Trials HD Xbox 360
Metascore
86 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 51 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 49 out of 51
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 51
  3. Negative: 0 out of 51
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  1. Xbox World 360 Magazine UK
    100
    Trials feels so good when you nail it, you forgive teh 300 attempts it took to get there. [Oct 2009, p.104]
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  2. TeamXbox
    92
    What’s most interesting is that there’s little in Trials HD that hasn’t been done before in other games, but RedLynx made this one just so darn tight with its physics and humorous crashes and thoroughly engaging challenges that you can’t put it down.
  3. Pelit (Finland)
    92
    Combines driving and puzzle-elements into one seamless and addictive game. There's nothing else quite like it. Trials HD is simply fun. [Aug 2009]
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  4. Vandal Online
    92
    Trials HD is, hand down, one of the most solid titles of the Xbox Live Arcade platform, and one of the funniest we've played in the platform lifetime.
  5. 1UP
    91
    I commend the game's focus on simplicity -- Trials HD doesn't have gratuitous power-up integration and smartly avoids an unnecessary Jump button. And the game is rife with content: the heavily replayable 42-stage campaign complements the Skill Games mode and the easy-to-use level editor.
  6. Eurogamer
    90
    It's wonderfully designed, justifies the price, and may end up being the best thing on Xbox Live Arcade all year. If you're in any doubt, there's even a trial version. Thud.
  7. Official Xbox Magazine UK
    90
    With such layered and near-endless challenges, not to mention the addition of a remarkably powerful level creator, you'll be firing this up for a quick blast for years to come. We don't say this often, deeply cynical as we are, but if for some ludicrous self-abusing reason you only buy one XBLA game this year, make it Trials HD. [R. King]
  8. VideoGamer
    90
    This is a game that can be played alone against the leaderboard and friend high scores, or in large groups, with everyone shouting and hollering at every comedic mishap. It's a game that seems tailor made for Xbox LIVE Arcade and we can't recommend it highly enough.
  9. Totally360
    90
    Simply put, Trials HD is one of the best Xbox Live Arcade titles ever, and a seriously nice showcase for the machine too.
  10. Eurogamer Spain
    90
    Trials HD is an incredibly solid game. It's fast, fun and has a really good design. With lots of extras and some challenges for the most expert gamers, its price (1200 MS Points) make it a really good investment.
  11. GameZone
    90
    Trials HD is the most addicting game I’ve played in quite some time, and you get a whole lot of game for a relatively small download fee. While there were plenty of great XBLA games released this summer, Trials is one that definitely shouldn’t get overlooked.
  12. Worth Playing
    90
    Trials HD is one of those rare occurrences where the real-life activity might actually be easier than its video game imitator. Yes, it's difficult and will turn off some folks, but the relentless gameplay is still rock solid and intensely rewarding when things eventually go your way.
  13. Computer and Video Games
    90
    Amazing physics playground with totally engrossing gameplay.
  14. Xbox World Australia
    90
    Trials HD is quite easily the most underrated of this Winter of Arcade promotion as it appears to have been trumped by the likes of ‘Splosion Man and Shadow Complex.
  15. ZTGD
    90
    All in all Trials HD is a fantastic addition to the XBLA library and completely unlike anything else on Live Arcade. The game offers a superb amount of content and challenging gameplay that will keep you coming back over and over again.
  16. X360 Magazine UK
    90
    You'd be a fool to live without it. [Nov 2009, p.104]
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  17. Destructoid
    90
    While you don’t necessarily need to enjoy racing games to fully "get it," I'm sure it'd certainly help. There aren’t many games like Trials HD in existence, especially not on Xbox LIVE Arcade, which should be reason enough to get you looking in the first place.
  18. DarkZero
    90
    There aren’t many games that justify the 1200 MS points price-tag on XBLA, but Trials HD is one of them. It’s addictive, accessible, competitive, and there’s plenty to do.
  19. WonderwallWeb
    90
    Trials HD is one of the most addictive games you will ever play. Just remember to take a break occasionally.
  20. Impulsegamer
    90
    In conclusion, Trials HD is a very entertaining game that takes puzzles, motorbikes and a healthy dose of frustration and rewards to the next level. It's amazing that something so simple is so addictive and proves that games don't have to be about shooting or plain racing.
  21. XGN
    90
    Trials HD is a very entertaining and addictive game. It's suitable for everyone, but offers a challenge to even the best. You will get a huge game for a good price.
  22. GamePro
    90
    Enjoy the game for what it is and get better to beat your friends. It's entirely worth it.
  23. Hardcore Gamer Magazine
    90
    Trials HD is a whole lot of of fun. It seems simple enough, but there’s an incredible amount of skill needed to be good at it.
  24. Console Monster
    89
    If this style of genre is to your tastes, or even if you just like a bit of a challenge, Trials HD is sure to please.
  25. Cheat Code Central
    88
    By the very nature of its genre, it can be maddeningly frustrating and repetitive, and this tendency increases markedly as you unlock harder courses. For these select few gamers, however, this is a must-buy, because it's not often that a top-notch time-trial game comes around.
  26. Gamervision
    88
    Trials HD manages to seamlessly combine elements from racing, puzzle, and platform games to make one of the most surprising gaming experiences of the summer. It’s everything you would want in a downloadable title: fun, challenge, replayability, and though it’s at the high end of the XBLA pricing spectrum at $15, it still feels like a great deal.
  27. GameFocus
    88
    Beyond the lame fact you can only trade levels with friends, who ever thought of that idiotic idea needs to get a lobotomy, the game is a great addition to Xbox Live Arcade. Solid gameplay with great graphics, audio and a wicked level editor this is one game you will have a ton of trouble putting down the controller once you start playing. A must buy for sure.
  28. Games Master UK
    87
    It may be a PC favourite, but the 360 community needs to get educated about this - and sharpish. [Sept 2009, p.82]
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  29. Planet Xbox 360
    87
    Trials HD is at the same time both a perfectionist's wet dream and horrifying nightmare. Who would have thought the Summer Of Arcade game with the worst name and simplest concept would be among XBLA's finest games?
  30. 9Lives
    87
    The conclusion is simple: buy it. That’s my advice to anyone owning a Xbox 360. Trials HD sets out something really simple, but oh so addictive, especially when trying to beat your friends. Before you know it, you’ve spent another several hours on this game.

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.8 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 120 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 25 out of 25
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 25
  3. Negative: 0 out of 25
  1. benbob
    10
    this is AWESOME. i'm not an impulse buyer, quite the opposite. but played the demo and bought it. 3 hours later (at 2am) i finally managed to get the controller out of my hand. this game is so addictive. BUY IT!… Full Review »
  2. wingman0401
    10
    Trials HD is a superb quality production of a game. It contains all the landmark features of a masterpiece, the old; easy to learn - hard to master and addictive game-play techniques are sprung instantly upon your first few minutes of playing the game. You'll soon learn that although the mechanics at first appear simple, the three buttons you have at your arsenal are going to drive you insane, in a good way, as you will have to perfect your skills to complete the later - much harder levels.

    You do not have to be interested in motocross or motorbikes at all, before long you will be only interested in beating your own times (and all your mates) by split seconds attempts to shave time off jumps, tricks and flips for bragging rights.

    The basic concept is to get from the start of a level, ride from left to right to the finish line. The way in which you must do this revolves from the right trigger (acceleration from rear wheel), left trigger (brake) and the left analogue stick controls the riders posture (the basis for all bunny hops, lands and flips, you will depend on this for better times).

    There's a catch, however, as once the beginner mode is over it's onto harder times. There is also a track editor, where it is possible to make anything that has already been made by the Trials HD staff, but with your own creativity thrown in - these can be played via friends on XBOX LIVE. A replay mode for the best 5000 scores on every level, customizable colours for your bike and rider, skills mode for interesting game-play mechanics, endurance tournaments, DLC (Big Pack), and soon to be released DLC Big Thrills.

    Bang for buck this game far outweighs anything I've yet to discover on XBOX LIVE Arcade - and competes against retail games for fun, depth, re-playability and price.

    A must buy for all Xbox Live members.    … Full Review »
  3. CharlesTheCheeseman
    8
    This is an extremely fun game at the early stages, and an incredibly frustrating game at the later stages. The physics are excellent, the skill games are extremely fun and challenging, but the campaign game play becomes so challenging that it almost takes away the fun of the racing. This is a near perfect game, but the difficulty of the later levels keeps this from being a 10.… Full Review »
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