![]() ![]() ![]() Two or three-person cooperative play makes it easier to fudge your way through difficult puzzles, but the fun of juggling all three characters more than makes up for the loss. The pace is slower and the challenge higher in single-player, where every puzzle must be solved with only a single character onscreen (a button press cycles between your options). Though the levels are identical in single- and multiplayer, the game experience is drastically different, and well worth a playthrough both ways. Combat is infrequent and borders on being overly simplistic, but as brief exclamations in the midst of a longer puzzle level, the battles fit the bill. The most elusive puzzles are reserved for optional pick-ups that can be bypassed in favor of a faster pace. Puzzle design is clever, but stops short of frustration. Perhaps you can reach that high platform with a well-timed grapple? Or maybe the wizard can just create a pile of boxes to reach the elusive ledge? Often, there are multiple answers to the question, most of which reward creative thinking and cooperation. With such varied movesets, Trine 2’s central gameplay conceit concerns figuring out when to use which abilities to solve a puzzle. The cowardly wizard conjures new platforms and boxes out of thin air, or levitates nasty goblins out of reach. The clever thief’s grappling hook sends her hurtling up to hard to reach places, while her bow hits distant spear-throwers. The simple-minded knight’s sword waving fends off the most dangerous monsters, while his hammer smashes walls. The game’s greatest strength lies in the distinct abilities of each of the characters. The knight, wizard, and thief are called upon to save the kingdom once again, and the lighthearted banter between the characters keeps the otherwise clichéd story rolling. Like its predecessor, Trine 2 stars three fantasy archetypes as they platform and puzzle their way through a lush fantasy storybook. ![]() With online or local cooperative play, slick puzzle design, and a whimsical fairy tale tone, Trine 2 is a year-ending treat you shouldn’t miss. That’s the happy scenario with Trine 2, one of this year’s most beautiful, rewarding, and downright fun downloadable titles. It’s always gratifying to see a good game make the changes it needs to become great in a sequel. ![]()
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