With Trine 5: A Clockwork Conspiracy now on the horizon, there is no greater time to get back into the Trine series, whether you are a seasoned puzzle platforming veteran or a fledgling newcomer. There are four games in the series, but which ones are worth your time? We are ranking the entire Trine series, so here is our best Trine games tier list.
The best games in the Trine series ranked
Frozenbyte debuted the first Trine game back in 2009, with the latest game releasing in 2020. The series has enjoyed great reception overall, with some entries being better than others, so here are the games ranked from worst to best.
4. Trine 3: The Artifacts of Power
Trine 3: The Artifacts of Power marked the series’ departure into the 3D realm, which was met with mixed feelings. If you talk to any Trine fan, they will almost always say that Trine 3 is their least favorite of the bunch.
The first two Trine games cemented the series’ identity in 2D puzzle solving and platforming, with each character introducing their own mechanics to keep things fresh. Trine 3 tried to shake up the formula by making the game 3D, but developer Frozenbyte did not have enough time to fully flesh it out.
As a result, many of the core Trine mechanics were missing from Trine 3, and the game was also very short, with a cliffhanger ending to boot. Frozenbyte later admitted to running out of funding, and promised they would do better with the fourth game.
While it is easily considered to be the weakest entry in the series, Trine 3 is still an interesting look into what could have been if Frozenbyte had more time and funding on their hands.
Related | All Playable Characters in Trine 5: A Clockwork Conspiracy
3. Trine Enhanced Edition
The game that started it all! Trine: Enhanced Edition is an updated version of the original game, and this is where we all met Pontius, Amadeus, and Zoya for the first time.
Three complete strangers suddenly find themselves stuck together, their souls bounded by the mysterious device known as the Trine. Pontius, Amadeus, and Zoya must learn to work together and use their abilities to break free and perhaps save the day at the same time.
The original game introduced players to the core mechanics of the Trine series: platforming, puzzle solving, and of course co-operative team play. The first game built the foundation for the series, and while it is not as polished as the later games, it still holds up to today.
If you jumped into the series with a later entry, or you have never played any of the Trine games to begin with, the original game is still a fantastic experience with friends.
2. Trine 4: The Nightmare Prince
This time around, the Heroes of Trine must deal with the mysterious Nightmare Prince, as his demonic shadows threaten to take over the kingdom.
After the mostly negative reception from Trine 3: The Artifacts of Power, Frozenbyte took their time on the next sequel and really put out all the stops to win back the crowd. Their efforts were recognized, and Trine 4: The Nightmare Prince was a success.
Trine 4 brings the series back into the 2D plane that it started out on, now knowing what works and what does not. Once again, players will charge into combat with Pontius, solve magical puzzles with Amadeus, and snipe foes from afar with Zoya.
1. Trine 2: Complete Story
Several years after the first game, Trine 2: Complete Story once again sees the three heroes summoned by the Trine, this time on an adventure to help the crown princess Rosabel from the invading goblin menace.
Trine 2 is often regarded as the highest point of the series, thanks to its fantastic art direction and level design, and the co-op puzzle platforming mechanics being completely perfected.
As usual, players can hack and slash as Pontius the knight, conjure magical boxes and levitate objects as Amadeus the wizard, and swiftly jump around as Zoya the thief, all in three player co-op.
Trine 2 is the ultimate Trine experience, now that it is complete with its additional DLC content. Completing the main campaign and the DLC content can easily run you 10-20 hours worth of gameplay, so there is plenty of magical adventuring that you can sink your teeth into.
Which Trine game is your favorite? And, are you excited for Trine 5: A Clockwork Conspiracy? Let us know in the comments below!
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Best Trine Games Tier List, Series Ranked