Trials HD

Racing and puzzle games aren't the likeliest of bedfellows, but in Trials HD the two get up close and personal. On the surface, this is an extreme motorbike racing game but look a little closer and you will start to see the underlying puzzle elements amid this orgy of destruction and pain.

There is no steering mechanic in Trials HD, meaning you can only accelerate, brake and reverse along a pre-determined path. This may sound linear but this is far from the reality. You shift your rider's weight, which can be used to ollie off the top of ramps, gain leverage when riding up steep inclines and to stop your rider from flipping over when going down slopes at breakneck speeds. The subtle balance between speed and balancing take this far beyond the realm of the simple circuit racer.

It's all very tense, pinpoint stuff and while this intricacy may appeal to puzzle and driving fans, those looking for a straightforward racing title may find themselves in an uncomfortable place.

To obtain good times and gold medals on each stage, you will really need to map out the layout of each level in your mind by having several stabs at the harder sections. If this sounds like a chore then the game most definitely isn't for you. However, determined players will enjoy 50 tracks of pure mayhem, brain teasing and reflex testing that can provide hours of fun.