3/5 ★ – Endless_backlog's review of Trials of the Blood Dragon.

6hrs This was the first game I played on the PlayStation Portal and I think it’s the perfect game for the device. As the latest entry in the “Trials” collection, Trials of the blood dragon takes the gameplay from before and adds its own unique environment. It involves a series of missions in a 2.5D environment with each being a race against the clock to reach the end. This style of side scroller suited the small screen with its mobile-like gamestyle but with the upscale of the PS5 graphics. There’s some good variety on how you complete each run, with the most used being the motorbike/bicycle but also some platforming on foot or using a jet pack. Each level is split into multiple stunt sections with generous checkpoints throughout. As well as controlling movement, you’ll also shoot at enemies and use grapple hooks to clear more interesting obstacles. The story is deliberately over the top satire of 80s action movies just like Far Cry: Blood Dragon, with a huge emphasis on USA military and the love of Sci Fi that became huge in that time. There’s even a gimmick copy of the Power Rangers because why not. You play as each of the cyber-commando children of Blood Dragons protagonist Rex Power Colt, Roxanne and Slayter, and are tasked with completing various missions in different locations. The level design is varied and takes place across multiple fun locations from temples to Mars. My favourite was probably riding a mine cart through Hell, dodging buzz saws and shooting eyes in the walls. Outside the missions there is a game hub of the siblings bedrooms, with each poster comprising a group of missions. There’s some fun stuff in here, like changing outfits, soundtrack and even unlock ales in a sticker book. Overall, I had a fun time with Trials of the Blood Dragon. It didn’t particularly stand out to me and I wasn’t as engrossed in as I was with Far Cry: Blood Dragon, but as one of the first Trials games I’ve played it was worth the short playtime. The mechanics can be really finicky and quite punishing, but the fact you can progress to the next level despite running out of time was welcomed and stopped me from putting it down before completion. It’s not one that is particular recommend unless you love motorbike platformers, and I probably won’t return to it, but it was still a fun light hearted experience.