First Impression: The Screenshots Don’t Lie

Trail Out hooked me before I even launched it — the screenshots clearly nodded to the cult classic FlatOut, and the nostalgia hit immediately. I waited eagerly for release day, bought it among the first. The opening hours were a mild disappointment though: the UI felt cluttered, the upgrade system noticeably more complex than good old FlatOut, and the main character came across as… let’s say a colourful fellow with a rural charm.

A couple of evenings behind the wheel changed everything.

Gameplay: Unforgiving and Honest

These races are no Sunday drive. The AI is aggressive and shows no mercy — even at full concentration, finishing second or third is perfectly normal. One mistake and you’re already eighth, watching the field disappear ahead of you.

What’s interesting is how the game frames its priorities: despite all the derby atmosphere and destruction, mindless damage simply isn’t worth it. Sure, big hits earn you in-game likes, but those accumulate naturally through regular racing anyway. A wrecked car, on the other hand, means expensive repairs early in your career and far less chance of a podium finish. The game quietly teaches you to drive clean and think ahead.

Car Roster and Customisation

The variety of cars is one of the game’s proudest achievements. There are a lot of them, each one detailed, each with its own customisation system and tuning options. Unlocking new vehicles throughout the campaign is a pleasure in itself. The developers clearly invested in this area, and it shows.

Graphics and Effects: A Spectacle That Startles (In a Good Way)

Visually, the game is a destruction festival. Crumpling body panels, flying parts, explosions powerful enough to make you flinch — all executed at a high level. One notable addition compared to genre classics: pedestrians on the tracks. Yes, you can hit them. Yes, it works exactly the way you’re thinking.

Tracks and Location Variety

The routes cover a wide range of settings: Saint Petersburg, desert landscapes, wide-open speed tracks, coastal locations with boat races. The geography is genuinely impressive and keeps things fresh throughout.

Story and Bosses

The story doesn’t aim for depth — and that’s fine, it was never the point. But each boss isn’t just a “get to the finish faster” challenge; every encounter is a staged scene with personality. There’s a GTA: San Andreas reference in there that fans of the classic will absolutely appreciate.

Sound: The One Weak Spot

The music is solid, no complaints. But some sound effects sound like they were compressed to the lowest possible bitrate and forgotten about. Not a dealbreaker, but noticeable.

Verdict

Trail Out is not the FlatOut 3 everyone was waiting for. It’s its own game with its own character — one that demands a little time to click. The first couple of hours go toward getting comfortable with the interface and the rhythm of play, but after that it’s pure enjoyment from race to race. Challenging, fair, spectacular.

Recommended for every fan of arcade racing with destruction.

“I’ve already spent more than a few evenings with these races — and every single one is worth it.”