Trial Bike Basic is a 2D (with 3D rendered graphics) simulator of driving a Trial Bike. This game lets one to get an experience of all the complexity of this kind of sport.

An interface of the game is very simple. After starting the program a screen with a highest scores list appears. By clicking Space button a new game is started. The first thing that one need to do to start playing is to specify a track:

In the trial version here you face with the first limitation of the unregistered version: only «Training» track can be selected. When trying to select another track you get a message infoming that this option is available only in full version. After selecting a track by clicking left mouse button on it or pressing corresponding number button on a keyboard, a window for selecting a driver and a bike appears:

Again, there is only one available player (Player 1) in the trial mode, with others being available in the full version.

After specifying the track and the driver game starts. You see an arena with obstacles which you need to overpass:

There are two stages (simple one in the foreground and more complex one in the background) on the arena. Your trainer who stands on the right of the arena gives you advices how to overpass an obstacle. Additionally, there are brief notes by obstacles saying what to do to get higher scores.

Models of a bike and a driver are very realistic and correct in respect to mechanics and kinetics. Therefore I felt a bit guilty when my driver fell or ran into obstacles. You should also remember, that your bike, as a real one, can not stand strong loading and may get broken, for example, when you land from a great height only to the front wheel of your bike!

To control the driver and the bike is quite easy with four keyboard buttons: Forward – Lean forward, Backward – Lean backward, Up – Accelerate, Down – Break.

Although available in a trial mode track is dedicated only for your training, while overcoming the obstacles you hear the voice of audience. And if you do some elements really good, people approvingly applaud.

As to system requirements, the program is based on Java technology. Therefore to run the game you need to have Java installed on your computer. If you don't have it, the program will tell you about it while installation and will suggest you to download the Java component from sun.com website for free.

Summing up, it was a lot of fun for me to play Trial Bike Basic, although it was just a trial limited version. But I think this program is worth its price. This game gives you a real feeling of Trial Bike, so that one would understand that it is only on television looks so easy to jump with a bike from one stone or tire to another one. Of course, this game would not make you a professional Trial Bike driver, but you will understand the basic principles of controlling a bike, and what is much more important, you will get a lot of fun while playing the game.