Chris InglisTrinity Fusion is a roguelite metroidvania developed by Angry Mob Games and released in December 2022 on Steam early access. It launched v1.0 on December 15, 2023, on PC and also launched on Xbox and PlayStation consoles. I was initially captivated by the game’s sci-fi visuals, but it is the gameplay that kept me striving to complete more runs. With a choice of three different characters, each with their own abilities and playstyles, you can easily lose ours trying to do one more run.
In Trinity Fusion you will explore intriguing sci-fi worlds and engage in fast-paced, smooth, and precise combat. The various branches of the multiverse are always changing. You will be fighting through a combination of procedurally generated levels as well as hand-crafted challenges and arenas that will put your skills to the test. The defining feature of Trinity Fusion is having access to three playable characters, each existing in separate parallel universes and possessing distinct combat styles and being able to draw on their powers mid-level if you find the right machine.
The three characters and their prominent biomes are as follows:
- Kera (Overworld): A balanced swordswoman with a dash ability and chargeable heavy attack, ideal for methodical combat.
- Altara (Underworld): A nimble acrobat wielding dual daggers and acrobatic dashes, excelling in fast-paced combos.
- Nova (Cyberworld): A ranged fighter utilizing pistols and telekinetic powers, suited for strategic hit-and-run tactics.
Switching between these characters on the fly adds to your gameplay strategies and gives you more depth to combat and exploration. You can exploit enemy weaknesses with specific characters, solve environmental puzzles tailored to their abilities, and even chain attacks between them for devastating combos. The constant choice to switch characters between runs or combine powers within runs keeps the gameplay fresh and engaging.
The environments in Trinity Fusion are visually distinct depending on which character you start your run with, transitioning from lush overworld forests with Maya to neon-drenched cyberpunk streets with Nova. Various platforms and hidden areas will be revealed as you explore the map, and passing teleport points will allow you to quickly shift around the map and get back on track to progress through. With double jump, crouching and dodging, you’ll be able to quickly dodge your foe’s oncoming projectiles, and special abilities can turn the battle to your favour with health, shields or powerful blasts.
While we have a ranged weapon and these temporary special abilities, their use is limited by the energy we have. The core combat loop revolves around attacking enemies with melee to build up your energy stocks. As such I found myself relying on melee combat for most of the runs. It was only on multiple enemy fights or boss battles that I utilised my secondary ranged weapon and other temporary skills I had picked up. Each run will net you with some currency to spend on powerups or equipment within the levels, or to purchase permanent upgrades back at base.
While platforming challenges are present throughout the various levels, they don’t do too much to push the boundaries of the genre. Still, the focus lies heavily on combat arenas which are equally exciting and frustrating, especially if you get to a boss fight with very little health left. Some levels can feel samey after a while, especially during extended runs, but the procedural generation makes progression less repetitive from one run to the next.
Overall, Trinity Fusion offers a dynamic and engaging platformer experience with three characters to switch between and combine powers during missions. Each has distinct playstyles, satisfying meaty action combat, and stylish visuals which makes for an enjoyable journey through its various parallel universes. The world has secrets to uncover if you’re willing to go looking for them and at less than AU$30, it’s well worth the purchase price.
This review utilised a Steam key provided by Evolve PR and Trinity Fusion is available now on Steam, Epic Games Store, Xbox, and PlayStation.
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