gameplay mechanics with a strong dose of the exuberant aesthetic and world of Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon. This game stands out for its bold and offbeat approach, breaking from the usual Trials formula to offer a more unrestrained experience influenced by 1980s culture. With its platforming elements, frantic races, and neon graphics, Trials of the Blood Dragon delivers a different but still captivating adventure.
The game’s content is based on a fusion of the typical Trials motorcycle sequences with platforming and shooting elements. The action takes place in a futuristic and retro-futuristic world, featuring graphics inspired by 1980s arcade games, full of neon lights and vivid colors. The game follows the adventures of Rex Power Colt and his daughter, traversing levels with varied environments, from cybernetic jungles to ruined military bases, while facing enemies in high-speed races and intense combat.
At launch, Trials of the Blood Dragon offered a number of levels combining motorcycle races and platforming/shooting sequences. The edition stands out for its gameplay variety, bringing a new dimension to the traditional Trials style while maintaining the fluidity and precision characteristic of the series. Each level is designed to offer a fast and dynamic experience, with challenges ranging from frantic races to action sequences where players must jump, shoot, and navigate through complex obstacles.
The game was designed to be accessible on multiple platforms, including PC, Xbox One, and PlayStation 4. Although it is a smaller game compared to other titles in the Trials franchise, it benefits from the same care and attention to gameplay that have made the series renowned.
The development of Trials of the Blood Dragon took place in a particular context. Ubisoft, the developer behind the Trials franchise, wanted to take a bold turn by offering a game that blended genres. The goal was to play with players’ expectations, merging classic Trials elements with a visual universe inspired by the iconic Blood Dragon, a DLC from Far Cry 3. The game was not developed as long as other franchise titles, but it successfully captured the spirit of the era while staying true to the gameplay mechanics that are the strength of Trials.
Regarding user-generated content, Trials of the Blood Dragon does not offer as extensive a creation system as Trials Rising, but still allows players to share their experiences through leaderboards and challenges. The game also includes some customization elements, such as motorcycles with varied characteristics and unlockable equipment throughout gameplay.
In terms of game modes, Trials of the Blood Dragon mainly offers a solo campaign filled with missions and varied levels. There is no traditional online multiplayer mode, but players can test their skills on global leaderboards to see how they rank against other riders. This online ranking system adds a competitive dimension to the experience, although in a more limited way than in other franchise games.
Monetization in Trials of the Blood Dragon is primarily based on cosmetic items. Skins and accessories are available, but no microtransactions directly affect gameplay or progression. The title does not include major paid content, and the game itself is relatively affordable compared to other editions in the Trials franchise.
Regarding reception, Trials of the Blood Dragon received mixed reviews. Many players praised its bold and quirky approach, which helped it stand out from traditional Trials. However, some felt that the integration of shooting and platforming mechanics sometimes weighed down the experience, making the game less fluid than previous franchise titles. On Metacritic, the game scored around 70/100, reflecting an overall positive but somewhat mixed reception compared to fan expectations of Trials.
Among players, Trials of the Blood Dragon was well received by those seeking a different experience, but opinions were divided. Fans of traditional Trials may have found the formula change a bit too radical, while those who enjoy more eccentric action games appreciated the game’s wild and nostalgic aspects. Despite this, online leaderboards helped maintain a dedicated player base that kept the game alive and competitive for some time, even if it remained somewhat overlooked by hardcore Trials franchise players.
However, within the core Trials player community, this game eventually became somewhat of a meme, as most of them were expecting the release of a “real” Trials game.
From a technical perspective, Trials of the Blood Dragon features a distinctive visual style and smooth animations that do justice to previous franchise titles. The controls are also solid, although the addition of shooting and platforming sequences can sometimes make the game a bit less precise than other Trials titles.
In conclusion, Trials of the Blood Dragon is a unique game that does not simply follow the usual formula of the Trials series. It offers a more eclectic adventure while remaining faithful to the spirit of the franchise through its fluid gameplay and progressive difficulty. For players looking for a different and offbeat experience within the Trials universe, this edition is both a tribute to the 1980s and a new risk-taking endeavor that found its audience.