Chris InglisIt’s been a while since I last sailed in 3DClouds’ pirate adventure King of Seas, but a new game from the studio is launching later this month. Prepare to batten down the hatches and hoist the Jolly Roger once more as Trident’s Tale is a huge leap forward and has me pretty excited to play more. I was able to go hands-on with a preview build last month that impressed me on a number of levels. I can confidently say that this indie gem is shaping up to be a treasure trove of pirate adventures.
From the moment you step into the game as Ocean, a female pirate, you are running around on land looting resources for crafting, fighting skeletons with swords and a pistol, boss fights, using voodoo magic, and sailing the seas. The core thrill of commanding a ship remains from King of Seas, but 3DClouds has significantly expanded the horizons. The world feels more alive, teeming with opportunities beyond simply sinking enemy galleons (though fear not, that satisfying crunch of splintering wood is still very much present).
One of the most immediate improvements is the sheer variety of activities on offer. While naval combat remains a thrilling centrepiece, the preview showcased a robust system of exploration, both on the waves and on foot. Discovering hidden caves behind waterfalls as well as uncharted islands isn’t just a visual treat; these locations often hold valuable loot in the form of resources that are crucial for the surprisingly deep crafting system.
While there are item blueprints that you can buy off npc vendors, these unlock the ability to craft the items on your ship’s crafting table. The preview had shiny objects every which way and had me running around checking every nook and crevice so I could find resources to craft new weapons, ship modifications, and essential supplies. This adds a compelling layer of resource management and encourages thorough exploration of all areas. Finding that rare piece of driftwood or a specific type of metal suddenly becomes a vital part of your adventure progression.
Sailing your ship is very similar to that in King of Seas, only this feels like you have much tighter control over the weapons, their firing arcs, and using different cannon types on the sides, back and front of your ship. But don’t forget, the enemy can do the same to you. I found the sailing viewpoint closer in than King of Seas. The ocean is appropriately detailed with flotsam to loot and I even saw a whale in the distance. When in combat, once a ship gets close to being destroyed, you can get in close and hit F to board. Unfortunately, it does not feature on-deck combat, but you do gain increased loot from the downed ship.
The tactical elements that made King of Seas engaging are refined and expanded upon. Maneuvering for the perfect broadside, utilizing different types of ammunition, and exploiting enemy weaknesses feel more nuanced and rewarding. The preview showcased a variety of enemy vessels, each with its own characteristics and combat style, ensuring that every encounter presents a unique challenge. In between fights, you can check the crafting table on deck to see if you’ve gained enough loot to upgrade your weapons, clothing or ship component upgrades.
There are specific npcs you will meet in your travels who will join you on your journey and unlock new skills to use. For example there’s Aleq, a powerful shaman who teaches you a powerful curse spell called anathema, and Frank, the loveliest skeleton on Hoctal who adds a skill called skelectric which summons skeletal arms to deal shock damage. I am excited to see who else we will meet in our travels at full release.
What truly impressed me during my time with the preview was the sense of depth woven into every aspect of the game. From the intricate crafting system to the seamless blend of naval and on-foot exploration, Trident’s Tale feels like a significant step forward for 3DClouds. It retains the core appeal of its predecessor while layering in a heap of new mechanics and opportunities that promise an immersive and engaging pirate experience.
If this preview is anything to go by, Trident’s Tale is shaping up to be a must-play for any fan of pirate games, indie or otherwise. Prepare to weigh anchor and set sail for adventure on May 22 when Trident’s Tale launches on Steam, Epic Games Store, Xbox, PlayStation and Nintendo Switch.
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Str8JaktJim