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Best Trials Games of All Time, Ranked

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Trials is a lot like Marmite — you either love it or you hate it. And that's a fair comparison, as more rivalries between friends have been sparked on the dirt than anywhere else. Saying that, if you crack the formula and make heads or tails of the courses, then hey, Trials is a real treat. But failing to conquer its ludicrously challenging ramps, traps, and corkscrews can, as you'll no doubt have already experienced, hurt. And not just hurt, but essentially burn you out entirely.

Wherever it is you stand on the whole situation, it's only fair to say that Ubisoft has in its hands one of the best motorcycle racing games on the monopoly. Question is, which of its chapters are considered to be the series' frontrunners? Well, here's how we'd stack them up, based on their replayability and entertainment value.

5. Trials Frontier

Trials Frontier -- Launch Trailer

Trials Frontier served its purpose as a relatively sturdy continuation of the console-based series, but on Android and iOS. And for its time, it was actually considered the best-looking motorcycle game on mobile, period. However, due to its sneaky in-app purchases hidden behind a free-to-play module, a lot of potential consumers never found the chance to experience it in its entirety. And that's a shame, truly, as the gameplay was all in all quite satisfying.

Granted, Trials Frontier isn't the most comprehensive chapter in the series. And while it certainly lacks a great portion of features as found in, for example, Fusion and Rising, it still boasts its signature physics-based mechanics and wild and wonderful track designs. Bottom line is, if you're after a traditional Trials game that pushes the mechanics to exceed breaking point, then you probably won't get you fix in Frontier. That said, if you're content with the idea of swapping out the advanced tools for a more watered-down mobile alternative, then happy days.

4. Trials HD

Trials HD - Official Gameplay Trailer [US]

It was going to happen sooner or later, a repackaged version of the well-loved Flash debut. Needless to say that it was also fully deserving of a HD remake, what with the original being a little worse for wear. But in spite of the newly revitalized visuals and mechanics, the core essence of the Java-built original still had a place in the general infrastructure of the remake. And on that basis, we can't fault it.

While there are a barrage of better and cleaner-looking motorcycle games out there, there is a sense of nostalgia that you'll come to find in Trials HD. And while it certainly isn't the prettiest, it does boast a wide selection of courses, and not to mention a full-fledged level editor—a canvas on which even the most advanced tracks came to life. So, if it's a burst of nostalgia you're after, then rest assured that Trials HD supplies it by the motherload.

3. Trials Evolution

Trials Evolution - Official Trailer

Trials Evolution was the beginning of a whole new chapter for the series; a vastly improved molehill on which the series' revitalized mechanics could be put to the test. And with four years to grease the wheels and implement a new infrastructure, Ubisoft had finally managed to give it the facelift it well and truly deserved. RedLynx had doubled, and thus, Trials was born into a brand new era.

It goes without saying that Evolution is leaps and bounds ahead of its former self, primarily in the course design department. Rather than keeping it restricted to the confines of a warehouse, Evolution upped the ante by introducing expanded tracks, both indoors and outdoors. It also doubled the features in the track creator mode, and again, enhanced it by letting users share them via its online livery. So, quite clearly a new benchmark for Trials, and one that many would still coin as one of the best of its kind. And it was, for 2013, perhaps.

2. Trials Fusion

Trials Fusion - Launch Trailer

Let it be said that Trials Fusion isn't for the faint of heart, as it pushes all boundaries to new and improved heights by way of bringing endless bouts of chaos to the table. And when we say chaos, we mean the Ninja tracks that are purposely crafted to test even the most talented rider's patience and fortune. But, if you're something of a seasoned pro, and essentially laugh in the face of pandemonium, then hey, Fusion is a near-perfect accomplice to have in your presence.

While Fusion doesn't come loaded with anywhere near as many beginner-friendly tracks, it does supply hundreds of thousands of user-created courses—a lot of which vary in complexity and fairness. Needless to say that they're all equally as entertaining, only more so for the die-hard Trials veterans and leaderboard-loving riders.

1. Trials Rising

Trials Rising: E3 2018 Announcement Trailer | Ubisoft [NA]

In all honesty, no other entry in the series comes as close to nailing the formula than Trials Rising. Why? Well, because it pretty much finds the sweet spot between being overly difficult and apologetically easy. And not only that, but it comes loaded with countless courses, an in-depth tutorial system to get you up to speed, and a high-powered soundtrack that's highly reminscent of Tony Hawk's Pro Skater. Oh, and not forgetting that it also has one of the best and most immersive track creators, too.

It was in 2019 that, in a bid to appeal to a wider audience, Ubisoft softened the mechanics as a way to deliver smoother gameplay features. It's because of that, and how Rising also managed to retain a lot of its core components and initial charm that rocked the Flash world back in 2000 that, from our perspective, it stands as one of the best in the entire saga. Point is, if you're after the best of the best, then look no further.

 

So, what's your take? Do you agree with our top five? Are there any Trials games you'd recommend picking up, in particular? Let us know your thoughts over on our socials here.

Jord is acting Team Leader at gaming.net. If he isn't blabbering on in his daily listicles, then he's probably out writing fantasy novels or scraping Game Pass of all its slept on indies.