Trine 3: The Artifacts of Power Reviews
Trine 3: The Artifacts of Power becomes a mixed bag, because the core game is actually quite enjoyable despite a handful of growing pains associated with the transition to a fully realised 3D world. The visuals and music deliver as always and it is great to see some more times spent on actually developing the story and fleshing out our three protagonists. However, in giving the heroes a better story, they somehow have even less to do in the game. Perhaps more frustratingly, the story is short and incomplete, making the game feel rushed or like the development team has unannounced DLC planned for down the road.
We extend our sympathies toward Frozenbyte since Trine 3's weaknesses are due to unforeseen costs that exceeded its budget, but this doesn't alter the reality of the game's state. While it may surpass expectations as a picturesque fairy tale come to life with a lovely score and promising tale, your childlike wonder will fade and be cut short due to abrupt closure, trite puzzle-solving, and dumbed-down gameplay that spells a fumble for this middling entry.
The switch to three dimensions hobbles rather than helps Trine 3. In the wake of the first two excellent entries in the series, it can only be considered a disappointment.
In many ways a step down for the franchise, Trine 3: The Artifacts of Power is an unfortunate combination of lackluster 3D platforming and unfinished storytelling.
The biggest problems are the brevity, lack of story, and overwhelming sensation it leaves that Frozenbyte released this unfinished and hopes to create DLC to finish it. That may or may not prove the case, but it remains difficult to like Trine 3: The Artifacts of Power when looking at the whole thing.
Trine 3 is an incomplete mess that feels like the game's creators just ran out of time (despite four months in Steam Early Access). The graphics, art style, and landscapes are stunning, but aren't enough to make Trine 3 a game worth your time.
Trine 3's vibrant world and creative physics puzzles are as appealing as ever, but the transition to 3D is a painful one.