Trials Rising is a physics-based motorcycle racing game available on PS4. Players guide a rider across demanding 2D obstacle courses filled with ramps, gaps, and hazards, relying on precise throttle control, braking, and body positioning to maintain balance and momentum.
Gameplay
The core loop centers on navigating tracks from start to finish without crashing, with success measured by clean runs and fast times. Controls remain straightforward yet deep: accelerate and brake with the triggers or buttons while leaning the rider forward or backward using the analog stick. This system interacts with realistic physics, where small adjustments determine whether the bike rolls smoothly over obstacles or tumbles into failure. Tracks draw from real-world locations around the globe, including the Great Wall of China, the Eiffel Tower, and New York City streets, each presenting unique layouts and environmental challenges. Riders encounter everything from steep climbs and explosive barrels to massive jumps and tight technical sections that reward practice and timing.
Additional layers include skill-based challenges that twist the formula into absurd scenarios, such as launching for maximum distance or managing flames while speeding through a course. Motorcycles vary in handling characteristics, with suggestions provided for optimal choices on specific tracks. The experience emphasizes trial and error, as frequent checkpoints allow quick restarts with only minor time penalties, encouraging repeated attempts to improve performance.
Game Modes
Single-player content unfolds through a series of championships divided into leagues. Progress requires completing tracks to earn experience points and reach level thresholds before tackling Stadium Finals, which function as multi-heat events against AI opponents on parallel lanes. These gated challenges add a competitive edge to the campaign structure. Skill games provide standalone variety with specialized objectives separate from standard time trials.
Multiplayer options support both local and online play. Up to four players can participate in party playlists with custom rules across multiple tracks. A distinctive tandem bike mode lets two players share control of one motorcycle, splitting responsibilities for throttle, brake, and leaning, which creates chaotic yet cooperative sessions. Online features include racing against player ghosts or competing directly in lobbies, with support for up to eight participants in global matches on campaign tracks. Track Central serves as the dedicated editor, allowing creation and sharing of custom courses built from thousands of available elements for endless community-driven content.
Customization and Progression
Players can personalize riders and motorcycles with various outfits and parts unlocked through play. Sponsors offer optional contracts that layer extra goals onto existing tracks, such as performing a set number of flips or achieving specific air time, granting bonus experience. The progression system ties into a world map that reveals new areas as leagues advance, blending structured campaigns with free exploration of unlocked content. Leaderboards track personal bests and allow comparisons with others worldwide, fostering ongoing competition even after the main campaign concludes.
Is It Worth Playing?
Trials Rising delivers a refined take on its signature physics-driven racing for players who appreciate precision platforming and incremental mastery. The track design stands out for its variety and creativity, while the tandem mode and editor add replayability for groups or creative users. Progression involves some repetition through experience grinding and level gates, which may frustrate those seeking quicker access to all content. On PS4, the game supports 1-4 local players with optional in-game purchases available, and full online multiplayer requires PlayStation Plus. It suits fans of challenging, skill-based experiences who enjoy perfecting runs across dozens of unique courses and experimenting with community creations. Those drawn to the core loop of throttle management and balance will find substantial depth, while casual players may appreciate the accessible entry point before the difficulty ramps up significantly.
