Trials of the Blood Dragon is a racing game that blends precise motorcycle trials with on-foot action sequences set in a retro-futuristic world. Released in 2016 for PC and other platforms, it follows the story of siblings Roxanne and Slayter, children of the character Rex Power Colt, as they navigate conflicts across various locations including Vietnam warzones, Miami, Tokyo, and even space and hellish environments. The narrative draws from 1980s and 1990s action tropes in a humorous, over-the-top style.
Gameplay
The core loop centers on controlling a motorcycle through obstacle-filled tracks that demand careful balance, timing, and momentum management. Players lean the bike forward or backward to maintain stability while navigating ramps, gaps, and hazards. This physics-driven system forms the foundation of progression through the game's levels. Interspersed with the riding sections are on-foot segments where characters use a grappling hook for traversal and engage in shooting mechanics against enemies. These shifts introduce variety but often emphasize platforming precision over fluid movement. The presentation features neon visuals and a synth-heavy soundtrack that reinforces the satirical tone of the setting.
Game Modes
The experience consists entirely of a single-player campaign divided into multiple short levels. These levels form mini-campaigns that parody classic films and shows, with each one lasting between three and eight minutes. There are no separate competitive modes, multiplayer options, or additional gameplay variants beyond advancing through this linear story structure. Completion involves mastering the bike controls in the trials sections while handling the occasional combat and exploration elements on foot.
Story and Setting
The plot places players in a future where Blood Dragons roam freely, and the protagonists embark on a mission to resolve conflicts tied to their father's legacy. Locations shift dramatically from jungle battlefields to urban showdowns and extraterrestrial detours, maintaining a consistent satirical edge. Voice acting and cutscenes deliver the narrative in a campy manner that aligns with the visual style. The total campaign length remains compact, focusing on replaying individual levels to improve performance rather than expanding into open-world exploration.
Is It Worth Playing?
Trials of the Blood Dragon delivers a short, self-contained package suited to players who enjoy physics-based motorcycle challenges combined with light action elements. Reception has been mixed, with praise directed at the soundtrack and occasional standout stunt sequences, while criticism often targets imprecise on-foot controls and limited overall depth. The game receives occasional server maintenance for legacy features but shows no ongoing content updates or seasonal additions. It appeals most to those familiar with the Trials series who appreciate the stylistic crossover and do not mind a brief playtime focused on level mastery. Newcomers seeking extended campaigns or multiplayer may find the scope restrictive. Availability on PC allows straightforward access through standard digital storefronts.
