Trine Series 1-3

Genre: Compilation / Puzzle-Platformer

Players: 1-3 Co-Op (Local, Online)

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Review:

(Note: The contents of this collection are included in Trine Ultimate Collection, along with Trine 4: The Nightmare Prince)

Trine Series 1-3, released on the Nintendo Switch in 2019, is a physical-only Compilation that includes the first three games in the Trine series. I have reviewed these games separately… as well as the Trine Ultimate Collection, which contains the first four games in the series. Wait, so that means this compilation is obsolete, right? Well, it’s not quite as simple as that…

Here were my thoughts on each of the games in this collection:

Game	Genre	# of Players	Grade
Trine: Enchanted Edition	Puzzle-Platformer	1-3 Co-Op (Local, Online)	C-
tl;dr Trine is a classic Puzzle-Platformer that has aged somewhat since its release over a decade ago. It features solid gameplay focused on using its three central characters’ abilities to get past obstacles, but the game is unfortunately bogged down by awkward controls and frequent, terrible combat. There’s some good gameplay to be had here, but you have to struggle to enjoy it.
Trine 2: Complete Story	Puzzle-Platformer	1-3 Co-Op (Local, Online)	B+
tl;dr Trine 2 is one of the highlights of its series, and of Puzzle-Platformer games in general, with its wonderful focus on using each of its three characters’ unique abilities to solve puzzles becoming even better in Co-Op play. It still suffers from sub-standard combat, and its stunning visuals have aged a bit in the time since it was first released nearly a decade ago, but make no mistake, this is a must-have game for fans of the genre, as well as those looking for an amazing Co-Op experience.
Trine 3: The Artifacts of Power	3D Puzzle-Platformer	1-3 Co-Op (Local, Online)	B-
tl;dr Trine 3 takes the Puzzle-Platformer series into 3D, retaining the series formula of using three characters with distinct abilities to get past obstacles. However, this change has mixed results – the combat is better, but the platforming is much worse. It’s still a decent game, but it’s not as good as the second and fourth titles in the series.

It bears mention that this package doesn’t contain anything additional compared to buying the games separately, and as mentioned before, it is clearly inferior to the Trine Ultimate Collection in that that collection also includes Trine 4: The Nightmare Prince, which I would consider the best game in the series. So… why buy this version then?

Well, if you’re looking to buy physical copies of these games, it should be noted that Trine Series 1-3 includes all three games on the cartridge. Meanwhile, Trine Ultimate Collection includes only Trine 4 on the cartridge, meaning that if you want physical copies of all games in the collection, you actually need to get… both?

Yeah, I know, most gamers aren’t going to want to go to that amount of expense and trouble just to get physical copies of these games. For most, digital copies are going to do the trick just fine, and the digital downloads, while frustrating for those who prefer a physical release, will be preferable to buying the same three games twice. Also, since this game is now out of print in the wake of the Ultimate Collection’s release, it may be of value to collectors.

For those who are the exception, know that Trine 2 is the highlight of this package, but Trine 3 is decent too, and while the first game has aged poorly, it’s still worth a play-through for die-hard fans of the series.

In the end, do I recommend Trine Series 1-3 to most players? Absolutely not – most players are far better off getting Trine Ultimate Collection. However, if you’re a game collector or someone who just really wants to get the physical copies of these games, this is a decent package with some excellent Puzzle-Platformers.

tl;dr – Trine Series 1-3 is a compilation of the first three games in the series on one physical cartridge. However, since Trine Ultimate Collection contains the first four games, the only people who will benefit from buying this game now are collectors and players who absolutely need to get physical copies of their games. For those players, this is a decent trilogy of games… but for most it’s going to be a far better idea to skip this and get the Ultimate Collection.

Grade: C+

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