If you’re in the mood for a break from the fantasy world of Baldur’s Gate 3, I highly recommend checking out Trine 5: A Clockwork Conspiracy. This latest installment in the Trine series delivers the same puzzle platforming excellence that fans have come to love, with some notable improvements. While Trine 5 still struggles with its combat sections and lacks an engaging story, it shines with its challenging puzzles, expanded progression system, and memorable boss fights.
Return to Familiar Ground
Trine 5 follows the formula of its predecessors as a 2.5D puzzle platformer featuring three heroes: Amadeus the wizard, Pontius the knight, and Zoya the thief. The story revolves around an evil queen who attempts to take over her own kingdom using an army of robotic soldiers. While the antagonist may be a bit cliché, the charming and well-written protagonists make up for it. However, the story itself is predictable and lacks interest.
Challenging Puzzles and Clever Solutions
One of the most significant improvements in Trine 5 is the difficulty of its puzzles. As an adept puzzle solver, I found myself stumped multiple times throughout the game’s 10-hour story. Each character gains a wide variety of abilities, and forgetting about one of their tools or failing to consider how new abilities interact with old ones can lead to new and exciting solutions. The game also offers multiple solutions to some puzzles, allowing for creative problem-solving and adding replayability.
Dynamic Gameplay with Co-op
Similar to Trine 4, Trine 5 adjusts its puzzles based on the number of players. Solving puzzles with friends often feels like the definitive experience, as it introduces additional steps and challenges. While some co-op sections lack inspiration, the overall inclusion of co-op gameplay enhances the game’s enjoyment.
Combat as a Weak Point
Unfortunately, combat remains the weakest aspect of the Trine series, and its inclusion is questionable. Fighting repetitive enemies with little strategy or mechanics interrupts the flow of the game and feels like a waste of time. The combat sections are especially unbalanced when playing as Amadeus, who lacks useful combat abilities early on. However, the boss battles provide an enjoyable experience by incorporating puzzle elements and unique mechanics.
A Visual and Interactive Treat
Alongside its engaging gameplay, Trine 5 offers stunning visuals and a vibrant world to explore. The game’s 2.5D aesthetic is visually pleasing, and the level design encourages exploration and experimentation. Returning to previous levels with new abilities adds replayability and the opportunity to discover hidden areas.
Final Thoughts
Trine 5: A Clockwork Conspiracy offers the familiar and beloved puzzle platforming experience that fans adore. While it falls short in combat and storytelling, the challenging puzzles, improved progression system, and clever boss fights make this latest installment a worthwhile addition to the Trine series. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the series, Trine 5 delivers an enjoyable adventure filled with brain-teasing puzzles and memorable moments.