Xbox Review Code Provided by Tate Multimedia
There are just some types of games that I always love to have around for times when I want to turn off my brain and have fun. My go-to is games like what you’d find in the Trials series, so you’d imagine my excitement when I had heard that the 2020 Nintendo Switch title, Urban Trials Tricky was coming to more consoles via the Urban Trials Tricky Deluxe Edition.
While Urban Trials Tricky does take some inspiration from Trials, it also takes some ideas from the Tony Hawk Pro Skater series as well. The end result? A unique and great title for when you just want to relax and play something fun.
Gameplay
Going into UTT, I expected the run-of-the-mill gameplay style that I’ve come to know from games in the genre. I have to admit though, it wasn’t what I expected and I’m happy about that. While you operate mostly on a left-to-right form of traversal, you can actually turn your bike around and ride in the opposite direction.
There are times where you’ll want to race against a clock, but the majority of the time you’ll be trying your best to pull off awesome tricks! There are all kinds of different tricks to do and are carried out by combining your button presses together.
Doing enough tricks and keeping them going will build up your combo meter so that you can stack up points and multiply them. There are other side challenges as well which you’ll want to complete in order to progress through the levels.
There’s definitely some inspiration from the Tony Hawk games and I love this aspect because it fits perfectly for what UTT is as well. While UTT may take inspiration from other games, it has its own distinct identity that I loved to get to know better as I played.
The courses you’ll ride on have an abundance of ramps, jumps, and obstacles that always managed to keep me on my toes. Some of these tracks are especially tricky depending on what kind of goal the game throws at you. Prepare to restart a lot.
Besides the tracks and tricks, you can also customize your rider and bike. This is where the game doubles down on its silly tone by offering cosmetic items that can be unlocked and purchased using the in-game earnable currency. Some of these costumes are pretty hilarious and I loved seeing all of the different bikes and paints become available.
Also note that this Deluxe Edition includes the Flex Pack and Swag Pack which in total includes 6 outfits, special moves, and bike paints. None of which have to be unlocked at all.
Visuals and Audio
UTT has a beautiful cartoony style that goes perfectly with its gameplay. Alongside that is the silly music and sounds. Each costume has its own set of dialogue that your character with spout out as they’re riding around.
What It Could Have Done Better
During my playthrough, I wasn’t always in love with the game’s controls. It wasn’t how they were mapped but how the game responded to my presses. I just didn’t feel like it was always picking up on what I would try to do. It would often steer me into a button-mashing frenzy just to get things done.
Verdict
Urban Trials Tricky Deluxe Edition is a fun game through and through. I had a blast playing it from the time I started and even now itch to go start it up again. Its gameplay is a refreshing and pleasant surprise since it does its own thing and sticks the landing. If you’re someone who needs a new game to play casually purely for the sake of enjoyment, then give this one a try.
