Trine 4 ditches 3D and is due out this year

TRINE 4 - Announcement Trailer [UK] - YouTube

After a dalliance with 3D in Trine 3, the series is returning to its 2.5D origins in Trine 4, Frozenbyte and Modus Games announced today. It will reunite the platforming, problem-solving triumvirate for more jumping, fighting and puzzles in a world plagued by a prince's nightmares. Typical royalty. Check out the trailer above.

It looks gorgeous, as Trine always does, but bears a closer similarity to the first pair of games. Trine 3 went fully 3D, which proved to be a bit of a mistake. 3D puzzle platforming is a whole different kind of thing, and the third game was not quite up to the task. The return to the old perspective is a welcome one, then.

Also, look at this hedgehog.

It's adorable. I'm not saying I'm more interested in what the hedgehog is up to than the fate of a prince with an overactive subconscious... actually, no, I absolutely am saying that. Who smashed those plant pots? And how will the critter avenge them?

Trine 4 introduces 4-player local and online co-op, so who knows? Maybe I will get to play as a rotund little hedgehog. Also, expect "abundant" skill trees and a brand new combat system where you have to fight your nightmares in boss battles.

Trine: Ultimate Collection will launch alongside Trine 4, containing every game in the series, including 4, along with a digital sounrdtrack, art book, reversible cover and Trine 4 map.

You'll be able to grab either on Steam, Discord "and other PC platforms" this autumn.

Fraser is the UK online editor and has actually met The Internet in person. With over a decade of experience, he's been around the block a few times, serving as a freelancer, news editor and prolific reviewer. Strategy games have been a 30-year-long obsession, from tiny RTSs to sprawling political sims, and he never turns down the chance to rave about Total War or Crusader Kings. He's also been known to set up shop in the latest MMO and likes to wind down with an endlessly deep, systemic RPG. These days, when he's not editing, he can usually be found writing features that are 1,000 words too long or talking about his dog.