Software:Trials Fusion

From HandWiki
Short description: 2014 video game
Trials Fusion
Developer(s)Ubisoft RedLynx
Ubisoft Shanghai
Ubisoft Kyiv
Publisher(s)Ubisoft
Designer(s)Karri Kiviluoma
Composer(s)Petri Alanko
SeriesTrials
Platform(s)Microsoft Windows
PlayStation 4
Xbox 360
Xbox One
ReleasePlayStation 4
Xbox 360 & Xbox One
  • WW: April 16, 2014[1]
Windows
  • NA: April 16, 2014
  • PAL: April 24, 2014
Genre(s)Platform, racing
Mode(s)Single-player, multiplayer

Trials Fusion is a platform racing video game developed by Ubisoft RedLynx in collaboration with Ubisoft Shanghai and Ubisoft Kyiv.[3] A follow-up to Trials Evolution, it is the fifth game in the Trials series and is the first one to be released on a PlayStation platform. The game was released on Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360 and Xbox One in April 2014.[1] A companion game, Trials Frontier, was released on iOS and Android devices and designed to accompany the console and PC title.[1] Ubisoft released six paid DLC packs, as well as several free content updates. Online multiplayer was added in an update on January 24, 2015.[4]

Trials Fusion was generally well received upon release. Critics praised the level design, controls, graphics, the futuristic setting, and the amount of content, but criticized the lack of tutorials for the game's create mode, and its similarity to past Trials games. By February 2015, the game had sold over 1.7 million units.

Gameplay

Like previous games in the series, Trials Fusion presents an arcade take on the real-life sport of observed trials. The player controls a rider on a physics-based motorcycle from the start of the level to the end while navigating a number of obstacles. The game uses 3D graphics, but is played on a 2D plane, so the rider can only move forwards and backwards. The player controls how the rider shifts their weight forward and backward in order to perform wheelies and stoppies as well as flips while in the air and controlling how the bike lands. Trials Fusion, like the other games in the series, is known for, among other things, its notorious difficulty, particularly towards the end of the game. Unlike in previous Trials games, players can also perform freestyle motocross stunts while in the air by moving the right analog stick.[5] Also new to the Trials series is the ability to choose a quad bike for a handful of levels: the 'TKO Panda'. Other vehicles included are motorbikes 'Baggie', 'Roach', 'Pit Viper', and 'Foxbat', minibike 'Donkey', the cat in the 'Unicorn MK II' and BMX bike, 'Rabbit'.[6]

Trials Fusion also features a track editor, allowing players to create their own courses and games.

Trials Fusion's multiplayer allows up to 8 players (PS4, Xbox One and PC) to race in different tracks, while the Xbox 360 version of the game only support 4 players. Online multiplayer was added in an update on January 24, 2015.[4]

Setting

The game is set in the year 2042,[7] after an object "fell from the sky and changed our world",[8] and after the creation of the "Anomaly AI". Descended from this AI are two characters, SynDI and George[7] whose disembodied voices are heard by the player's character, Rider, throughout the game. Also in the events leading up to the game, the UN has designated some parts of the planet as "United Nations Ungoverned Regions".

Reception

Critical response

Reception
Aggregate score
AggregatorScore
Metacritic(PC, XOne) 80/100[9][10]
(PS4) 79/100[11]
(X360) 77/100[12]
Review scores
PublicationScore
Destructoid(X360) 8/10[13]
Eurogamer(PS4) 8/10[14]
Game Informer8/10[15]
GameRevolution(PS4) 8/10[16]
GameSpot(XOne) 8/10[17]
GameTrailers(PS4) 8.8/10[18]
IGN8.2/10[19]
Joystiq(PS4) StarStarStarStar[20]
OPM (UK)(PS4) 8/10[21]
OXM (US)(XOne) 8/10[22]
PC Gamer (UK)(PC) 85%[23]
Polygon(PS4) 6.5/10[24]
Shacknews(PS4) 7/10[25]
VentureBeat(XOne) 90/100[26]
Digital Spy(XOne) StarStarStarStar[27]
National Post(PS4) 8.5/10[28]

The game received "generally favorable reviews" on all platforms according to the review aggregation website Metacritic.[9][10][11][12]

Game Informer's Matt Miller stated: "Trials Fusion, like its predecessors, is a bundle of fun packaged in frustration, repetition, and memorization. If that kind of punishment is your cup of tea, Fusion offers more of what you've come to expect. The existing formula is an awfully good one, but with few meaningful steps forward, it's easy to feel like we've crashed down this road before."[15] Lucas Sullivan of GamesRadar+ spoke positively of the replayability, addictiveness, and physics of the Xbox One version, but disliked the FMX tricks, story, and certain level designs.[29]

GameSpot's Tom McShea praised the course design of the Xbox One version, calling it "clever" and "imaginative", the motocross style tricks, the rewards system, the track editor, which he called "powerful", and the optional objectives. He did however heavily criticize the game's create mode for having poor tutorials; he called the creation tools the "one downside" of the game and said that "without a proper tutorial, [he] couldn't wrap [his] head around the obtuse tools".[17] Vince Ingenito of IGN said: "Trials Fusion's precision controls and exacting challenge make it a great pickup for leaderboard perfectionists."[19] Polygon's Russ Frushtick was more critical of the PS4 version and said in his review that "Every aspect of Fusion feels like a less imaginative experience that coasts rather than strives for something better. There's no question that the core Trials gameplay within Trials Fusion remains fun. But the host of missing features and bad design choices make it a significant step backwards after Evolution and for the franchise."[24]

GameZone gave the PlayStation 4 version nine out of ten, saying that it "doesn't change up the formula drastically from its predecessors, but adds some nuances that helps it distinguish itself. It might come with a few graphical hiccups that detract from its beauty, but the fun factor eclipses any of these issues."[8] Push Square gave the same console version nine stars out of ten, calling it "one of the best games on the PlayStation 4, there's no doubt about that. Convince your friends to get it, and established relationships will turn sour faster than an Evel Knievel-esque stunt. Challenging, funny, and exciting – gaming rarely gets any better than this."[30] EGMNow gave the same console version eight out of ten, saying, "While Trials Fusion isn't the best entry in the long-running motorbike-racing franchise, the core of what made previous entries so great remains, which should satisfy longtime fans and newcomers alike."[31] Edge gave the PC version eight out of ten, saying, "While it attempts to blend FMX, quad bikes and more familiar Trials action, the new elements sit uneasily with the old. Trials has always been about precision and skill, traits that are blunted or obfuscated by four-wheel drive and fussy inputs."[32] Retro Gamer gave the Xbox One version 78%, saying, "It still works fantastically well thanks to solid online integration and cleverly designed tracks, but the core formula is starting to wear a little thin."[33]

411Mania gave the PlayStation 4 version a score of nine out of ten, saying, "I'm always excited to come back and play the Trials games, and while ultimately it's more of the same, that's not a bad thing. As long as Redlynx [sic] can keep turning out tracks of this quality, I won't stop playing anytime soon."[34] National Post gave the same console version 8.5 out of 10, saying, "Trials Fusion, like its predecessors, is a super-charged, neck-breaking blast of a motorbike game, and solidifies the franchise's status as the Excitebike of our time."[28] The Digital Fix gave the same console version eight out of ten, saying, "Ultimately what RedLynx has done here is create Trials for the current generation, and brought it to more folks than ever before given the cross-platform availability."[35] Digital Spy gave the Xbox One version four stars out of five, saying, "Trials Fusion may not make as far of an evolutionary leap forward as its predecessor, but that doesn't make it any less worthy a successor to the Trials name."[27] Metro gave the PS4 version a score of seven out of ten, saying that it was "Not an evolution like the last game, and certainly not a revolution – there's a great deal of fun still to be had in Trials Fusion but unfortunately not much in the way of new ideas."[36]

In a special edition of Edge, listing their 100 top videogames of all-time, Trials Fusion was one of only two racing games on the list, along with Software:OutRun 2006: Coast 2 Coast.[37] Trusted Reviews put the game their list of the best racing games of 2018.[38] VideoGamer.com listed the game as the 10th best racing game of all time.[39]

Sales

As of February 25, 2015, the game sold 1.7 million units.[40][41]

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 "Trials Fusion". Archived from the original on April 16, 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20140416113903/http://redlynx.com/games/trials-fusion. Retrieved April 14, 2014. 
  2. Casey, Ed (April 11, 2014). "Trials Fusion on PS4: Challenge the World". Sony Interactive Entertainment. https://blog.playstation.com/2014/04/11/trials-fusion-on-ps4-challenge-the-world/. Retrieved March 18, 2023. 
  3. "Ubisoft Announces Trials Fusion PC Beta". March 2014. Archived from the original on March 23, 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20140323082355/http://www.allgamesbeta.com/2014/03/ubisoft-announces-trials-fusion-pc-beta.html. Retrieved March 19, 2023. 
  4. 4.0 4.1 Good, Owen S. (January 24, 2015). "Online multiplayer available now in Trials Fusion". Vox Media. https://www.polygon.com/2015/1/24/7885641/online-multiplayer-available-now-in-trials-fusion. Retrieved January 24, 2015. 
  5. "Trials Fusion: Probably the Last Trials Game You'll Ever Need". Gamer Network. February 26, 2014. Archived from the original on February 28, 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20140228102553/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2014-02-26-trials-fusion-possibly-the-last-trials-game-youll-ever-need. Retrieved March 19, 2023. 
  6. Maxen (June 11, 2015). "Trials Fusion: Update 9 Adds Donkey". Archived from the original on June 12, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150612121044/http://www.xboxgamer.me/trials-fusion-update-9/. Retrieved March 19, 2023. 
  7. 7.0 7.1 Wall, Shane (April 17, 2014). "Review: Trials Fusion". https://stevivor.com/review/trials-fusion/. Retrieved May 18, 2014. 
  8. 8.0 8.1 Splechta, Mike (April 16, 2014). "Trials Fusion Review: Welcome to the future". Archived from the original on May 18, 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20140518175256/http://www.gamezone.com/reviews/2014/04/16/trials-fusion-review-welcome-to-the-future. Retrieved March 19, 2023. 
  9. 9.0 9.1 "Trials Fusion for PC Reviews". Fandom. https://www.metacritic.com/game/trials-fusion/critic-reviews/?platform=pc. 
  10. 10.0 10.1 "Trials Fusion for Xbox One Reviews". Fandom. https://www.metacritic.com/game/trials-fusion/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-one. 
  11. 11.0 11.1 "Trials Fusion for PlayStation 4 Reviews". Fandom. https://www.metacritic.com/game/trials-fusion/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-4. 
  12. 12.0 12.1 "Trials Fusion for Xbox 360 Reviews". Fandom. https://www.metacritic.com/game/trials-fusion/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-360. Retrieved March 19, 2023. 
  13. Devore, Jordan (April 17, 2014). "Review: Trials Fusion (X360)". Gamurs. https://www.destructoid.com/reviews/review-trials-fusion/. Retrieved March 19, 2023. 
  14. Bramwell, Tom (April 16, 2014). "Trials Fusion review (PlayStation 4)". Gamer Network. https://www.eurogamer.net/trials-fusion-review. Retrieved March 19, 2023. 
  15. 15.0 15.1 Miller, Matt (April 16, 2014). "Trials Fusion Review (PC, PS4, XOne)". Game Informer (GameStop). https://www.gameinformer.com/games/trials_fusion/b/playstation4/archive/2014/04/16/trials-fusion-game-informer-review.aspx. Retrieved April 16, 2014. 
  16. LaBella, Anthony (April 16, 2014). "Trials Fusion Review (PS4)". CraveOnline. https://www.gamerevolution.com/review/63744-trials-fusion-review. Retrieved March 19, 2023. 
  17. 17.0 17.1 McShea, Tom (April 16, 2014). "Trials Fusion Review (XOne)". Fandom. https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/trials-fusion-review/1900-6415733/. Retrieved April 16, 2014. 
  18. Bloodworth, Daniel (April 16, 2014). "Trials Fusion - Review (PS4)". Defy Media. Archived from the original on September 3, 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20140903061350/http://www.gametrailers.com/reviews/may4aj/trials-fusion-review. Retrieved March 19, 2023. 
  19. 19.0 19.1 Ingenito, Vince (April 16, 2014). "Trials Fusion Review (PC, PS4, XOne)". Ziff Davis. https://www.ign.com/articles/2014/04/16/trials-fusion-review. Retrieved April 16, 2014. 
  20. Kietzmann, Ludwig (April 16, 2014). "Trials Fusion review: Lean to live (PS4)". Yahoo. Archived from the original on April 16, 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20140416212210/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/04/16/trials-fusion-review-lean-to-live/. Retrieved March 19, 2023. 
  21. "Trials Fusion". PlayStation Official Magazine – UK (Future plc): 78. June 2014. 
  22. Cooper, Hollander (April 17, 2014). "Trials Fusion review". Official Xbox Magazine (Future US). Archived from the original on April 20, 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20140420011501/http://www.oxmonline.com/trials-fusion-review. Retrieved March 19, 2023. 
  23. Griffin, Ben (April 16, 2014). "Trials Fusion review". PC Gamer (Future plc). https://www.pcgamer.com/trials-fusion-review/. Retrieved March 19, 2023. 
  24. 24.0 24.1 Frushtick, Russ (April 16, 2014). "Trials Fusion review: back to the future (PS4)". Vox Media. https://www.polygon.com/2014/4/16/5617986/trials-fusion-review. Retrieved April 16, 2014. 
  25. Workman, Robert (April 18, 2014). "Trials Fusion review: ride along (PS4)". https://www.shacknews.com/article/84101/trials-fusion-review-ride-along. Retrieved March 19, 2023. 
  26. Grubb, Jeff (April 16, 2014). "Trials Fusion is a beautiful poem of physics and motion (review) [XOne"]. https://venturebeat.com/games/trials-fusion-is-a-beautiful-poem-of-physics-and-motion/. Retrieved March 19, 2023. 
  27. 27.0 27.1 Nichols, Scott (April 16, 2014). "Trials Fusion review (Xbox One): Teaching an old bike new tricks". Hearst Communications. https://www.digitalspy.com/videogames/a564677/trials-fusion-review-xbox-one-teaching-an-old-bike-new-tricks/. Retrieved March 19, 2023. 
  28. 28.0 28.1 Sapieha, Chad (April 16, 2014). "Review – Trials Fusion solidifies the franchise's status as the Excitebike of our time (PS4)". National Post (Postmedia Network). https://financialpost.com/technology/gaming/review-trials-fusion-solidifies-the-franchises-status-as-the-excitebike-of-our-time?r. Retrieved March 19, 2023. 
  29. Sullivan, Lucas (April 16, 2014). "Trials Fusion review". Future plc. https://www.gamesradar.com/trials-fusion-review/. Retrieved April 16, 2014. 
  30. Growcott, Mat (May 30, 2018). "Trials Fusion Review". Gamer Network. https://www.pushsquare.com/reviews/ps4/trials_fusion. Retrieved March 19, 2023. 
  31. Carsillo, Ray (April 16, 2014). "EGM Review: Trials Fusion (PS4)". EGMNow (EGM Media, LLC). Archived from the original on May 21, 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190521013316/http://www.egmnow.com/articles/reviews/egm-review-trials-fusion/. Retrieved March 19, 2023. 
  32. Edge staff (April 16, 2014). "Trials Fusion review (PC)". Edge (Future plc). Archived from the original on April 20, 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20140420085220/http://www.edge-online.com/review/trials-fusion-review/. Retrieved March 19, 2023. 
  33. Jones, Darren (May 22, 2014). "Trials Fusion (XOne)". Retro Gamer (Imagine Publishing) (129). 
  34. Yates, Doug (July 7, 2014). "Trials Fusion (PS4) Review". Archived from the original on July 12, 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20140712013457/http://www.411mania.com/games/reviews/327971. Retrieved March 19, 2023. 
  35. Howard, Luciano (April 30, 2014). "Trials Fusion (PS4)". Poisonous Monkey. Archived from the original on May 10, 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20140510062056/http://gaming.thedigitalfix.com/content/id/2364/trials-fusion.html. Retrieved March 19, 2023. 
  36. Hargreaves, Roger (April 17, 2014). "Trials Fusion review – on your bike (PS4)". Metro (DMG Media). https://metro.co.uk/2014/04/17/trials-fusion-review-on-your-bike-4701726/. Retrieved March 19, 2023. 
  37. Edge staff. "The 100 Greatest video games". Edge (Future plc): 104. 
  38. Phipps, Brett (April 11, 2018). "Best Racing Games 2018: The best racers on the market". Incisive Media. Archived from the original on June 30, 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180630155330/http://www.trustedreviews.com/guide/best-racing-games. Retrieved March 19, 2023. 
  39. "Best Racing Games of All Time". Resero Network. https://www.videogamer.com/top-games/racing-games-all-time. 
  40. Purchese, Robert (July 24, 2014). "Trials Fusion breaks 1m sales after three months". Gamer Network. https://www.eurogamer.net/trials-fusion-breaks-1m-sales-after-three-months. Retrieved March 19, 2023. 
  41. Makuch, Eddie (February 25, 2015). "Trials Fusion Sells 1.7 Million, New DLC Released". Fandom. https://www.gamespot.com/articles/trials-fusion-sells-1-7-million-new-dlc-released/1100-6425513/. Retrieved February 25, 2015. 
  • MobyGames is a commercial database website that catalogs information on video games and the people and companies behind them via crowdsourcing. This includes over 300,000 games for hundreds of platforms.[1] Founded in 1999, ownership of the site has changed hands several times. It has been owned by Atari SA since 2022.

Features

Edits and submissions to the site (including screenshots, box art, developer information, game summaries, and more) go through a verification process of fact-checking by volunteer "approvers".[2] This lengthy approval process after submission can range from minutes to days or months.[3] The most commonly used sources are the video game's website, packaging, and credit screens. There is a published standard for game information and copy-editing.[4] A ranking system allows users to earn points for contributing accurate information.[5]

Registered users can rate and review games. Users can create private or public "have" and "want" lists, which can generate a list of games available for trade with other registered users. The site contains an integrated forum. Each listed game can have its own sub-forum.

History

Logo used until March 2014

MobyGames was founded on March 1, 1999, by Jim Leonard and Brian Hirt, and joined by David Berk 18 months later, the three of which had been friends since high school.[6][7] Leonard had the idea of sharing information about computer games with a larger audience. The database began with information about games for IBM PC compatibles, relying on the founders' personal collections. Eventually, the site was opened up to allow general users to contribute information.[5] In a 2003 interview, Berk emphasized MobyGames' dedication to taking video games more seriously than broader society and to preserving games for their important cultural influence.[5]

In mid-2010, MobyGames was purchased by GameFly for an undisclosed amount.[8] This was announced to the community post factum , and the site's interface was given an unpopular redesign.[7] A few major contributors left, refusing to do volunteer work for a commercial website.{{Citation needed|date=June 2025} On December 18, 2013, MobyGames was acquired by Jeremiah Freyholtz, owner of Blue Flame Labs (a San Francisco-based game and web development company) and VGBoxArt (a site for fan-made video game box art).[9] Blue Flame Labs reverted MobyGames' interface to its pre-overhaul look and feel,[10] and for the next eight years, the site was run by Freyholtz and Independent Games Festival organizer Simon Carless.[7]

On November 24, 2021, Atari SA announced a potential deal with Blue Flame Labs to purchase MobyGames for $1.5 million.[11] The purchase was completed on 8 March 2022, with Freyholtz remaining as general manager.[12][13][14] Over the next year, the financial boost given by Atari led to a rework of the site being built from scratch with a new backend codebase, as well as updates improving the mobile and desktop user interface.[1] This was accomplished by investing in full-time development of the site instead of its previously part-time development.[15]

In 2024, MobyGames began offering a paid "Pro" membership option for the site to generate additional revenue.[16] Previously, the site had generated income exclusively through banner ads and (from March 2014 onward) a small number of patrons via the Patreon website.[17]

See also

  • IGDB – game database used by Twitch for its search and discovery functions

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 Sheehan, Gavin (2023-02-22). "Atari Relaunches The Fully Rebuilt & Optimized MobyGames Website". https://bleedingcool.com/games/atari-relaunches-the-fully-rebuilt-optimized-mobygames-website/. 
  2. Litchfield, Ted (2021-11-26). "Zombie company Atari to devour MobyGames". https://www.pcgamer.com/zombie-company-atari-to-devour-mobygames/. 
  3. "MobyGames FAQ: Emails Answered § When will my submission be approved?". Blue Flame Labs. 30 March 2014. http://www.mobygames.com/info/faq7#g1. 
  4. "The MobyGames Standards and Practices". Blue Flame Labs. 6 January 2016. http://www.mobygames.com/info/standards. 
  5. 5.0 5.1 5.2 Miller, Stanley A. (2003-04-22). "People's choice awards honor favorite Web sites". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. 
  6. "20 Years of MobyGames" (in en). 2019-02-28. https://trixter.oldskool.org/2019/02/28/20-years-of-mobygames/. 
  7. 7.0 7.1 7.2 Plunkett, Luke (2022-03-10). "Atari Buys MobyGames For $1.5 Million". https://kotaku.com/mobygames-retro-credits-database-imdb-atari-freyholtz-b-1848638521. 
  8. "Report: MobyGames Acquired By GameFly Media". Gamasutra. 2011-02-07. https://www.gamedeveloper.com/game-platforms/report-mobygames-acquired-by-gamefly-media. 
  9. Corriea, Alexa Ray (December 31, 2013). "MobyGames purchased from GameFly, improvements planned". http://www.polygon.com/2013/12/31/5261414/mobygames-purchased-from-gamefly-improvements-planned. 
  10. Wawro, Alex (31 December 2013). "Game dev database MobyGames getting some TLC under new owner". Gamasutra. https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/game-dev-database-mobygames-getting-some-tlc-under-new-owner. 
  11. "Atari invests in Anstream, may buy MobyGames". November 24, 2021. https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2021-11-24-atari-invests-in-anstream-may-buy-mobygames. 
  12. Rousseau, Jeffrey (2022-03-09). "Atari purchases Moby Games". https://www.gamesindustry.biz/atari-purchases-moby-games. 
  13. "Atari Completes MobyGames Acquisition, Details Plans for the Site's Continued Support". March 8, 2022. https://www.atari.com/atari-completes-mobygames-acquisition-details-plans-for-the-sites-continued-support/. 
  14. "Atari has acquired game database MobyGames for $1.5 million" (in en-GB). 2022-03-09. https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/atari-has-acquired-game-database-mobygames-for-1-5-million/. 
  15. Stanton, Rich (2022-03-10). "Atari buys videogame database MobyGames for $1.5 million". https://www.pcgamer.com/atari-buys-videogame-database-mobygames-for-dollar15-million/. 
  16. Harris, John (2024-03-09). "MobyGames Offering “Pro” Membership". https://setsideb.com/mobygames-offering-pro-membership/. 
  17. "MobyGames on Patreon". http://www.patreon.com/mobygames. 
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