What makes a fantasy world so fascinating? Is it the outlandish animals, the bizarre settings, or just the idea that anything is possible? With the Trine games, it's all about detail.
Their world feels tactile, varied, complete and very much alive. It’s a glistening, shimmering vista with birds singing, butterflies flitting, plants swaying, monsters grunting and (sometimes) giant animals panting. The warm, folky score doesn’t hurt either.
Trine 2 is a 2D side-scrolling action/puzzle game (single- player or multiplayer co-op) in which you switch between three protagonists: Amadeus the Wizard, Pontius the Knight and Zoya the Thief. Each type of gameplay is distinct and satisfying; the brute combat of Pontius; the agile swinging, climbing and sneaking of Zoya, or the lateral-thinking and spell-casting that come with playing as Amadeus. You can accumulate power-ups as you go and they're tailored to each character.
Trine 2 will be familiar to some gamers, but this version is re-jigged for PS4 owners. Complete Story has refined, improved HD graphics, more add-on weapons and spells, levels previously only available as downloadable content for other editions. The game can also be converted to 3D for those with 3D TVs. It also makes great use of the PS4 controller; now you can use the console's touchpad to aim your arrow, position your shield or draw spells.
The puzzles are challenging, but you can decide when the game gives hints, and there is often more than one solution. For example, if you can’t figure out how to wedge open a faulty drawbridge, maybe try standing on a bubble that floats across the moat?
Trine 2 is a charming, rich and attractive game that deserves to find a new audience. trine2.com
