Trine 2: Director's Cut

Trine 2: Director's Cut brought one of the visually most striking games of its generation to Wii U, built around the cooperation of three different heroes - the warrior Pontius, the sorceress Amadeus, and the archer Zoya. The player freely switches between the characters (or controls them together with more players) and uses their unique abilities to solve physics-based puzzles that combine levitating objects, creating platforms, and precise archery. The level design alternates acrobatic jumping sections with well-crafted puzzles that require engaging multiple characters at once. Amadeus can conjure and move objects with magic, Zoya shoots a rope and arrows at switches, while Pontius relies on strength and a shield, which keeps the player constantly thinking about which combination of abilities a given puzzle requires.

The Wii U version contained the complete Director's Cut content, including new chapters and improved graphics, with the fairy-tale-painted aesthetic of forests, caves, and castles standing out especially on an HD television. The orchestral music accompanying each chapter gave the game a fairy-tale, almost childlike atmosphere, while the difficulty of the puzzles could still challenge more experienced players. Local co-op for up to three players made the game an ideal family or evening social title, letting players divide roles according to their preferences - one solving logic, another handling combat, a third handling acrobatics.

At the time, the game was praised above all for its graphics and for how elegantly it blends action and puzzle elements without either smothering the other. Trine 2 still ranks among the titles recommended as an example of what a cooperative puzzle platformer should look like, and on Wii U it's one of the best-looking games the console ever received. Even years later the game works as a pleasant, visually timeless experience that handles both solo playthroughs and family co-op sessions on one couch equally well.

Why play it: For families and couples looking for a visually timeless cooperative experience on one couch, this is one of the best-looking and best-tuned puzzle platformers on Wii U.