The Trials series from Ubisoft definitely has its sadistic side. While the physics and racing are unbelievably good, some of the tougher levels have us wondering if our sanity is intact. Nevertheless, we always go back to those games, just because they’re so darn good.
Brinemedia’s indie hit Stunt Paradise follows a similar path, as you blaze through 50 levels of exciting levels, keeping the pedal to the metal (well, most of the time) as you collect stars and coins. The better you do, the more you unlock, including additional vehicles.
It’s a short affair, going for a mere budget price of like eight dollars. But you get your money’s worth here, and actually feel like a stuntman racing around paradise. Despite some shortcomings, that’s just fine for us.
Vroom To Move
The game starts you off with a nice little Firebird-style ride (no official licensing here, we’re talking indie) as you jump into levels using simple controls. You have accelerate, brake/reverse and the analog stick for tilting. Your job is to keep your vehicle moving to the finish, adjusting for ramps, obstacles and other things to get the fastest time available.
Brinemedia has loaded this game with controls that work fundamentally well. While they’re easily a take on the Trials series, they work very well here, as you flip to success and adjust for proper landing. There are also some levels that aren’t necessarily about speed, but rather precision to get through obstacles. It’s a nice mix that goes across 50 levels.
There are additional cars to unlock (with the stars), but it can be a real grind in some of the later levels. However, these rides are pretty cool unlicensed affairs, and look awesome as you complete various jumps over moving vehicles, as well as other high-speed antics.
However, there’s a huge downside. While there are Achievements in the game, you unlock them all in the first ten levels. The rest don’t offer any kind of reward, save for unlockables. This side of the game could’ve used better balancing for longer replay value.
Still, it’ll take a bit to conquer all the levels, get all the cars and collect everything – and that’s not too shabby for a budget release.
A Polished Ride
Along with gameplay that clicks around every turn, Stunt Paradise also won us over with a smooth visual presentation.
Brinemedia certainly knows its level design, especially in Paradise’s crazy later stages, which will force you to do a bit of thinking – Trials style. They have lots of nice touches, and the frame rate is steady throughout, save for awesome slo-mo moments that would make for ideal snapshots. (And here’s the one where we jumped a plane!)
As for the music, it’s okay, with a collection of lively tunes that will keep you racing. But they repeat way too often, and none of them truly stand out in dramatic fashion. Fortunately, the engine noises are top-notch for each vehicle, and the crash noises are, well, crash-worthy.
Just Like Paradise
A few more levels and better Achievement/Trophy structure would’ve pushed Stunt Paradise into the echelon alongside its Trials allies. But it’s still a fun game as it stands, well worth the price and packed with lots of thrilling moments that are worth experiencing. Plus there’s a lot to unlock, along with key moments that truly make you feel like a stuntman. And without the need for insurance! (Though you should probably have it anyway.)
GAMERHUB RATING: 3.5 (out of 5) STARS
Many thanks to Brinemedia for the review code!
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