Entering into Trine 2 you find that the Trine returns and once again binds our three heroes: knight, thief and wizard, to its will. It seems the world is in dire danger again and needs saving, so off the heroes to go save the day.
From there you get into all that makes Trine really fun to play, physics-based puzzles that can be solved a variety of ways. Don’t want to use the mage? Try the thief. Can’t get the hang of that grappling hook swing jump? Use the mage to build some stairs out of crates.
That’s what makes Trine 2 both great and different, you both need all three characters and can play any of the three with the touch of a button where most other games of similar cut would require you to make a choice at the beginning of the game or of a specific level. I can think of some other games right now that could benefit from that sort of flexibility in gameplay. Plus, it means you have the tools available to you to determine your own path and fate and your own way to go about it. Sure, you still have to follow the linear design of the game, but it’s not about where you walk, but about how you go about it.
Trine 2 also offers multiplayer in both local (with multiple keyboards and mice) and online versions with private and public games. How many wizards can you get levitating objects around the level? Three. The same goes for thieves a swinging and knights a fighting in unlimited mode. For purists, there’s also classic mode which only allows one of each character.
On top of that, all the exploring and collecting mechanics from the first game return and from the looks of it, whether you’re a fan of RPGs, platformers or just great games, Trine 2 should be on your wish list and you should be counting the days until its full release later this year.
