When Nintendo launches the Wii U this November it’ll have one of the most diverse launch lineups to grace a home console in recent history – find the complete Nintendo Wii U launch lineup here.
Although a vast range of software will be available on retail shelves come November 18, one must not forget about the delectable software that lies in wait on the Nintendo Wii U’s digital store.
Frozenbyte’s “Trine 2: Director’s Cut” is one such digital treat which brings inventive puzzle platforming to Nintendo’s home console and manages to put the GamePad to magnificent use.
Having players select and make use of three characters, Amadeus a wizard, Zoya a thief, and Pontius a Knight, “Trine 2: Director’s Cut” is similar to the adventure you may have experienced on Xbox 360, PS3, or PC before, however, Wii U GamePad functionality and new content make this an attractive early title for the Nintendo Wii U.
For those of whom haven’t played “Trine” or “Trine 2” thus far, just know that each of the three characters have unique abilities at their disposal: Amadeus can use magic to create boxes or planks to help players reach new areas and rewards; Zoya is equipped with arrows and may grapple on certain surface types; and Pontius is a slow, yet powerful Knight that can destroy walls or deflect projectile items with his shield. Making use of all three is a requirement to solve the intricate puzzles of the game’s world.
With two play options available, either playable on TV the traditional way or via the GamePad courtesy of Off-TV Play, “Trine 2” allows players to experience the game in their own way. In our hands-on time with “Trine 2: Director’s Cut”, we toyed around with the GamePad and Off-TV Play but also played “Trine 2” the traditional way to see which method felt the best.
The world found in “Trine 2” is both beautiful and engaging. In order to solve puzzles, players must swap between the game’s three characters; however, each puzzle presents different possibilities in which they can be solved.
In our short time with “Trine 2: Director’s Cut”, one environmental puzzle presented a few options for us to reflect light off a mirror into a ruby to open a passageway. One possibility was to switch to Pontius and reflect the light using his shield, use the wizard to telepathically move the mirror, or use Zoya’s rope to swing the mirror.
Although you may play the traditional way and use the right analog stick to adjust the angle of the shield, rope, etc., the Wii U GamePad allows players to touch the screen and move the mirror into proper position to reflect the light with ease. The GamePad touch-screen is further used to pull ropes that may provide access to higher platforms or to move environmental blockages to discover hidden gems.
Furthermore, the touch-screen can be used to control weapons and other abilities by tapping and drawing on the GamePad. When in control of Amadeus, for example, you may draw where he’ll conjure blocks. Likewise, aiming Zoya’s arrows can also be handled through touch with great accuracy and ease, as opposed to using the right analog stick.
“Trine 2: Director’s Cut” handled and played wonderfully on Nintendo Wii U. Visually, the game will impress either on your HD TV or on the GamePad screen. The GamePad touch mechanics are nice additions and have us curious to see what other ways the touch-screen may be used in the full release.
“Trine 2: Director’s Cut” is slated for a November release on Wii U.
http://www.examiner.com/article/hands-on-trine-2-director-s-cut-nintendo-wii-u
