Trials HD
Microsoft, Approx 1200 Microsoft points/£10
X360 – Arcade download, Out Now
Rating: ‘Teen’

Trials is a blast: even when you crash it’s fun! This is a motorcycle game with a difference: rather than racing around boring tracks you have to attempt to survive the evermore death defying obstacle courses set up for you. Focusing on realistic physics you have four simple controls to use – accelerate, break, lean and (in case you get stuck) bail.

The ultimate goal is to complete each course quickly and without falling off, but that is one hell of a challenge. With moving planks, huge jumps and even explosive to circumnavigate, it’s a matter of balance, skill and control. You even have to use physics to get through certain courses by pushing girders down to create paths, or balancing on makeshift seesaws.

As well as working through and unlocking the 50+ courses, skill challenges, tournaments and achievements on offer, the game also includes a level editor. Here you’re given the ability to create, share and play courses of your own – a great selling point and use of user generated content (UGC) at its best.

This is a game that’s great for both the creative and the competitive as you fight for a place on the leaderboards. Well worth the Microsoft points.

We reckon… 5*