Trials Rising review — Timeless mechanics and incredible tracks

I love Trials. The series is my video game comfort food. At the same time, I can see how the series is in a tough spot. Developer RedLynx has tried to make changes and additions to the mechanics of its motorcycle platforming games. Trials Fusion had a trick system. Trials of the Blood Dragon … well, we don’t talk about Trials of the Blood Dragon. These shake up the formula, but they always result in games where more is less.

Trials Rising is a response to these missteps. The sequel is out February 26 for PC and consoles, and it feels like a confident return to the basics. RedLynx has seemingly accepted that it can’t and shouldn’t try to improve on what Trials is. Instead, it built up the progression, variety, and course design around the edges of that gameplay.