TrickStyle

TrickStyle is a futuristic racing game set in 2099, where players compete in high-speed, violent hoverboard races through obstacle courses in cities like London and Tokyo. Developed by Criterion Software, the game features nine contestants with unique special moves, 400 different tricks, and a sci-fi setting shaped by the aftermath of the Dominance War and the rise of the Jugaku corporation’s Hover-Ride technology.

TrickStyle: Review

Introduction

In the annals of gaming history, few titles have managed to captivate audiences with their visual splendor while simultaneously frustrating them with their gameplay mechanics. TrickStyle, developed by Criterion Games and published by Acclaim Entertainment in 1999, is one such title. This futuristic hoverboard racer promised a revolutionary blend of extreme sports and high-speed racing but delivered a mixed bag of innovation and inconsistency. As we delve into its legacy, we find a game that, despite its flaws, left an indelible mark on the industry and continues to be fondly remembered by a dedicated fanbase.

Development History & Context

TrickStyle’s origins trace back to a time when the gaming landscape was ripe for innovation. The Dreamcast, Sega’s ambitious new console, was hungry for showcase titles, and Criterion’s Criterion Software Group was eager to demonstrate their RenderWare engine’s capabilities. Initially conceptualized for the PlayStation, the project pivoted to the Dreamcast, allowing the team to push graphical boundaries previously unimagined.

The development team, led by producer Fiona Sperry and concept designer Ed Hayden, aimed to create a sport that combined the best elements of skiing, snowboarding, and skateboarding. The result was a hoverboard-like vehicle dubbed “Hover-Ride” that allowed for dynamic trick combos and high-speed racing. The game’s visual style was heavily influenced by cyberpunk aesthetics, featuring neon-lit cityscapes and futuristic architecture.

Technological constraints of the era presented challenges. The Dreamcast’s hardware, while powerful for its time, required careful optimization to handle the game’s ambitious graphics. The PC version, released shortly after, had to adapt to varying hardware configurations, leading to inconsistencies between platforms.

Narrative & Thematic Deep Dive

Set in the year 2099, TrickStyle takes place in a world ravaged by war and rebuilt by corporations. The Jugaku corporation has developed Hover-Ride technology, giving rise to a new extreme sport. Nine contestants enter the TrickStyle competition, each with their own backstory and motivations. The narrative is sparse but sufficient to set the stage for the gameplay.

Characters like Angel, Brad, King, Uri, Max, Mia, Rose, Shin, and Zak each have distinct personalities and riding styles. Their special moves reflect their backgrounds, adding a layer of depth to the character selection. The game’s minimalistic plot focuses on the competition itself, with races and challenges serving as the primary narrative drivers.

Underlying themes of corporate control, post-apocalyptic survival, and the human desire for competition and entertainment are subtly woven into the game’s world. The bleak yet hopeful setting provides a compelling backdrop for the high-octane action.

Gameplay Mechanics & Systems

At its core, TrickStyle is a racing game with a strong emphasis on performing tricks. Players navigate through futuristic cityscapes on hoverboards, competing against AI opponents or other players. The game features a combination of race courses and stunt-filled challenges, each with their own objectives.

The controls are responsive but require precision. Players can perform a variety of tricks by pressing buttons in sequence, chaining combos to build speed and score points. Successful tricks award boosts, allowing racers to maintain high speeds. However, the learning curve is steep, and mastering the trick system requires significant practice.

The game’s physics engine is a standout feature. The hoverboards’ weight and momentum feel realistic, making tight turns and aerial maneuvers both challenging and rewarding. Collisions with the environment or other racers can send players careening off course, adding a layer of strategy to the gameplay.

Character progression is limited, with players unlocking new hoverboards and areas by completing races and challenges. The game’s structure encourages exploration and mastery of the trick system. However, some players found the game’s difficulty and lack of tutorials frustrating.

Multiplayer modes allow for split-screen racing and stunt competitions, but the absence of online multiplayer was a significant drawback, especially as the internet became more prevalent in gaming.

World-Building, Art & Sound

TrickStyle’s world is a visual masterpiece. The game’s art direction combines cyberpunk aesthetics with vibrant colors and neon lighting, creating a unique and immersive environment. Each city—London, Tokyo, and Manhattan—features distinct architectural styles and environmental details, from the Big Ben-inspired towers of London to the neon-lit alleys of Tokyo.

The sound design is equally impressive. The soundtrack, composed by hip-hop producer Kurtis Mantronik, features energetic electronic beats that perfectly complement the fast-paced action. Sound effects are crisp, with realistic trick sounds and crowd noises adding to the immersive experience.

The user interface is minimalistic, providing essential information without cluttering the screen. The VMU (Visual Memory Unit) mini-game TrickStyle Jr. adds a unique novelty, allowing players to continue the fun away from the main console.

Reception & Legacy

TrickStyle received mixed reviews upon release. Critics praised the game’s stunning visuals, innovative physics engine, and immersive world but criticized its steep learning curve, lack of online multiplayer, and inconsistent difficulty. GameSpot’s Dreamcast review called it “too easy to beat” while Eurogamer’s PC review highlighted its “too easy” difficulty and “stunning” visuals.

Despite the initial mixed reception, TrickStyle has since been recognized as a cult classic. Its influence can be seen in later extreme sports games like Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater and Criterion’s own Burnout series. The game’s re-release on GOG and Steam in the 2010s introduced it to a new generation of players, solidifying its place in gaming history.

Conclusion

TrickStyle is a game that defies easy categorization. It’s a technical marvel with breathtaking visuals and a groundbreaking physics engine, yet it stumbles in areas like gameplay balance and accessibility. While it may not be a perfect game, its innovative spirit and aesthetic achievements make it a significant entry in the annals of video game history. For those who persevere through its challenges, TrickStyle offers a unique and thrilling experience that continues to resonate with fans nearly two decades after its initial release.