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Trinity Trigger

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Trinity Trigger
Item: Trinity Trigger
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2023

GenresFantasy, Adventure, Action, RPG, Top-Down Perspective, Anime and JRPG, Single Player, Multiplayer

AvailableApr 25, 2023

PlatformPlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4

DeveloperThree Rings

Overview

Trinity Trigger is an action role-playing video game developed by Three Rings and published by FuRyu in Japan. Published in Europe and Australia by Marvelous Europe and in North America by XSEED Games, Trinity Trigger features a star-studded group of RPG developers including worldbuilding artist Yuki Nobuteru (Secret of Mana), character designer Raita Kazama (Xenoblade), scenario writer Yura Kubota (OCTOPATH TRAVELER), and composer Hiroki Kikuta (Secret of Mana).

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Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

21%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

75%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The story of Trinity Trigger receives mixed praise, with several critics highlighting its nostalgic charm and engaging worldbuilding. Critics like Hey Poor Player and Siliconera commend the game’s intriguing lore and sincere writing, noting that it offers a compelling narrative despite its familiarity. Softpedia and Pocket Tactics appreciate the story’s potential and unique twists, while Vgames emphasizes its nostalgic appeal reminiscent of classic JRPGs. The narrative’s focus on an ancient conflict between gods of chaos and order, as described by COGconnected and Movies Games and Tech, provides a solid foundation for exploration. Additionally, Checkpoint Gaming and Digitally Downloaded observe that the story gains momentum later, with deeper relationships and concepts emerging after an initially slow start. These positives suggest the game’s narrative has moments of promise, particularly for fans of traditional RPG structures. However, the story faces significant criticism for its predictability, pacing issues, and lack of depth. But Why Tho? and Gamer Escape argue that the plot feels generic, with characters often disconnected from the central conflict and last-minute twists that fail to surprise. GameSpew and Movies Games and Tech label the narrative as clichéd, while Impulsegamer and RPG Fan point to repetitive structures and underdeveloped character moments. The pacing is a recurring issue: But Why Tho? criticizes the erratic flow, while Noisy Pixel notes that the final act feels rushed. Nintendo Life and PlayStation Universe also mention the story’s lack of urgency, with Inverse and RPG Site calling the characters one-dimensional and the plot trope-filled. These critiques highlight a disconnect between the game’s ambitious setup and its execution, leaving many reviewers unimpressed by its narrative ambition. Overall, the consensus on Trinity Trigger’s story is divided, reflecting both its nostalgic appeal and structural shortcomings. While critics like Hey Poor Player and Siliconera acknowledge its potential and charm, others such as But Why Tho? and Inverse find it unoriginal and underdeveloped. The narrative’s reliance on familiar JRPG tropes—such as the chosen one arc and divine conflicts—is both a strength and a weakness, appealing to longtime fans but frustrating those seeking innovation. Platforms like Nintendo Switch see some improvement in pacing compared to PC versions, though issues persist across all releases. Ultimately, Trinity Trigger offers an accessible, if unremarkable, story that prioritizes nostalgia over originality, leaving its reception split between appreciation for its heart and disappointment in its execution.

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story and narrative

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Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

46%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

46%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The gameplay of Trinity Trigger receives widespread praise for its engaging combat mechanics, which many critics highlight as the game’s strongest aspect. Reviewers like Nintendo Life and Noisy Pixel commend the real-time action system, drawing comparisons to classics like Secret of Mana, with its intuitive weapon switching, customizable combos, and dynamic "Trigger" transformations. The ability to swap between three characters and their unique weapons mid-combat is frequently lauded for adding variety and strategic depth, as noted by Siliconera and Pocket Tactics. Additionally, the game’s emphasis on exploration and environmental puzzles, along with its accessible control scheme, appeals to both casual and seasoned players. Impulsegamer and RPG Fan also appreciate the blend of action and RPG elements, while Invers and RPG Site highlight the satisfaction of optimizing gear and skill trees. Overall, the combat system is seen as a standout feature that balances simplicity with depth. However, several critics point to notable flaws in the gameplay, particularly around AI behavior, repetition, and design choices. But Why Tho? and Movies Games and Tech criticize the companion AI for being unreliable and overly simplistic, undermining the game’s co-op focus. The repetitive dungeon layouts, enemy encounters, and lack of memorable bosses are recurring complaints, with Gamer Escape and Finger Guns noting a lack of variety and progression. ZTGD and Checkpoint Gaming also mention frustrations with confusing waypoint systems and timing challenges, while PlayStation Universe and Vgames point out that character distinctiveness is underdeveloped, leading to monotonous combat. Additionally, some critics, like Digital Download and Everyeye.it, argue that the game’s simplicity and short runtime may leave players wanting more depth or challenge. Despite these criticisms, the overall consensus among reviewers is that Trinity Trigger delivers a fun and nostalgic experience rooted in classic action RPGs, though it falls short of perfection. The combat system, praised for its responsiveness and customization by Siliconera, Nintendo Life, and TouchArcade, is often seen as the game’s saving grace, even if it’s not without flaws. While issues like AI shortcomings, repetitive content, and a lack of distinct character roles are frequently mentioned, many critics acknowledge the game’s charm and accessibility. Gamer Escape and Movies Games and Tech note that while the gameplay isn’t groundbreaking, it remains enjoyable for fans of the genre. Ultimately, Trinity Trigger is viewed as a competent but uneven title that excels in its core mechanics but struggles to elevate itself beyond its formulaic design.

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gameplay mechanics

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Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

30%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

52%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

17%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The graphics and visual design of Trinity Trigger received praise for their charm, unique art style, and attention to character details. Critics like Gamer Escape highlighted the "strong character design" with a "unique charcoal brushstroke aesthetic," while Movies Games and Tech noted the "gorgeous" anime-style cutscenes that evoke a nostalgic, Pokémon-like feel. Siliconera appreciated the hand-sketched, rustic visuals and distinct biomes across regions, calling environments "a treat to explore." Nintendo Life and Pocket Tactics praised the "beautiful" hand-painted anime-style cutscenes and character portraits, with the latter noting the "charming chibi-esque 3D world" and "polished" designs. Even Digitally Downloaded acknowledged the game’s ability to blend modern aesthetics with 90s JRPG nostalgia, emphasizing its visual appeal despite technical limitations. However, several critics pointed out significant shortcomings in the game’s visuals. COGconnected and SpazioGames criticized the "PS2-era look" and "outdated" graphics, while Hey Poor Player and Metro GameCentral described dungeons as "bland," "monotonous," and "identical." GameSpew called the visuals "just fine," but others like Hardcore Gamer and Impulsegamer noted issues with "muddy textures," "stiff animations," and "generic fantasy tropes." Everyeye.it and ZTGD highlighted inconsistencies, such as "outdated chibi-style character models" contrasting with "beautiful animated cutscenes," while Checkpoint Gaming lamented the lack of dungeon variety. These critiques often centered on environmental flatness, repetitive designs, and a sense of technical underachievement compared to modern standards. The overall consensus among critics is mixed, with praise for specific elements like character design and nostalgic aesthetics offset by frustrations over dated visuals and monotonous environments. While Nintendo Life and Pocket Tactics celebrated the game’s charm and stylized art, many others, including PlayStation Universe and SpazioGames, felt it failed to "impress visually" due to its retro-inspired, unpolished presentation. The divide reflects a tension between appreciation for the game’s artistic identity and disappointment in its technical execution. Despite this, several reviewers acknowledged that Trinity Trigger’s visuals, while not groundbreaking, effectively support its nostalgic, story-driven gameplay, making it a polarizing but occasionally endearing experience.

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graphics and visual design

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Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

43%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

48%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The sound design and music of Trinity Trigger received largely positive acclaim, particularly for its nostalgic and evocative qualities. Critics like Siliconera praised the soundtrack as “catchy and evocative,” emphasizing its ability to evoke a sense of nostalgia tied to classic RPGs. Nintendo Life highlighted the work of composer Hiroki Kikuta, noting that his music “instantly recognizable” and reminiscent of the Mana series, while RPG Fan called it “consistently nostalgic” with a blend of accessibility and familiarity. Noisy Pixel lauded the soundtrack for its “strong ambiance,” and TouchArcade described it as “lovely.” The music’s ability to align with the game’s narrative and create immersive environments was frequently noted, with Everyeye.it appreciating how Kikuta’s score emphasized darker moments. Additionally, Digitally Downloaded and RPG Site highlighted the nostalgic MIDI-style tracks that evoke the spirit of Secret of Mana, underscoring the soundtrack’s role in shaping the game’s identity. However, several critics pointed to notable flaws in both sound design and voice acting. Metro GameCentral criticized the “uninspiring” Western voiceovers and “infuriatingly repetitive” battle cries, while Hey Poor Player found the frequency of character quips during battles “unbearable.” Finger Guns and Gamer Escape also noted issues with combat barks and the lackluster story, which limited the voice acting’s impact. PlayStation Universe described the soundtrack as “largely unremarkable,” and Softpedia criticized its “lack of variety.” Checkpoint Gaming acknowledged that repetitive English audio could be grating but suggested switching to Japanese alleviated the issue. These critiques highlight a disconnect between the game’s musical aspirations and execution, with some elements feeling overused or underdeveloped. Overall, the consensus leans toward admiration for Trinity Trigger’s soundtrack as a nostalgic homage to classic RPGs, particularly through Hiroki Kikuta’s contributions, but with significant reservations about specific aspects of sound design and voice acting. While Siliconera, Nintendo Life, and Noisy Pixel celebrated the music’s charm and emotional resonance, critics like Metro GameCentral and Hey Poor Player emphasized its shortcomings. The divide between positive and negative feedback suggests that while the game’s audio excels in evoking nostalgia and atmosphere, it struggles with consistency and repetition. Despite these issues, the majority of reviewers—especially those on Nintendo Switch—recognized the soundtrack’s strengths, indicating a generally favorable reception despite its flaws.

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music and sound design

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Voice Acting

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TL;DR

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

27%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

67%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in Trinity Trigger receives largely positive feedback across multiple reviews, with many critics praising its overall quality and contribution to the game’s charm. COGconnected acknowledges that the voice work is “mostly good,” while Finger Guns highlights its “solid” delivery in both English and Japanese, emphasizing accessibility for a broader audience. Movies Games and Tech commend the “charmingly drawn and voiced” characters, and Siliconera notes that the English localization adds to the game’s appeal with its “likeable” performances. Hardcore Gamer and Impulsegamer go further, calling the voice work “outstanding” and “solid across the board,” respectively, particularly praising the energetic and immersive nature of the dialogue. Additionally, Noisy Pixel and Pocket Tactics highlight the emotional depth and narrative enhancement provided by the voice actors, with the latter noting that NPCs add life to the world through their interactions. These reviews collectively suggest that the voice acting is a strong suit for the game, even if not universally flawless. However, several critics point out specific shortcomings or inconsistencies in the voice acting. COGconnected criticizes the protagonist’s voice actor as “miscast,” while Metro GameCentral finds the Western voicework “overly cheerful” and mismatched with the dialogue. Vgames directly calls the voice acting “inconsistent,” a sentiment echoed by PlayStation Universe, which notes that the performances lack “memorable lines or standout moments.” Gamer Escape also points to the story’s weakness as a factor, arguing that the “lackluster narrative” limits the actors’ ability to shine. Meanwhile, RPG Fan mentions the absence of a dual-language audio option, which could be a drawback for some players. These critiques highlight that while the voice acting is generally strong, it faces challenges in areas like tonal consistency, character depth, and storytelling synergy. Despite these mixed elements, the overall consensus among critics leans toward appreciation for Trinity Trigger’s voice acting as a cohesive and effective component of the game. While some reviews, like those from Hardcore Gamer and Impulsegamer, celebrate its excellence, others such as Noisy Pixel and Pocket Tactics acknowledge its role in elevating the narrative experience. The criticisms—such as the protagonist’s casting or tonal issues—are often seen as minor drawbacks rather than deal-breakers. Critics like Siliconera and Movies Games and Tech emphasize that the voice acting enhances the game’s charm, while Vgames’ negative take stands out as an outlier. Ultimately, the reviews suggest that Trinity Trigger’s voice acting is a well-executed but occasionally uneven aspect of the experience, with most agreeing it contributes positively to the overall package.

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voice acting

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Technical Performance

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technical performance

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Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

13%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

88%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The reviewers generally acknowledge some positive aspects of Trinity Trigger’s replay value, though they vary in emphasis. SpazioGames highlights the game’s “good amount of content” and potential for future expansions, suggesting long-term appeal despite its current limitations. Impulsegamer notes that optional quests offer unique rewards, including special weapons, while local multiplayer adds a layer of variety. Pocket Tactics and Nintendo Life both point to side quests and exploration as incentives to revisit areas, with the latter mentioning that players can extend gameplay through leveling up skills or completing side missions. Tech-Gaming emphasizes customization options for loadouts and arsenal efficiency, which could encourage multiple playthroughs. These elements collectively suggest a foundation for replayability, particularly for fans of tactical combat and character progression. However, several critics express concerns about the game’s limitations in sustaining long-term engagement. Finger Guns criticizes the “lack of content and variety,” noting that post-game hidden bosses alone may not suffice for repeated playthroughs. NintendoWorldReport describes the base experience as short, with a 10-hour expedient playthrough and only 20 hours when including side quests, arguing that the world and combat systems could have been expanded further. Pocket Tactics also points out that side missions lack variety, which might diminish their appeal over time. Vgames mentions not completing the game fully, implying that some players may find the core content insufficiently rewarding to justify multiple runs. These critiques highlight a recurring theme of underdeveloped depth despite the presence of optional elements. Overall, the critics present a mixed consensus on Trinity Trigger’s replay value. While there is recognition of features like side quests, customization, and multiplayer that could extend gameplay, the majority agree that the game’s core content feels limited in scope and variety. SpazioGames and Tech-Gaming offer more optimistic views, suggesting potential for growth through expansions or player-driven strategies, but Finger Guns, NintendoWorldReport, and Pocket Tactics emphasize that these elements fall short of creating a truly compelling reason to replay. The lack of substantial post-game content and the game’s relatively brief duration appear to be the most significant barriers to sustained engagement, despite some positive aspects that cater to specific playstyles.

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replay value

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Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

33%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

67%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The overall sentiment toward Trinity Trigger is largely positive among fans of classic JRPGs, with many critics praising its nostalgic charm, engaging combat, and co-op appeal. Reviewers like Nintendo Life highlight it as a “great throwback to '90s JRPGs” with “beautiful visuals” and “nostalgic music,” while Siliconera calls it a “charming and cozy comfort RPG.” Hey Poor Player appreciates its “strong narrative and engaging combat,” and Noisy Pixel notes the game’s addictive progression systems, comparing it favorably to Secret of Mana. The co-op experience is frequently lauded, with But Why Tho? suggesting it’s worth trying in multiplayer, though they caution about online support. Pocket Tactics and Checkpointer Gaming also commend its “well-crafted adventure” and “enjoyable gameplay,” emphasizing its appeal to veterans of the genre. However, several critics point to significant flaws that detract from the experience. But Why Tho? criticizes the “tedious mechanics” and “dumb companion AI,” while COGconnected and Finger Guns highlight issues with “poor support character AI” and “lack of character development.” Gamer Escape and GameSpew note that the game “fails to stand out” in terms of story, visuals, or combat depth, calling it a “decent but forgettable” title. Vgames and ZTGD criticize outdated graphics, inconsistent voice acting, and “mediocre storytelling,” while RPG Site calls out “irritating ally behavior” and “tedious weapon/rune systems.” Even Hardcore Gamer, who praises the soundtrack and action flow, acknowledges the game’s “mediocre graphics” and “easy early bosses.” These critiques often center on repetitive mechanics, lack of innovation, and unpolished systems. Despite mixed reviews, the consensus leans toward Trinity Trigger being a worthwhile but niche experience for JRPG enthusiasts. While it doesn’t break new ground, its charm and co-op focus resonate with fans of 90s classics. Nintendo Life and Pocket Tactics argue it’s one of the “best JRPGs of 2023,” while others like Siliconera and SpazioGames describe it as a “comfort RPG” that’s hard to dislike despite its flaws. However, critics like But Why Tho? and RPG Site suggest it’s best approached with low expectations, noting that its shortcomings—particularly in AI, story, and innovation—limit its lasting impact. Ultimately, the game is seen as a nostalgic, if imperfect, tribute to a bygone era of action RPGs, appealing more to genre purists than casual players.

TL;DR

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Reviews

48 reviews found

Tech-Gaming

Apr 25, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Trinity Trigger is a delightful old-fashioned action/adventure game with enjoyable gameplay, well-designed dungeons, and a minor transgression of selling extra storytelling as DLC.

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COGconnected

PlayStation 5

Apr 25, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Trinity Trigger is a game for fans of the JRPG genre, with a compelling narrative and great combat. However, it is held back by poor support character AI and bland dungeon design.

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Digitally Downloaded

Nintendo Switch

Apr 24, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Trinity Trigger fills a specific niche and is likely to enchant fans of 90s JRPGs.

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Impulsegamer

Nintendo Switch

Jun 2, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Trinity Trigger is a great game with standout gameplay and soundtrack. The mediocre graphics and story are overlooked. The reviewer spent around 35 hours playing the game, including optional content. The game is recommended to fans of action RPG gameplay.

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Nintendo Life

Nintendo Switch

Apr 24, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Trinity Trigger is a great throwback to '90s JRPGs, with engaging gameplay, beautiful visuals, and nostalgic music. The plot is not exceptional and the game is on the easy side, but it is still a strong contender for one of the best JRPGs of 2023 so far.

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Hardcore Gamer

Nintendo Switch

Apr 24, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Trinity Trigger is an enjoyable game with a good balance of action and systems. It may not be the prettiest-looking game, but it offers a nice flow of action and a top-tier soundtrack.

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Pocket Tactics

Nintendo Switch

Apr 24, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Trinity Trigger is a nostalgic and charming RPG that successfully revives elements of 90s classics while providing a cozy experience for both new and veteran players. It offers a well-crafted adventure, though its length may be a consideration for some.

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Siliconera

PlayStation 5

Apr 25, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Trinity Trigger doesn't offer anything new or groundbreaking, but it's a charming and cozy comfort RPG that is hard not to love.

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Hey Poor Player

PlayStation 5

Apr 24, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Trinity Trigger is a charming JRPG that successfully provides a role-playing fix with a strong narrative and engaging combat. The lack of variety in graphics and sound design are drawbacks, but the game is a worthwhile experience.

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Noisy Pixel

Nintendo Switch

Apr 24, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Trinity Trigger provides the essentials for a fulfilling JRPG experience. While the conclusion feels a bit rushed, the adventure still manages to grab you. The area design and methods of progression add a significant amount of thought to making this title an addictive one. Fans of Secret of Mana should give this modern outing a shot.

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