Trine 5: A Clockwork Conspiracy Review (PC & Steam Deck)

After the slight misstep of Trine 3, which deviated from the series’ successful formula, Trine 5 brings the series back to its roots. The game features beautifully rendered 2.5D graphics that showcase the intricate details of each stage. From lush forests to dark dungeons, the world of Trine 5 is a visual feast that immerses players in a fantastical realm.

The Trio Returns

Trine 5 once again reunites the trio of heroes – Pontius the knight, Zoya the thief, and Amadeus the wizard. Each character possesses unique abilities that are essential for navigating the game’s challenging puzzles. Pontius wields a shield for defense and can charge into enemies, Zoya utilizes her bow and arrows for ranged attacks and grappling, and Amadeus conjures objects and platforms to aid in traversal.

The heart of Trine 5 lies in its puzzles, and they do not disappoint. The game introduces a wide variety of mechanics and abilities that keep the puzzles fresh and engaging throughout the adventure. From manipulating gravity blocks to lighting fires and using elemental arrows, the puzzles constantly challenge players to think outside the box. The adaptive nature of the puzzles, which adjust based on the number of players and difficulty settings, ensures that everyone can enjoy the game at their own pace.

As players progress through Trine 5, they unlock new abilities and upgrades for each character. These upgrades add another layer of complexity to the gameplay, allowing for even more creative solutions to the puzzles. Whether it’s Pontius’ ability to throw his sword and create platforms, Zoya’s bouncing arrows, or Amadeus’ wind storm that grants him increased mobility, the expanded move sets provide endless possibilities for puzzle-solving.

One area where Trine 5 truly shines is in its boss battles. The game features challenging and memorable encounters that require players to utilize the unique abilities of each character. From deflecting projectiles with Pontius’ shield to strategically shooting arrows with Zoya and conjuring objects with Amadeus, the boss battles are a test of skill and teamwork. Whether playing solo or cooperatively, these epic encounters are sure to keep players on their toes.

The world of Trine 5 is a visual masterpiece. The attention to detail in the environments, from the vibrant landscapes to the atmospheric dungeons, is simply breathtaking. Frozenbyte has crafted a world that feels alive and immersive, with each stage offering its own unique theme and challenges. The game’s stunning visuals are complemented by a whimsical soundtrack that perfectly captures the magical atmosphere of the game.

While Trine 5 excels in its puzzle design and visual presentation, the combat remains a weaker aspect of the game. The combat encounters, while not the main focus of the game, can feel clunky and repetitive. However, the challenging boss battles and the variety of abilities at the players’ disposal help to alleviate some of the combat’s shortcomings. It is worth noting that combat is not the primary focus of Trine 5, and the game’s strengths lie elsewhere.

Trine 5 offers drop-in, drop-out co-op for up to four players, adding another layer of enjoyment to the game. Playing with friends and coordinating strategies to solve puzzles and defeat enemies can lead to memorable moments of teamwork and laughter. The game’s adaptive puzzles and stage designs ensure that the co-op experience is just as engaging as playing solo. Whether you choose to embark on this magical adventure alone or with friends, Trine 5 delivers a rewarding and entertaining experience.

Trine 5 provides a substantial gameplay experience, with five acts filled with numerous levels to explore. The game’s length, combined with the variety of puzzles and challenges, ensures that players will be engaged for hours on end. Additionally, the inclusion of hidden areas and collectibles adds replay value, as players can revisit levels with new abilities to uncover secrets and discover alternative solutions.

Trine 5: A Clockwork Conspiracy is a shining example of what makes the Trine series so special. With its captivating gameplay, stunning visuals, and challenging puzzles, the game is a testament to the dedication and talent of the developers at Frozenbyte. While the combat may not be the game’s strongest point, it is overshadowed by the game’s strengths in puzzle design and world-building. Trine 5 is a must-play for fans of the series and a delightful entry point for newcomers.

Trine 5: A Clockwork Conspiracy on Steam Deck

Trine 5 is very playable on Steam Deck. The game does not have many graphics settings, but the most important thing is not to increase antialiasing above the default (medium – TAA) level. Higher options are supersampling, which renders the game at a higher resolution and dramatically reduces performance. CAS sharpening works well here, which significantly boosts image detail. Trine 5 looks beautiful on Steam Deck and runs at a stable 45 FPS.

Final Verdict

Trine 5: A Clockwork Conspiracy is a triumphant return to form for the Trine series. It offers a magical adventure filled with captivating puzzles, stunning visuals, and memorable boss battles. While the combat may not be the game’s strongest aspect, it is outweighed by the game’s strengths in puzzle design and world-building. Whether playing solo or cooperatively, Trine 5 provides a lengthy and rewarding journey that will leave players enchanted. Don’t miss out on this gem of a game.

Edward Gardner
Edward Gardner
Articles: 133

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *