These sections also make boss sections feel underwhelming, too. Coming back to the traditional style of co-op gameplay and puzzle solving that made the first two games so delightful is exactly the kind of refocusing that the Trine series needed after the misfire of Trine 3. But, for the most part, many of the puzzles in Trine 4 repeat the same ideas with very little variation. Thirdly, things are so similar to the first two games in the series that Trine 4 is arguably best enjoyed by players who are experiencing it all for the first time. In addition, many of the puzzles when playing in multiplayer mode are actually slightly altered to cater to having extra players in the level, making them a bit more difficult and addressing my main issue with the puzzles being too easy. Given three characters are regularly juggled and often all used to solve riddles, this maintenance of simplicity is a godsend.This is often how deep the story in 'Trine 4' gets.The puzzle rooms in 'Trine 4' offer some of the most satisfying challenges in the game.However, it soon loses its spark. Whether it be Pontius’s Charge attack that can launch boulders to break certain walls, Amadeus’s ability to create planks and steel balls, or Zoya’s newfound technique of attaching a fairy rope to an object to make it float into the air like a balloon, they all open up some interesting new options.In addition, there’s a skill tree that features optional but useful upgrades like Amadeus’ power to slam levitated objects down, Pontius’s ability to freeze enemies when he stomps them, and Zoya’s skill to fire a fully charged bow shot after a roll. There’s a certain whimsical storybook quality to the look of Trine 4 that succeeded in drawing me into its fantastical world, which is full of intricate detail in each of its beautiful vistas.The only sour spot is the small handful of technical issues that I encountered, which include some objects in the environment being completely invisible, and some textures that never loaded in, making the gorgeous world feel flat and devoid of detail. “Trine 4: The Nightmare Prince is a masterclass in 2D puzzle platforming.
Unlikely comrades Amadeus the Wizard, Pontius the Knight and Zoya the Thief are once again reunited for their fourth adventure, where they “venture across expansive fairytale landscapes in search of Prince Selius, whose dark dreams have manifested in reality.” Selius needs to be found to restore peace and normality to the world before it’s “consumed by shadows”:While there are certain teething problems with the control system–particularly for me with Amadeus’ possession ability in the early levels–you soon find yourself settling into what’s actually a very simple, uncomplicated experience. I ended up beating it after 12 or so hours. This split of automatic unlocks and purchasable skills that reward you for collecting items is a huge improvement over Trine 2’s simplistic skill tree.For the more serious crowd, there is also Classic mode, which is the more traditional style that is meant for three players, with each person assuming the role of one of the heroes.Trine 4: The Nightmare Prince is a sequel that plays it very safe – which, in this particular case, is for the better. This is very much a puzzle-platformer on a 2D plane that utilizes a robust physics engine.
Above all else though, some of the best moments of Trine 4 occur when cooperation breaks down and you just take turns finding the best and most unexpected ways of sabotaging each other.
Game(s) like: Other Trine games, Trine 4 was enjoyable for the puzzles and leveling structure.