When a mysterious artifact stirs you from sleep, it’s probably bad news. Sure enough, as Trine 2 opens, goblins have overrun your medieval kingdom, and only you can ferret out whose will those gibbering creeps serve.
Each of the three heroes (you can swap between them at any time) brings a small set of useful talents to this obstacle-filled sidescroller. Amadeus conjures magical boxes out of thin air and levitates just about anything he isn’t standing directly upon. Pontius slashes through occasional gangs of green-skinned ruffians, and bashes past breakable obstacles. And Zoya? Think of her as a white-gowned Robin Hood with a grappling hook.
Sadly, Trine 2 seldom asks you to make the most of those disparate powers. The simple puzzles sound interesting enough: guide water across sloped logs and onto sparkling plant seeds that grow super-quickly; route jets of fire and air with pieces of plumbing; and ride glistening lighter-than-air bubbles. Yet only rarely will you need to think for more than 10 or 15 seconds at a time.
There’s little incentive to discover the cleverest solutions when usually all you need to do is yank a lever or levitate a platform to progress. Playing with a pair of co-op pals only accelerates the process, although idle experimentation with friends adds some blithe entertainment to this eight- to 10-hour adventure, even if you’re just seeing how many summoned boxes three wizards can cram into a room. What’s missing is the potent sense of accomplishment that comes from conquering a more demanding set of challenges.
On the other hand, your brain may be too busy processing the outrageously beautiful environments for you to care. Trine 2 is easily the most beautiful Xbox Live Arcade game we’ve seen. Charming voiceovers and an evocative sound design work small wonders, but the stunning scenery is suitable for framing.
Whether that’s enough to earn your attention depends on how much you favor what you can see with your eyes versus what you must weigh with your mind.
PUBLISHER: Atlus • DEVELOPER: Frozenbyte • ESRB: Everyone 10+ • MULTIPLAYER: 3 in co-op (locally or over Xbox Live) • ACHIEVEMENTS: Tricky • COST: 1,200 Microsoft Points ($15)
+ Attractive characters with distinct abilities; plentiful screens of eye-watering beauty.
+ Three-player co-op opens up fun physics experimentation.
– Few puzzles require much thought; monsters couldn’t fight their way out of a wet paper bag.
? What sort of wizard conjures only boxes and planks?
