Video Game Series Review - Trine

So once again I decided to raid my Steam library to see what to review this week and have decided to look at the Trine games. A series of side scrolling action puzzle platforming games that was originally set out as a side project for the developers Frozenbyte, but ultimately became their next big project when they couldn't secure funding for their other things at the time. So with three games released and a fourth one on the way, let's take a look at them:

Trine

The series takes place in a forsaken and ruined kingdom where the king suddenly dies without leaving an heir and thus chaos ensues. Taking advantage of this chaos is an undead army which prompts most of the inhabitants to leave the kingdom. Three heroes emerge after coming together at an Academy where they find the titular object the Trine which when touched means that only one of the three can exist at any given time. The unlikely trio then go on an adventure to be free of the Trine while also taking on the undead army that lurks within. So as with many traditional RPGs, players can play as a wizard, a knight or a thief at any given time. Each one having different and unique abilites to go through various tasks and puzzles as well as their own health and energy bars which can be upgraded over time. The game can be played with more than one player thus allowing the heroes to be seen all at once. All the heroes can be upgraded together over time which goes against traditional ways of it being one at a time. All the levels have checkpoints which as you may guess will revive any characters that have been depleted of their health upon reaching them but how much you get back depends on the difficulty chosen. If some characters die, you must pick one to carry on and if all characters die, you start from the last checkpoint with everyone revived. Most of the enemies are your typical undead like living skeletons, spiders, bats as well as bobby traps and bosses. Definitely a well thought out game that is actually great fun. It has close attention to detail and great gameplay mechanics. I guess where it falls flat is the lack of any enemy variations which is always a big thing for many gamers out there. Otherwise its a pretty decent game and one made better thanks to its remake dubbed Trine: Enchanted Edition and that its now available on more than just the PC which is great. 8/10

2

Set quite a few years after the last game, the titular Trine calls upon the three heroes once more as they set out onto a new wilderness to battle Goblins in order to save a princess's kingdom from the evil that has befallen it. Although gameplay is largely the same as it was last time, up to three gamers can play as each of the three characters cooperatively with unique elements bought in depending on the host gamer's save file. Throughout the game, we hear poems and read letters and documents that help flesh out the story. Also along with Terry Wilton returning to narrate the game, we also have some other voice actors as well voicing various characters including our heroes. The game is also one of the many to receive DLC which as of writing this down is currently only available on the Wii U, PC and PS4 versions of the game (those versions are either known as the Directors Cut or The Complete Story). In it are six new levels which see the heroes fighting the goblins of which have invaded their home kingdom. Although the second game may be more of the same, it manages to give us a much longer and more co-operative experience while making us more curious about the story than its let on. A fine sequel no less and one that could be better, but still a good game no less. 8/10

3: The Artifacts of Power

So this time the gameplay is the same as it was. But the franchise has entered the third dimension this time which allows some new and more creative puzzles as well as other mechanics to be shown off. The story sees our three heroes trying to return their new found powers to the titular Trine having come to the conclusion that having their lives be overseen by the Trine is something they don't desire on a permanent basis. But when the Trine shatters before them, a heartless ancient sorcerer emerges and the heroes must try and undo the damage they have done or are yet to do. Although parts will be more difficult to get to grips with than others, the third game manages to transition to the third dimension well and gives us another great experience. And seeing as it really is the third dimension, its possibly the most innovative thing about the game overall. Another great experience. 8/10

So although the series has some repetition in terms of gameplay, the stories in each of them are easy to follow and quite thought provoking too. I've certainly enjoyed playing them and look forward to the fourth game. 8/10