Jump into the world of Trollhunters: Defenders of Arcadia for Xbox as Jim Lake Jr. and prepare to stop Porgon the Trickster Troll and his sneaky plans. In this action-packed game, you can team up with Claire in couch co-op and get assistance from other beloved characters to face unknown evil forces and help stop the dreaded Time-pocalypse. With opportunities to upgrade your armor and boost your abilities, you’ll become more powerful than ever. Remember, the fate of the universe is in your hands.
In this Outright Games adventure, you’ll journey through time to thwart Porgon. As Jim Lake Jr., your experience and skill will be tested as you navigate through an alternate reality where you’re stuck in a time loop. Following his previous victory against unnamed foes (to avoid spoilers), Jim must now contend with Porgon, who has taken control of a device that creates portals for time travel, sending Jim back to Arcadia one year in the past.
With help from your trusty companions, Toby and Claire, and Merlin’s time map, you’ll fight against Porgon’s mischievous plans. While the narrative may not be the most innovative, it maintains its pace well and fits smoothly into the story arc established in the Netflix series. However, it is worth mentioning that the absence of well-illustrated cutscenes can detract from the overall experience—something fans of the show may miss.
What truly shines in Trollhunters: Defenders of Arcadia is the character interaction. The voice acting is a delightful highlight; most of the original cast return, with Emile Hirsch now voicing Jim instead of Anton Yelchin. These talented actors breathe life into their characters, creating an engaging narrative experience that makes you want to hear them speak for hours on end. While the cutscenes may leave something to be desired, the strong performances significantly elevate the game.
The gameplay in Trollhunters: Defenders of Arcadia takes a simplistic yet enjoyable approach. As a side-scrolling action-platform title, expect basic jumping and sliding mechanics coupled with straightforward sword fights and combat. The gameplay remains accessible and allows for easy cooperation if you’ve got a friend joining you as Claire, making it a breezy experience.
As you progress through different levels or time loops, you’ll earn coins and gemstones, which can be used to upgrade your armor and unlock new abilities. Defeating bosses nets you gemstones, which lead to new weapons, while collectible ‘dirty socks’ can be traded at Rot & Gut’s Sock Exchange. And don’t overlook finding gnomes, which can unlock fun mini-games, along with horngazels that can lead you to hidden treasures.
Given that the game targets a pre-teen and teen audience, seasoned gamers might find the challenge lacking, including during boss battles. Unfortunately, this can lead to a sense of repetitiveness, especially once you’ve beaten the game. While the aesthetics of each level are visually appealing, it’s likely that once you’ve completed the adventure, you may not feel the urge to revisit.
To spice things up, Trollhunters: Defenders of Arcadia includes mini-games found in the Hearthstone Trollmarket. Games like Luug’s Coin Hunt and Go-Go Sushi provide extra fun, allowing players of all ages to engage without needing to continue through the main narrative. Omelrug’s Gnome Challenge, however, can only be accessed after collecting enough gnomes during the story. These mini-games add variety and allow for replayability, while the vibrant aesthetic creates a whimsical atmosphere that feels like stepping into the world of Trollhunters.
Final Verdict
While you won’t find a perfect replica of the Netflix series packed with an original storyline, Trollhunters: Defenders of Arcadia stands out as an entertaining standalone title. It’s certainly a worthwhile playthrough for pre-teens and teens, especially when played with friends. However, adults may find it less captivating over time. If you’re looking for an enjoyable adventure in the Trollhunters universe, this game offers a delightful, if somewhat simple, experience worth checking out.
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