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Redlynx has been crafting unique experiences for some time, but unfortunately for many US gamers, we are only now catching wind of the Finland based software company. The 70-strong team has forged a reputation for innovation and quality, giving the long forgotten N-Gage many of its most impressive titles, such as High Seize and Reset Generation. On a more accessible note, they are also the creators of the incredibly addictive PC game Trials - a side-scrolling affair that features a nameless rider, countless platforming challenges, and a stalwart refusal to be pigeonholed into any particular genre. It is this title, or more accurately its HD sequel, that will propel Redlynx into millions of households across the world when Trials HD invades the Xbox Live Marketplace on August 12th. Once we got our hands on the addictive gameplay, awe inspiring physics, and monumentally expansive level editor, we knew we had one of the best titles of the year, downloaded or otherwise. Knowing there would be many questions in regards to this masterpiece, we were determined to contact Redlynx in hopes of grabbing an interview. Their Co-Founder and Creative Director Antti Ilvessuo was quick to respond, answering our questions with more enthusiasm and candor than we could have hoped for!
GCHD: Trials HD is your first foray into the console market--have there been any big differences between developing for the PC and handhelds as opposed to the Xbox Live format?
Ilvessuo: Our focus has always been to target multiple platforms. So far that has worked out smoothly, and we haven't faced any big problems. Of course there are always small things to troubleshoot and fix through trial and error when you change platforms, but nothing major. The tools for the Xbox 360 turned out to be really handy and well-made, so they were definitely useful for XBLA 'newcomers'.
Trials has been at home on the PC for a long time, but this might be the first time the console audience experiences the unique gameplay. Are there any features you were able to include in this version that you were not able to before? Or features you wanted to include, but couldn't manage to work in?
The bike physics are totally remade for the 360. That was a really huge decision, as the physics in the PC version were already very polished and highly praised, as you know. Still, there were lots of small things that, individually, wouldn't have made a huge impact on the game — but when we combined those things, it really took the physics to the next level. For example, we tuned the bike handling for almost six months before it felt just right.
As for features, there are many main features included (like for the PC) that makes Trials unique. However, at the same time there are overall improvements, such as making the game easier for newcomers to the series, smoothing out gameplay progression, and making the game more responsive and rewarding. The game is also both faster to play (if the player enjoys that) and has more depth and challenge for those who want more later on.
As far individual features go, the Skill Games are definitely a major addition. The physics are something we are really proud of, and there are so many ways the physics model can be utilized. Skill Games are one great example of that versatility; a collection of over-the-top crazy mini-games that definitely fun (and interesting!) to play. Also, the level editor and level sharing features were missing in the PC versions, so we're happy that we were able to fit them into this iteration. It should also be noted that this is exactly the same editor that we used to create all the tracks you see in the game. We didn't have any special PC editor or anything like that, so users have exactly the same tools we did—we definitely expect to see some truly great and crazy tracks from our users.
Naturally there is also customization options for both the rider and the bike itself, as well as different types of bikes, as well as other unlockables, and a few crazy things we threw in for good measure, all content that we hope the players will seek out for themselves.
The online community is going to have a lot of fun with the track editor, which is easily the most impressive creative tool seen since LittleBigPlanet, and they are going to have a lot of fun with it, but what about you guys? Are you going to continue to support the game through DLC, or are you going to let the community sustain itself with the tools you have provided?
There is certainly DLC on the way, and we're planning on going really overboard with the content! Also expect more levels and objects to be released to further expand the level editor. That, combined with the countless levels you can download from your friends over Xbox Live, there are always going to be new and exciting things to experience, no matter how long you play the game.
Some of the platforming puzzles in Trials are downright diabolical. What was the process for creating some of those monsters?
The key is that we have to be able to pass the tracks ourselves. And some of our guys are world-class Trial players, as you could imagine. We have to be really careful not to go too extreme in difficulty, otherwise it gets really annoying, but we do make sure there is a lot of variation in the level type, and so there is a lot of variation in difficulty as well. We tried to make it so that it always feels doable, but also so that it is always challenging, no matter your skill level.
Do you have any plans for developing for the current generation of consoles outside of the online market?
Our current plan is to stick with the online market. Our company is made up of 25 people, and we love many of the games we have made, like Trials, and we love to innovate and try to create new types of games. To be able to do all that, we prefer to stick to games that we can do in a 12-16 month time frame, with a working team of 10-15 guys. We also do small innovative games, like for the iPhone, with only a small crew and a few months. Of course, we say this now, but this is an industry that is developing and expanding quickly—you never know what will happen, and we try to keep ourselves open for new possibilities and branching out into new areas of interest.
If you had all the resources and time that you needed, what kind of game would you like to make?
There are some smaller games that we have made years ago that we would like to revisit. They were really addictive, and were usually very unique. But back in those days we were mainly focused on bigger projects different publishers, and we weren't able to zero in on making those smaller games into something polished and marketable. Developing those games further, making them a bit bigger and really applying some polish would certainly be an interesting idea (among many). We have an older game called Phobia where you are pitted against not just tens, or hundred, but thousands of enemies all on the screen at once. It would be really great to bring that game into the next generation, something nobody has seen before, but at the same time keeping the gameplay tight, not going too wide, but focusing in on one core game play mechanic that we know is great and unique. We want to take something like that, and make it as good as it can be, and then make it available for online distribution.
Getting back to Trials HD, what were your main inspirations for the title?
Well, of course our years of experience with Trials HD and our older Trials games are key inspirations. We have always used physics in our games, so I think the physics themselves and how you use them are main points of inspiration as well. We try to create really tight and solid gameplay that uses the physics in a way that feel good. Realistic physics, done well, but a little bit twisted—that alone provides lot of opportunities for crafting new game experiences.
Speaking of inspirations, what games are you playing right now? Are there any blogs you read on a daily or weekly basis?
There are many different types of people working at RedLYnx. Everyone likes to play Trials, which is great, but also quite understandable—you simply cannot escape Trials in our office. In general there are those of us who like to play more casual, short-term games, like what you find on the iPhone, or the sort of casual games you find on the PC and XBLA. Then there are those of us who play the more robust, hardcore console games. I try to play as many different kinds of games as I can, but being the father of two children, it isn't easy. I don't typically have hundreds of hours to dedicate to any one game. I'm usually testing the newest, biggest games on the market. Otherwise, I try out demos, play around with a few online 'space' games, and just read different gaming media, ect. Currently, though, I am playing Battlefield 1943 and, well...Trials HD on parnernet.
Are there any developers out there that you would like to collaborate with in the future?
Currently we are happy to just be on our own. There are so many great developers out there that it is really difficult to name specific ones. It would depend so much on the type of project, and on the type of role we would have therein.
At the end of several stages, the player is either flattened, blown up, or otherwise gravely injured. Are you trying to send a message to your audience?
Well, being big fans of certain TV series where everything has a meaning...the answer is 'maybe'. But at the end, its just cool to end with a bang — not just a stop. This is Trials HD, and the ragdoll physics and cool endings are just part of the experience.
But then again, maybe there is a hidden meaning somewhere in the game. The history of mankind, perhaps, the arrangement of leaves on a stem, the most important number in math, or maybe even the meaning of the universe. Who knows? Have you ever seen the rider's face?
We really appreciate your time guys, and we have just one more question for you. Any chance this is ever coming to the PS3?
At the moment it is only for XBLA.
We'd like to thank both RedLynx and Antti Ilvessuo for taking the time to speak with us, and for allowing us an early look at Trials HD. Lastly, here is the link to our review in case you missed it, and those interested in winning one of our free download codes for Trials HD can just simply leave a comment below, and we'll pick a few winners at random. Make sure you use a real email when signing up, as codes will be sent to all winners via e-mail on Monday, August 24th. Thanks, and good luck!
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The game is Awesome!
Must-buy!
I want this game so bad :(
"Naturally there is also customization options for both the rider and the bike itself"
Did I miss something? I can't find an option to edit my rider. Maybe I'm blind. Anybody?
Is the track sharing limited to only our friends, or can you search for tracks LittleBigPlanet style? Thanks, and sounds like an awesome game!
Damn...I want to play this game...but 1200 microsoft points is a little steep right now. I just bought tons of new games...so no Trials for me :(
Nice interview!
Likewise after the glut of games i'm bought and am buying 1200 is a little hard to get the cabbage for it!
I would love this gem.
I like the idea of creating new games of old. Bring on Pong 2010 LOL
Great interview keep up the good work.
Played the trial version today and the game is sumer awesome.Have even been spreading the word on N4G of how awesome the game is.http://www.n4g.com/NewsCom-376649.aspx?CT=1&Page=1&Page2=1#C2652130
getting a free code for this game would be awesome because i won't lie,the recession is affecting me.So buying games is had to justify until i get a new job.
Very cool! Played the demo and really enjoyed it. I think this would be a PERFECT PSP game too!
awesome game
One of the best XBLA games in a LOOOOOONG time. Well done!
This is a great game i really want to get it but don't have the money at the moment :(
Loved this trial! Wish I had the points to buy it :( Maybe I can win it from here because its for sure a game worth having
My Canadian friend is all about trials, even though I had no idea what it meant. He had been counting down the hours until the release of the game. Needless to say, us Americans were clowning him left and right.
On a whim, I decided to download the demo. This game is bad ass!!!!! Up until now, the only thing Canada had given us was Pamela Anderson. Now I can say Canada has introduced me to the world of trials as well...
If I win the free download code, the Finnish will officially replace the Canadians as the producer of the greatest American import.
Loved the trial, if only i got paid more!
Nice! I've only heard good things baout this game so far. Def wanting to check it out.
That was an interesting read. I've only played the trial version of the game but it has left a great first impression on me
Game looks great. Can't wait to try it out!
I would like to get this game.
This update for XBLA looks fantastic.
I want this game. pleeese let have it. I never win anything.
I want this game. pleeese let have it. I never win anything.
I'm looking forward to trying this out!
I loved this game on the PC.
Had a blast with the trial until the wee hours of the morning. Any game that lets you repeatedly grind your racer's face into the ground while you bunnyhop down a wooden ramp is A-OK in my book.
Great interview, I would love this game, already played the trial and I had a blast.
The summer of arcade just got better!
Looking forword to playing this game. There hasnt been alot of coverage for Trials hd. Thanks for helping me make up my mind. I hope Redlynx can make it possible to download other user created maps from the community outside of my friends list.
Saw it at E3 at looked fun.
Finally someone updated, and even exceeded, ExciteBike for the next generation. From what I got a chance to play of the demo, they did one hell of a job. This is one game I could see putting more hours into than many full priced disc games.
I loved the trial version for this game. Really fun.
the level creator is just awesome, too bad i can't save in the trial version...
Really want to play this game - would love a code please!
I enjoy games with plenty of challenge and level creators, so this looks right up my alley.
I think this game looks really great, both graphically & gameplay wise. I'm still yet to get it though. But the level create looks sick, that'll keep me hooked.
The trial was great! I found myself trying again and again for that gold medal.
Always loved the trial bike games on miniclip and such. The trial game for trial (lol) was amazing. Shame I only have 980 ms points :(
Being exclusively a console gamer my whole life this is the first I've heard of Trials and after reading the interview I am thoroughly interested. I am especially interested in the puzzle aspects. At the very least I'm going to check out the demo. My one question would be; are there any plans to high-light some of the better fan created levels?
This game looks awesome !
do want.
I'm psyched for the level editor. The main reason is that a game's fanbase is always capable of designing levels almost or as good as real game developers. With the passionate fanbase Trials has on the PC, I think we can expect to see some top-notch levels for download in the XBLA version.
Can't wait to try the trial of Trials HD!
I loved the trial. and my girlfriend loves the game on PC
This looks like a pretty cool game, especially with the level creator. I'm going to have to check out the trial.
Wo. My head is spinning. This game is tuff but so addictive. If i can have a code i would spray the words to every friends and they will be jealous and buy the game..haha! Come on rolling rolling rolling with Trials HD
thanks gang!
just played the demo and I must say that is awesome
great game!! I want to get broken all my bones xD
i realy want this game just dont have the money i hope i win
Amazing Game from FINLAND!
Played the trial and love the game! The editor should give this game loads of replayability!
The trial games on PC are awesome and enjoyed the demo on PC. There's so many games this summer on XBLA.
What's parnernet?
Demo is excellent - best game I've played on Xbox Live for ages... would love to win the code!
Can't wait til' the DLC comes out!
Yep, as many people have said the demo is a blast. It was my first Trials experience and I hope I win the code so I could play some more :D
@ Angye - It was meant to say "PartnerNet", but we didn't initially catch the mistake in our translation. PartnerNet is the Xbox Live service for developers and Journalists who have debug machines. It's identical to Xbox Live, only people who have retail 360's can't access it. For example, I have two Xbox Live Gamertags...one for my retail and one for my debug machine. Hope that helps!
@rhobbs - Oh! Thanks for the information ^.^
this game looks amazing and ive been playing the trial since the day it came out....this games gonna be tiding me over until the larger titles come out....soooo addicting
I was so impressed by the demo for Trials HD that I downloaded the PC demo for Trials 2 SE. The Trials 2 SE tracks seem simpler/smaller in scope, but they are still very challenging.
It would be cool if someone ported all the Trials 2 SE tracks into Trials HD using the level editor. My PC isn't really up to the task of running Trials 2 smoothly and I can't really afford both either...maybe if I won one of them :)
Best XBLA game in this year
I was watching my brother play the demo for this game, it looked pretty neat. I wouldn't mind owning a copy myself.
I haven't been off the trial game since it came out. It is truly amazing!
I have always loved this kind of game and the idea of turning a 2D game into 3D in the way this has been done is great! I loved the ease of the editor and the customization of the bike and the biker was also a good feature.
The set levels which you can play on the trial have also kept me amused for hours trying to beat my friends scores who own the game, even though there are only 6 playable on the trial!
The sharing system i am most exited about as this enables unlimited gameplay and it would be great to make a track and upload it and also have other people play it. The skill games also seem great, it adds an extra element to the game which makes it again more playable.
I can't see the full version of this game ever getting boring as the replay value is so great!
It is also great that you can choose from a selection of bikes, all with different attributes.
Lastly, the controls are simple, for the gameplay and the editor.
And don't get me started on the physics ;D
Sorry i have given my own review but I just have to let people know how great this game is, and how much I want it ;P
JD
The trail is absolutly awesome... If only I had enough microsoft points to buy it. haha. Hope I win.
Trials HD is AWESOME!! downloaded the demo and absolutely loved it. I even got my brother and my dad to get it. Great Job!!
love this game cant stop playing it but dont have the money to get the full game.
Played the demo for three hours straight, can't wait to get the full version!
Dont have the money to get this game. Hope i win
i was realy anticipating for this game now its finnaly out all my friends have the full version im stuck with the trial but it is still fun!
Demo is amazing, can't wait for full game.
Would like to thank rhobbs for the code. This game is amazing. My bf said the last few levels are frustrating but i still got lot to do before reaching those ^.^
Red Lynx rocks!
Thanks Rhobbs, GCHD for giving me a code for Trials HD.Redlynx have created an awesome game and have raised the bar for downloadable titles on XBLA.2 thumbs up guys.
oh yea!!!!!!! i've played this game since i was in middle school, I would LOVE to get a free full game code!!! oh i would play this game over and over i've played the demo like 50 times already oh the bikes are so responsive to the throttle you have so much more control I LOVE IT, ITS SO FREAKIN ADDICTING PLEASE PLEASE GIVE ME A CODE!!!!!!!!!!!
i have played the trial to death. i am still paying off a car right now and have no spare cash for msp. otherwise i would have bought this game a long long time ago. i love the 2 skill games i can play and the levels are quite fun to play. and i watched the replays for the other ones just to see what i am missing out on.