I have to be honest, I had pretty much completed Trine 2 when I wrote my First Impressions article. Both games were so fantastic that I finished each of them with in a weekend, respectively.
Trine and Trine 2 are fantasy puzzle platform games that challenge the player to beat hazardous puzzles and enemies by creating and using physics-based objects and abilities. Trine begins with the three main characters of both games; Amadeus the Wizard, Pontius the Knight and Zoya the thief, being bound together by a mysterious device (coincidentally called the Trine). You can choose whichever character is best suited for the current challenge or puzzle at any time during gameplay. Zoya is my favorite character to use and I always find myself switching to her the majority of the time. She’s light on her feet, able to grapple onto wooden surfaces and deal ranged weapon damage. Amadeus and Pontius each have unique and useful abilities too; Amadeus can create objects and move objects with his magic and Pontius can perform feats of strength and fight off enemies with sword and shield.
Story elements exist, but the majority of it must be learned from a narrator during loading screens in between each level, especially during Trine. Trine 2 incorporates more storytelling elements through in-game scripted sequences and documents players can find hidden in each level. Both stories are intriguing, but I found the plot-line of Trine 2 a lot more appealing to myself.
Beyond storytelling, these games are audibly and visually stunning. I received the soundtrack with a Humble Bundle and it’s incredibly heroic and adventurous. And while the graphics may not be the most advanced on the market, the designers really put a lot of thought, time and effort into making each area beautifully colored and lit.
And while there are different settings to test your skills, these games were pretty relaxing and enjoyable for me to complete. In other words, no nerd rage over impossible areas or boss fights, just smooth sailing. I didn’t feel the need to compete or prove myself by completing ridiculous achievements or getting a high score, which doesn’t happen often for me, but when it does I appreciate it.
Trine and Trine 2 are definitely worth your time and money for a unique fantasy game experience.
