Trials of the Blood Dragon is one of the most unusual and unexpected crossovers in modern gaming history. Released in June 2016 by Ubisoft, this spin-off combined the precise, physics-based motorcycle gameplay of the Trials series with the over-the-top, neon-drenched aesthetic of Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon . The result was a chaotic, VHS-filtered adventure that followed Roxanne and Slayter, the children of the legendary Sergeant Rex Power Colt, as they fought their way through Vietnam War 4 to save freedom and the world . While the game itself received mixed reviews for its departure from traditional Trials mechanics, one element was universally praised by critics and players alike: the original game soundtrack . Once again, the Australian synthwave duo Power Glove was brought back to compose the score, and they delivered a crushing, synth-heavy masterpiece that not only honored the legacy of its predecessor but also expanded the musical vocabulary of the Blood Dragon universe in exciting new directions .
The return of Power Glove was essential for Trials of the Blood Dragon. The duo, comprised of brothers Jarome and Joel Harmsworth, had become synonymous with the Blood Dragon brand after their legendary work on Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon in 2013 . That soundtrack had helped define the synthwave revival and introduced millions of gamers to the joys of retro-futuristic electronic music. For the sequel, Power Glove faced a unique challenge: how to follow up a cult classic while adapting the music to a completely different genre of game. While Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon was an open-world first-person shooter, Trials of the Blood Dragon was a 2D arcade-style platformer and racing game. The music needed to match the fast-paced, high-intensity, and often absurdly comedic nature of the gameplay. Power Glove rose to the occasion by delivering a soundtrack that was faster, more aggressive, and even more eclectic than its predecessor, featuring 31 tracks of pure nostalgic energy .
The most striking evolution in the Trials of the Blood Dragon soundtrack is its incorporation of new musical influences. While the original Blood Dragon score was a pure homage to 1980s action film composers like John Carpenter and Brad Fiedel, the sequel ventures into different sonic territory . According to promotional materials for the album, the soundtrack is “rippled with vast arpeggios, power synths and the odd patch of proto-house” . This inclusion of proto-house and early electronic dance music elements reflects the game’s more frantic, rhythm-based gameplay. The tracks are not merely background ambiance but active partners in the on-screen chaos, driving the player forward with relentless beats and soaring melodic lines. The album is delivered in true Power Glove fashion, appealing to fans of not only John Carpenter but also contemporary synthwave artists like Lazerhawk, Carpenter Brut, and Miami Nights 1984 . This blend of classic and modern influences gives the Trials soundtrack a unique identity, distinguishing it from the original while remaining firmly within the same neon-lit universe.
The sheer volume and variety of music in Trials of the Blood Dragon is impressive. The original soundtrack features 31 tracks, a significant increase from the 25 tracks on the Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon album . This expanded tracklist allows Power Glove to explore a wider range of moods and scenarios, from the explosive opening of “Vietnam War IV” to the tense, atmospheric depths of “Ancient Caverns” and the adrenaline-fueled boss battles of “Boss Fight” and “Ballistics” . The track titles themselves are a delight, continuing the tradition of absurd, action-movie-inspired names that perfectly capture the game’s tone. Songs like “Bullet Proof Punch!”, “Kiss of Death”, and “Rising Sun Chamber” evoke specific images and scenarios, priming the player for the over-the-top action that awaits . One of the most intriguing tracks on the album is “Carpenter Brut’s Roller Mobster (Power Glove Remix)”, a collaboration that sees Power Glove putting their signature stamp on a track by the legendary French synthwave artist Carpenter Brut . This remix serves as a bridge between the two pillars of the modern synthwave scene and is a highlight of the album.
The production and sound design of the Trials soundtrack maintain the high standards set by the original. Power Glove has always been vocal about their love for analog synthesizers and vintage recording equipment, and that dedication to authenticity shines through in every track . In a detailed interview, the duo revealed their passion for “synth-dinosaurs” and early 90s digital FM synths like the Korg M1 and the SY series . They spoke of their reverence for the serious, filmic approach to soundtrack composition taken by composers in the 1980s, an ethos they applied directly to their work on the Blood Dragon games . The music for Trials of the Blood Dragon was treated with the same gravity as a Hollywood blockbuster score, even as it accompanied the ridiculous sight of a character riding a motorcycle on top of an Intercontinental Ballistic Missile. This juxtaposition of serious musical craftsmanship and absurdist visual comedy is the essence of the Blood Dragon magic, and Power Glove understands it perfectly.
The cultural impact and physical releases of the Trials of the Blood Dragon soundtrack have cemented its status as a collector’s item. On December 2, 2016, Invada Records, the label owned by Portishead’s Geoff Barrow, released the soundtrack on a stunning neon pink translucent double vinyl LP . This release was a perfect match for the game’s aesthetic; the vibrant pink vinyl mirrored the neon-soaked, hyper-saturated visual style of the Blood Dragon universe. The double LP was housed in a spined jacket and included a digital download card, as well as a printed insert featuring retro-futuristic artwork by the renowned designer James White (Signalnoise), who had also worked on the original game’s art . This vinyl release was not just a piece of merchandise but a carefully crafted artifact that appealed to both gamers and vinyl collectors. For those who preferred a physical compact disc, Invada also released a CD version in a jewel case with a four-page booklet and inlay . In addition to these standard releases, a highly limited white cassette version was produced, limited to only 150 copies, which has since become a holy grail for dedicated fans and collectors . The existence of these multiple physical formats demonstrates the high demand for video game soundtracks as legitimate musical works worthy of preservation and display.
Beyond the physical releases, the soundtrack was also made widely available through digital distribution. The album was released as a digital download on platforms such as iTunes and Amazon, and it was even included as a bonus in a special bundle on the PlayStation Store, which packaged the game, the original soundtrack, and 20 avatars together for purchase . This accessibility ensured that fans who did not own a turntable could still experience Power Glove’s music in high quality. The critical reception to the soundtrack was overwhelmingly positive. In their review of the game, AusGamers specifically listed “Great soundtrack” as one of the primary positives, noting that the music was “packed to the brim with neon-lit synthesisers” and perfectly complemented the retro art style . Even fans who were lukewarm on the game’s hybrid gameplay conceded that the music was a masterclass in composition, with one reviewer noting that even if you don’t care for retro-futuristic tunes, the tracks are still composed at a masterful level . This universal praise for the music, even from those who disliked the game, is a testament to Power Glove’s undeniable talent and their deep understanding of what makes the Blood Dragon aesthetic work.
In conclusion, the Trials of the Blood Dragon original game soundtrack by Power Glove is far more than a simple sequel to a beloved score. It is a bold, expansive, and confident evolution that proves the duo are not one-hit wonders but true masters of their craft. By incorporating elements of proto-house and EDM while maintaining their signature 80s synth sound, Power Glove created a soundtrack that perfectly matches the frantic, arcade-style gameplay of Trials while staying true to the DNA of the Blood Dragon franchise. The 31 tracks offer a rich and varied listening experience, from the explosive battle anthems to the atmospheric deep cuts, all delivered with the analog warmth and cinematic seriousness that defines Power Glove’s approach . The stunning neon pink vinyl release by Invada Records transformed the soundtrack into a physical art object, a collectible that captures the spirit of the game in a tangible form . While Trials of the Blood Dragon the game may be remembered as a quirky, divisive spin-off, Trials of the Blood Dragon the soundtrack stands as an unqualified triumph. It is a testament to the power of music to elevate and define a gaming experience, and it remains an essential listen for any fan of synthwave, video game scores, or the glorious, ridiculous world of Rex Power Colt. The future was back, and it sounded incredible.
