Since Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag, I’ve wanted another pirate game that mixes exploration on land and at sea. Seamlessly transitioning between sailing and strolling on foot; firing canons and firing pistols; and allowing me to do just that on my own. Sea of Thieves is fantastic, but I’m not the biggest online gamer. 3D Clouds’ newest title Trident’s Tale offers gamers a chance to sail the seven seas and uncover mysteries on land in a single-player experience, and I am here for it.
I was recently given the opportunity to watch a presentation of Trident’s Tale from 3D Clouds. From wandering around islands and fighting skeletons to watching full scale naval combat, I got an idea of what to expect with the full release. After a short presentation from Executive Producer Roberta Migliori regarding the brief history of the developers, a guided tour followed of the fundamentals of gameplay from Linda Alderrigi, the Lead Game Designer.
Both were lovely, and clearly very passionate about what’s next in store for the company. It’s clear to see why. Trident’s Tale seems relatively stripped back from overtly confusing controls and having a lot to learn. There’s a clear focus on being free to explore the colourful worlds and unlock the secrets within. Visually, it feels akin to Overwatch in the cartoon-esque style of its characters. I loved how it looked and it made me want to dive in straight away. The focus isn’t on overcoming tough enemies; it is on enjoying the ride.
Combat seems relatively simple. You can attack with your sword to build up your magic metre and fire from range. As you progress through the story, you’ll recruit members to join your pirate crew, each with their own unique abilities. I got to meet Aleq, the first crew member you gain. In combat against a skeleton pirate called Zack, magic was used stunned and attacked him, helping to finally beat him. It was interesting to see but also wonder what other spells I might be able to use later in the game.
There’s also an element of crafting in Trident’s Tale. On the fly, you can craft things like bullets for your gun. However, when aboard your ship, you’ll be able to craft upgrades for your it that help when at sea, as well as new weapons. With regards to naval battles, you have different canons that can be used to sink enemy vessels. I only got to see one encounter, but it seemed pretty cool. Going from fighting on land to sailing away in your boat was seamless.
While the aesthetics on land are vibrant and animated, the beauty of the waves and how the sun glistens upon it blew me away. Linda said there was plenty to see on the waters, including multiple dungeons and enemy encounters that included sea monsters. There are treasures to find and puzzles to solve, giving players plenty to do in the 15-hour campaign. It’s always fun to be left wanting more. Trident’s Tale is the pirate game we need right now.
From the gorgeous visuals to its fun yet simplistic combat, Trident’s Tale is looking great. It’s a single-player adventure that wants you to enjoy yourself. There are challenges and puzzles, but it’s also filled with a detailed upgrading system. However, it just feels like 3D Clouds want it to be for everyone regardless of skill level. I can’t wait to explore everything it has to offer. From disembarking on mysterious islands to meeting new friends with special powers, I can’t wait to play more when it releases.
Trident’s Tale is coming to PC, Xbox Series S|X, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch in May 2025.
