Publisher: Frostbyte
Price: $19.99
Genre: Puzzle Platformer
Verdict: A frustrating but worthwhile experience
Pros: Outstandingly detailed environments, unique puzzles, intriguing character design
Cons: The controls for the PS3 DualShock controller are just atrocious
Acquired: Developer Provided Review Copy
What happens when developers try to take a unique game design concept that is tailored for a PC and shoehorn in a console control scheme? The bitter failure of several flagship titles in the Games for Windows initiative have shown that the process of porting PC titles to Xbox 360 was anything but fool proof. Unfortunately, talented and experienced studios like FASA, the minds behind the cross-platform clustershart known as Shadowrun, paid the ultimate price to prove that sometimes it is best to leave the platforms separate. Hence the reason that when Trine was announced to be coming to both PC and PlayStation 3, there was potentially cause for alarm. So will Trine follow in the footsteps of its less than stellar PC-to-console counterparts, or will finally set a precedent that is actually worth mimicking?
It is worth noting that GamesAreEvil has already had the opportunity to review Trine for the PC, and the version that is available via the PlayStation Network is an exact duplicate. Fortunately for the console crowd, all of the stunning visuals, amusing character design, compelling environments and innovative puzzles seamlessly make the jump from desktop to the living room.
From the outset, the main area of concern was whether the very PC centric control scheme would be replicable on a DualShock. Sadly, the answer to this question is a resounding NO. Making matters worse was the fact that all of the Wizard’s abilities revolved around being able to either manipulate a cursor on screen or draw precise shapes to conjure boxes, platforms, and other assorted magical mechanisms. Performing these actions with the assistance of a mouse is effortless, but when this same cursor is mapped to the right stick on the PlayStation 3 controller, players are left feeling as frustrated as a dyslexic infant at a crossword puzzle convention. Even the most remedial tasks like drawing a straight line become a painful exercise in irritation and tedium, while those playing on the PC can do these same tasks with relative ease. With time the controls will begin to become more familiar, but nothing will compare to the intuitive control solution that the mouse provides.
Once again retreading the annals of regurgitated game design, Trine takes place in what could be described as a medieval fantasy period, with a little tropical variety added in for good measure. Lushly detailed environments help paint a fanciful tapestry where seemingly any doorway can transport the player to worlds that could only exist in dreams or the depths of a bong. Where the game lacks in originality, it makes up for in sheer variety. The stark differences between any two stages help to drive home the immensity of the quest in which the player is partaking.
In an age where character design seems to barely progress past a glorified brainstorming session, it was refreshing to see Frostbyte’s attention to detail in regards to the interweaving of three distinctly different back stories into a single cohesive narrative arch. Another interesting approach to the storytelling was moving away from the traditionally untarnished superhero archetype found in many fantasy games, ultimately leading to the creation of three unique individuals, all with their own blatantly obvious personality flaws.
A perfect example of the character flaws that affect the story is that of the Wizard, who is widely looked down upon by his peers because he never perfected the ability to conjure fireballs. However, this does not mean that he is any less talented than other sorcerers; he just prefers to spend his time focusing on things that are more stimulating. His womanizing behaviors are so perverse that they would make Tiger Woods look like the Pope on Passover. On the opposite end of the spectrum, the downfall of the Thief character is that she is far too ambitions, choosing to give in to her impulsiveness and greed. This lack of regard for herself ultimately becomes her undoing. Lastly, the Knight is very much your time-honored “knight in shining armor” character, with a catch. Though big and strong, with a heart of gold, he was unfortunate enough to be cursed with the intellect and the problem solving skills of a pudding cup. Either by fate or coincidence, these three are merged into a single entity, bent on bringing an end to the destruction being unleashed on their homes.
Players will get the unique opportunity to guide these unified eclectic entities in what essentially devolves into the never-ending quest to walk, run, slash and swing your way from the left side of the screen to the right. Sure this sounds simple enough in concept, but the execution of that concept is a whole different beast entirely. As in any platformer, it can be expected that several obstacles may try to prevent this progression from happening by way of environmental puzzles, seemingly insurmountable chasms and wave after wave of mindless undead blade bait.
What makes Trine different from every other platformer that has been released over the last thirty years is that it will not be appreciated by those that are lacking in the mental fortitude department. Simply put, if you prefer a mindless Goomba stomper featuring a chubby plumber based off of a ridiculously cliched Italian stereotype that now touts a mode that will play the game for you, then this will not be your cup of tea. That’s right, this game will FORCE you to think. On the surface everything looks very straightforward, even simple, but as the heavily physics based mechanics are introduced, everything that you know and love about platforming will be thrown to the wayside.
The best way to describe the level design is to look at a single brushstroke of a painting. Zoomed in, the smudge of color on a blank sheet of canvas may not seem like anything that couldn’t be achieved by a heavily inebriated chimpanzee with a penchant for fecal smearing. However, if the viewpoint is then drawn back, you would then come to realize that the aforementioned smudge was from the Mona Lisa. Depth of gameplay is something that will be tough to grasp without the ability to step back and look at the big picture, but when done, Trine’s true brilliance is evident.
At its core, Trine is an expansive platforming experience that will transport you to a setting that is far beyond your wildest imagination. The puzzles are intelligent, further complimenting the stellar level design, while not overwhelming the player with excessive amounts of information. If you can get past the less than ideal control scheme, players will ultimately find the game to be a very rewarding. Just try not to break any controllers in frustration, we dare you!
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