izigame.me

Trail Out is certainly an interesting addition to Steam and the car smashing/destroying genre. It's close to Flatout, sort of feels like Burnout, and leans a little more towards arcade than Wreckfest. I liked playing through it, I liked that it was split screen (unfortunately not for campaign), and I liked it was on sale. In short, great satisfaction until the player starts wanting a little more.
Trail Out's gameplay is quite simple for anyone to pick up. The controls are easy and straight forward, which include basic steering, nitrous, brakes and hand-brakes. The maps, however are a different story in their own respect. They're designed well for the most part, but have a little bit of hiccups when the player needs to know when a steep turn or complete darkness is coming up. Besides that, the maps provide a fun, explosive, interactive, and challenging environment to race and bust opponents. Trail Out offers a few different game modes to keep it interesting. Obvious "Rush" type races (lap races), "Cross" track type races, tag-type games, patrol or elimination type race against the clock to take out opponents, stunts, and demolition derbys. The stunts addition is fun, but I felt Flatout Ultimate Carnage absolutely nailed this part of the game with their variety. The variety here is okay, but can be a little wonky. For example, the pool level is very linear and very odd to play due to the necessity of time required to properly acquaint to the launch controls.
The physics in the game feel a little more realistic, perhaps less box-ey and better than Flatout Ultimate Carnage. Cars seem to collide with proper impact and consequences of that impact feel, for the most part, legit. To paint a better picture, the cars seem to follow a Nascar type close-racing/bumping scheme. This could be a selling point for a few players or a deterrent. I disliked it at first, but it grew on me as I played the game more. The fact everyone is in proximity and bumping into one another makes for interesting gameplay. One minute the car is boxed in, the next minute the entire group is flying every which way. Although there is usually some action, sometimes its far and in-between, leaving more to be desired - especially in race modes. Some sort of mode to have "lives / stocks" or respawns would've made the game modes lifespan a little longer. Split screen races are a huge welcomed addition (especially to PC), but races (and sometimes interest) are short lived by the car's health. The maps also sometimes have weird catch spots where the car will lightly tap the railing and have a massive accident due to it clipping on something. The game does try to redeem itself with a wide variety of vehicles to choose from and little bonuses that are included on the tracks.
The visuals and graphics are suitable to the game's environment. Sort of realistic, but (accidentally I'm assuming) sort of cartoon-ey. The cut-scenes and story line are a nice addition, although be it a little ridiculous. At least there is a story arc. The destruction in the game is certainly apparent. The demolition derby maps certainly take a massive hit when players decimate the place and the destruction is certainly satisfying. Cars take a good hit, and most damage is decently accurate for what is happening. I feel like an opportunity was missed to create even more danger by allowing players to interact more with the derby maps. For example, the oil rig derby shouldn't have solid walls - and maybe even let players fall off the map. The sounds and music are okay. Crash sounds are varied enough they don't get annoying and the music is stock rock that you'd generally find in any racing game. The voice acting is okay, and I think the animations were meant for another language. Either way, better that it was included in than out!
Overall, I would recommend a purchase on sale. It would be awesome to see continued development on this game as I feel it truly has a lot of potential, and I also love the fact it is split-screen. There is a decent game here with potential and I can certainly see myself coming back for some destruction down the road. It's unfortunate there isn't a destruction racing game that really allows the players to race and crash for fun, and not always have to worry about coming in first. Ah well, I guess one can dream!


RATING : 7.5/10




Gameplay
B


Story / Campaign
C+


Visuals / User Interface
B


Sounds / Music
C+


Replay-ability
C+


Overall
C+