Trine 4: The Nightmare Prince

"Teamwork makes the dream work." That's the best way to sum up Trine 4: The Nightmare Prince, with your trio of intrepid adventurers working to defeat literal nightmares. And with its fluid controls, colorful visuals, and stellar sounds, Trine 4 is a dream to play as well. The game seamlessly blends classic platforming with wonderful puzzle elements that force players to think beyond basic button mashing or hack-and-slash action. That's not to say Trine 4 doesn't have its share of action, including some tough boss battles. Those moments of action are great, but it's utilizing the full range of your team's abilities and coming up with creative ways to overcome obstacles that feels most rewarding. Every victory is one you feel you earned.

As rewarding as Trine 4: The Nightmare Prince is, there are a couple of spots where it gets in its own way. For example, the game is colorful and the world is rendered beautifully, but there are times where certain key items or enemies blend in and get lost in the environment. It's a very minor gripe, though, and more a testament to just how much detail and effects get packed into the game's visuals. The game's co-op multiplayer can also be a bit frustrating, but that's generally determined by how well you can communicate with your friends. There's nothing worse than arguing with someone about the best way to get through a particularly difficult area, only for them to try to leave you behind once you do. Trine 4's co-op is most effective when you're playing with a bit of patience and camaraderie, working with one another like the heroes of Trine instead of against one another. Trine 4: The Nightmare Prince is a testament to friendship and cooperation, and a beautiful adventure that's easily the best entry in the series to date.