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Platform games for the most part have a very simple recipe for success. Developers usually combine the obligatory jumping and swinging from place to place with various forms of interactive puzzles to create the core gameplay elements for most of the old school games of the genre. However, in an attempt to keep pace with the rapidly developing mainstream games, platform developers are increasing an emphasis on originality and plotline depth in their products while utilizing every scrap of technology available to make the new breed of platformers; a hybrid of the old and familiar with the new and captivating. One such example was unveiled on the 3rd of July 2009, by Finnish developers Frozenbyte (creators of the PC game, Shadowgrounds) who released their latest platform project, Trine.
Trine is a side-scrolling 2-D fantasy-action, puzzle-platforming game which combines the unforgettable elements of classic platforming with a boot full of clever modern physics and jaw dropping visuals. The gameplay itself is very much reminiscent of the Lost Vikings where the usage of different character skills is required to get past obstacles but Trine makes the addition where there is a strong emphasis on using physics based gameplay in order to further ones progress through the game, a feature that is quite reminiscent of Little Big Planet. Indeed the game is a hodgepodge of various other titles, the charm and presentation of the game is reminiscent of Fable II and the side-scrolling action reminded me of the original Prince of Persia game but with a Diablo style hack-n-slash combat element. This mixture of gameplay elements combines brilliantly with the overall story and theme of the game and it brings out a truly unique experience that will have you grinning like a madman by the time you're done playing it.
The game's fantasy storyline is not very original but it is surprisingly well written considering the nature of the game, and as far as indie games go, the sights and sounds presented in Trine are second to none. The story is brilliantly conveyed via beautifully rendered cut scenes and a narrator who speaks with an endearing and omniscient tone that is befitting the storybook-esque theme. This combination functions brilliantly when it comes to immersing the players in what feels like a journey through the pages of a fantasy tale, complete with undead army, dungeons, castles and hidden treasures. Make no mistake though, the game isn't all cosmetics, it is a true platformer spiced with a helping of combat and awe-inspiring physics based chaos to keep things interesting along the way.
http://i716.photobucket.com/albums/ww161/Skarin_2009/Trine3-1.jpg
The journey begins with a simple tutorial that elegantly explains the basic control mechanics involved while introducing the players to the three protagonists; the thief Zoya, the wizard Amadeus and the knight Pontius. These three adventures, for their own personal reasons find themselves drawn to a mysterious artifact which upon contact, fuses their souls together into one entity. This three-way soul fusion emerges in the gameplay as the character swapping system which allows players to swap characters at will and to use each of their abilities to tackle various obstacles including the undead army that threatens the realm. Along the way they also seek the means to untangle their three interwoven souls so that they can become individual entities again.
To better understand the unique play styles on offer I think it best to have a closer look at the main characters to see how they operate. The thief for example is a ranged fighter with her bow and arrows and can use her grappling hook to traverse great distances and swing across difficult terrain with ease, the knight on the other hand is your melee warrior armed with a sword (further weapons can be unlocked) and shield, he can make short work of enemies but ask him to cross a river and his metal armor will leave him dead in the water. Lastly there is the wizard who cannot fight his way out of a soggy bag, but he can summon objects (boxes and planks) and move them telekinetically or levitate them at will, perfect for crossing pesky spike pits and other hazards. All three characters can improve and learn new abilities as the game progresses via a basic skill tree and apart from adding a RPG element into the game it also serves to vary your options when facing a particularly inventive puzzle.
http://i716.photobucket.com/albums/ww161/Skarin_2009/Trine-1-1.jpg
Unlike the puzzle-platforming element, combat does not take a center stage in Trine. While the combat mechanics (aiming, throwing and the hack-n-slash element) work perfectly the combat itself feels contrived and unexceptional. This is not to say that the combat element is boring, quite the contrary, some of the physics-based chaos is quite a treat to watch and it is overall an enjoyable experience but players looking for more of an action-based role will be disappointed with this title. This is partly due to the lack of variety with the enemies, because killing skeletons and bats is something that will get old really fast and also because combat tends to get a bit repetitive from the near endless stream of enemies that will come out from re-spawn points located throughout the levels. In general though, the combat is satisfying enough to keep you interested in moving on with the gameplay but not diverse enough to give you the sense of accomplishment that is proportional to the mayhem you can create.
http://i716.photobucket.com/albums/ww161/Skarin_2009/trine_screenshot_2009_05_wizard_-1.jpg
Beneath these few flaws though there lies a solid game that exploits every facet of physics-based platform gaming, including that of a local drop in co-op option that can support two to three players at a time. This co-op mode is obviously going to be an issue for PC users unless players opt to use console controls/gamepads that connects to the computer and possibly a larger monitor because having three players, play three characters at once can and will get quite hectic. However, it is so much worth the effort because Trine is based on the perfect co-op concept one can hope for; teamwork, and nothing exemplifies teamwork more than a bunch of friends who have to work together to overcome a common goal. Conversely, as was my experience with Little Big Planet, nothing can be as fun as causing mischief for your teammates by being the rebellious sod who throws everyone off the platform to their untimely deaths. Regardless of how you chose to play the game though, the co-op will always be priceless fun; if you can find the option for it that is! (it's hidden in the controller option menu).
Trine's biggest boon by far is its breathtaking visual artwork and landscapes. While the gameplay takes place in 2D, the graphics are undeniably 3D and they will captivate you from installation to end credits. The graphics may not be in the same league as games such as Crysis, but as far as independent platform games go, this is the best looking release that has ever come out from the genre; sporting some brilliant soft lighting effects and some truly vibrant environments. Your screen will literally be bathed in the soft glow of the moonlight as it cascades through the lush jungle canopies, the mushrooms that litter the forest floor glow in translucent colours, the glow of dancing fireflies that dart across crumbling ruins and the light smoke that wafts from lit torches will combine to leave you mesmerized in the world of Trine. Don't be surprised if you find yourself spending more time ogling the resplendent scenery than actually playing the game.
The music is another element that deserves its own mention because it works hand-in-hand with the visuals, each reinforcing the other to immerse the player into the world that is been presented. The theme-befitting music flows through this fantasy tale without emerging as obtrusive and the overall voice acting between the three heroes keeps in line with their character and the narrator excels remarkably in tying the events of each chapter together. The combination of this audio-visual paring alone makes this game worth playing through.
My only major complaint against the game is that it isn't very long, the single player storyline will last you about eight hours without the co-op element and that is about all that you can expect in terms of longevity. Still, despite this and the game's minor flaws, Trine remains in my mind a truly fantastic game. I just fell in love with the charm and the atmosphere that surrounds it because it made me feel like I was inside a storybook acting out the chapters. The game has this uncanny ability to instill a sense of drama and theater into the adventures that take place, while gently massaging your retinas with impossibly beautiful visuals and soothing your soul with magical music. More importantly though, Trine, is mindlessly fun!. It may be a short ride but it takes you on an incredible journey while it lasts and that is a rare combination to get from a game, from any genre, and it more than makes up for the minor annoyances that resides within the game.
Bottom Line: What Trine is, is a game that is greater than the sum of its parts. Like all puzzle/platform games it has its flaws as well as its shining moments. What really matters though is the end product and the experience of the gameplay itself, and in that respect, Trine is a pure joy. It's a classic platforming soul with a modern face and it's definitely worth your time.
Recommendation: There is a free demo that is available on Steam if you wish to experiment with the game before making a commitment. Otherwise, it is available for download on Steam for $ 29.99. The current PC dvd retail price for Trine varies somewhat around the 35 to 40 EUR/USD mark but if you hold out long enough, and presuming you have a PS3, you can purchase the game for $20 over the PSN when it become available (The PS3 release is TBA and plans for a XBLA release is under talks with Atlus). The price difference is something that has confused me, but if you're willing to overlook that, I say it's a buy!
http://i716.photobucket.com/albums/ww161/Skarin_2009/Trine-2-1.jpg
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