Trine 2
2011 · Frozenbyte
Has it aged?Why ↓
Trine 2 is a side-scrolling fantasy puzzle-platformer where a wizard, knight and thief make excellent tools for messy experiments. You cross fairytale landscapes by stacking conjured crates, swinging from wooden surfaces and fighting goblins; finding a ridiculous route across a gap is more satisfying than landing a perfect jump.
Three heroes make their way through a fairytale world of forgotten ruins, scheming goblins and impossible contraptions. Play alone and switch between wizard, knight and thief at will, or bring up to two friends, in online or local co-op.
The publisher’s description, from its Steam store page.
What it looks like
the trailer, then the store's own shots
The verdict
Play it for the freedom to build your own way through, not for exacting platforming or elaborate fights. The wizard’s crates and planks turn obstacles into construction projects, and the lavish fairytale scenery remains a stronger draw than the thin story. Choose Trine 2: Complete Story: the 2013 edition includes the Goblin Menace expansion and an unlockable Dwarven Caverns level.
Play it if
You would rather balance a plank over a gap than hunt for the intended solution. You enjoy sharing a puzzle with friends, trying incompatible ideas and laughing when the machinery ruins your plan.
Skip it if
Anyone who needs jumps to feel precise or sword fights to demand more than basic attacks. Neither the loose platforming nor the simple combat can carry this game if moving crates leaves you cold.
Common questions
- Can I control all three heroes when playing alone?
- Yes. You switch between the knight, thief and wizard, using their different abilities to get through the same levels.
- Do I need to play the first Trine?
- No. The three heroes return, but you do not need the first game to understand or enjoy their adventure.
- Do I need every upgrade orb to solve the puzzles?
- No. Upgrades such as extra summoned crates and frost arrows expand your options rather than unlock mandatory solutions; collecting every orb is the harder, optional challenge.
- What does Goblin Menace add?
- The 2012 expansion adds six levels, new skills and enemies, with puzzles involving low gravity, magnets and light. Its new environments include the inside of a giant sand worm.
- Can three people play Trine 2 together on one screen?
- Yes. Trine 2 supports up to three players in local co-op, as well as online co-op.
What everyone else said
we link, we don't reprintHas it aged?
How does it hold up today? Based on recent reviews, how opinions have changed since launch, player activity and updates.
% positive each month, last 4 years.
Reviews via Steam ↗Peak: 779 in Dec 2013.
Player counts via SteamCharts ↗A little less liked than at launch, but still well liked.
Updated within the last year, so still looked after.