The Trials is an amazing puzzle game that I would highly recommend with a small caveat. In addition to challenging your intellect, parts of this game require some tricky coordination with running, jumping, and moving boxes. I have been playing with a keyboard and mouse, as my Steam controller has not been cooperative.
For those who enjoy games like The Talos Principle and The Witness, The Trials is a must-play. The scenery is beautiful, the puzzles are diverse, and there are easier versions of each puzzle type to help you learn the solution logic as you go. I continue to take great satisfaction each time I solve a new scenario.
Those wanting 100% on The Trials should be prepared to do quite a bit of climbing and jumping in the quest for jewels. However, finding all jewels is not required for progressing in the game.
There is an automatic save on exit which retains all of your jewel collection progress. When you return to the game, you will be in a predefined 'respawn' location. You will then need to return to where you were when you quit playing and, in some cases, repeat a few activities. In areas with complex puzzles, your progress is saved so these do not have to be repeated.
For each puzzle you solve, you are rewarded with jewels that are used to open new areas (as indicated by the map function). I was able to find additional jewels by simply paying attention (some are in tricky places). I have mastered the skills: (1) 'Record' (a bit like The Talos Principle but with a shorter time line and playback 'in reverse'); (2) 'Switch' (objects appear in two different realities which must be switched between to perform a task); and (3) 'Orbs' (teleporting between locations) As you learn skills, areas open that let you combine them to do some very creative problem solving.
Although some players breeze through this game, it was a very challenging experience for me. But, it remained intriguing enough to hold my interest. I kept trying each time I missed a jump or ran out of time. When I was not playing, I was reflecting on puzzles and visualizing solutions. For me, these are hallmarks of a very well made adventure!
Kudos to Blue Life for a great experience. The further I get into the game, the more impressed I am by the design and flow of the skills/puzzles. It is in a word, 'brilliant!'
Blue Life (the developer) has been amazingly responsive to player feedback. Since the initial release, they have streamlined the jumping mechanics, simplified some of the trickier puzzles, and lengthened the Record timeline. This type of commitment to the player experience goes a long way towards building loyalty and is much appreciated!
