All Quiet in the Trenches
- January 17, 2024
- Totally Not Aliens
- 3h median play time
"All Quiet in the Trenches" is a war game set in World War I, where you play as a German Unteroffizier responsible for your soldiers' survival. Manage camp life and make decisions that affect your soldiers' well-being, balancing their needs and your superiors' demands. The chaos of war and your choices create a unique story each playthrough, but they won't change the war's outcome. Visit the roadmap at for more information.
Reviews
- The game offers a unique narrative-driven experience that immerses players in the emotional struggles of soldiers during WW1.
- The character development and relationships between soldiers create a strong emotional connection, making players care about their fates.
- The frequent updates and the developers' commitment to expanding the game's content show great promise for future improvements.
- The current content is limited, with only about 3-5 hours of gameplay available, which some players feel does not justify the price.
- The combat mechanics can feel clunky and lack clarity, leading to confusion during battles and a sense of randomness in outcomes.
- Some players have reported bugs and performance issues, which detract from the overall experience.
- story101 mentions
- 36 % positive mentions
- 61 % neutral mentions
- 3 % negative mentions
The game's story is widely praised for its emotional depth and character development, allowing players to form strong connections with their soldiers and experience the harsh realities of World War I. While the narrative is engaging and offers varied outcomes based on player choices, many reviewers note that the current content is limited, resulting in a relatively short playtime of around 5-10 hours. Overall, the storytelling is seen as a standout feature, with potential for expansion as the game continues to develop in early access.
“The storytelling, the gameplay, everything is incredible.”
“The story is superb and very well written.”
“Learning the story of each soldier under your command and seeing the consequences of decisions play out really hits home on the weight of command.”
“The management part of the game is just doing the same annoying tasks again and again... whatever storyline there might be is overshadowed by the annoyance of having to fix yet another bloody 'communication trench that got hit last night'.”
“Well, I did and I did not share this same passion this time due to how similar the story and the missions were; it felt almost all the same, I even had most of the same soldier names!”
“Building is basically useless and a pure waste of time; I've got the same story five times in one run and the same event three times in one battle.”
- gameplay82 mentions
- 32 % positive mentions
- 61 % neutral mentions
- 7 % negative mentions
The gameplay is a mix of tactical combat and resource management set in a World War I context, offering unique decision-making experiences that can lead to varied outcomes. While the game shows promise with its immersive storytelling and engaging mechanics, many players find the current content limited, with only 3-4 hours of gameplay available in early access, leading to concerns about its high price point. Overall, the mechanics are seen as needing refinement, particularly in combat, but the core gameplay loop is enjoyable and has potential for future updates.
“The tactical combat does have plenty of interesting choices, mainly hearkening back to that push your luck mechanic where you have to choose to stay in a particularly dangerous position to scavenge more ammunition, give a comrade first aid, or simply to follow orders.”
“⚙️ Dynamic gameplay: each playthrough offers different challenges and outcomes based on your decisions, making the experience unique every time.”
“The gameplay involves managing resources, maintaining morale, and navigating the complex dynamics of military life during one of history's most devastating conflicts.”
“The current price is very high for what amounts to 5-6 hours of gameplay and reflects what I would expect for a full release.”
“I love the idea for the game, I love the details, I love how it connects you with your soldiers and really puts you in the mindset and themes of WW1, I love the story, but my god do I absolutely hate the gameplay, because I am convinced that it is the most boring gameplay on the face of the planet.”
“I can see the concept of a soldier's life, but there is not a lot to do and the battle mechanics are bad and the game is overpriced, so overall I reckon save your money and don't get it and use your money on Hell Let Loose or Verdun if you're looking for a war game.”
- graphics23 mentions
- 43 % positive mentions
- 43 % neutral mentions
- 13 % negative mentions
The graphics are characterized by atmospheric visuals that effectively convey the grim realities of trench warfare, though the art style is often described as functional rather than striking. While some users appreciate the unique art style and immersive atmosphere, others note technical issues and a lack of polish, suggesting that the visuals could benefit from a darker tone to enhance the overall experience. Overall, the graphics are seen as good but not exceptional, fitting the game's themes without fully realizing their potential.
“Atmospheric visuals that capture the grim realities of trench warfare, though the art style is more functional than striking.”
“Immerse yourself in the grim atmosphere of the trenches, with visuals that depict the harsh conditions and horrors of war.”
“The graphics successfully capture the grim reality of war through its visual design.”
“The graphics can be a little janky, but it's what you'd expect from a studio of their size.”
“Good game (I think?) have found no problem yet, but it is not very clear how the supply system works with ammunition, food, first aid, and such. It would maybe make the visuals a little darker, as I think it fits the theme a little better.”
“Speaking of immersion, if the game is a tad darker visually, be it through vignette effects, more dense/intense rain, light fog, as well as visual effects when your troops are under fire (be it artillery or ground troop fire) when moving from one spot to another, I'm certain it would go hand in hand with the overall aesthetic of the game and its design.”
- replayability16 mentions
- 31 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 19 % negative mentions
The game's replayability is a mixed bag, with some players appreciating the dynamic events and decision-making that encourage multiple playthroughs, while others criticize the limited content and short playtime, feeling it doesn't justify the price. Although there is potential for replay value, many users find that the current offerings are insufficient, leading to a lack of motivation for repeated gameplay. Overall, while the game has some engaging elements, its replayability is hampered by its early access status and limited content.
“Replayability through dynamic events: different outcomes based on player choices encourage multiple playthroughs.”
“And even though it's on the shorter side right now, it's still fun and replayable; and this is only like a third of what will be the final content when the game releases properly.”
“Replay value: each decision you make changes the way the soldiers in your command develop and the way the higher-ups view you and your unit.”
“It's not as 'replayable' as it pretends to be. I played for 6 hours and I'm done with it. Finished it too quickly; it's too easy. Really annoyed I can't refund this as 25 euros is a joke for the amount of content in this.”
“Currently not worth the money and not replayable.”
“It's supposed to be replayable, but since you only get different soldiers from a limited pool and most events are similar, there is no reason to replay again for 2 more hours.”
- emotional14 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game "All Quiet in the Trenches" is praised for its profound emotional narrative, effectively portraying the psychological toll of war on soldiers and fostering deep connections with uniquely developed characters. Players report experiencing intense emotional moments, including heartbreak and tears, as they navigate the challenges of command amidst the horrors of World War I. While the game excels in emotional storytelling, some players desire an even darker exploration of the war's grim realities.
“The game emphasizes the human aspect of warfare, with a strong focus on the emotional and physical well-being of your men as they endure the horrors of battle.”
“Set against the backdrop of World War I, 'All Quiet in the Trenches' offers a deeply personal and emotional narrative.”
“Similar to games like This War of Mine, you quickly build an emotional bond with the individually designed soldiers, who all have their own background story, character traits, and storylines.”
- atmosphere12 mentions
- 67 % positive mentions
- 8 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere effectively captures the grim realities of World War I trench warfare, immersing players in a detailed and immersive environment that reflects the harsh conditions of the time. While the visuals are atmospheric, some players feel that the art style could be more striking, and certain gameplay elements, like NPC shooting, detract from the overall experience. Overall, the atmosphere is praised for enhancing the strategic gameplay, making it a compelling aspect of the game.
“👍 [b]atmospheric visuals:[/b] successfully captures the grim reality of war through its visual design.”
“The atmosphere is detailed and immersive, and the core gameplay is fun and satisfying.”
“Chaos and confusion do add a certain atmosphere to be sure, and the point of the battles is not to win the war right there, but it would be nice if in the tutorial screens it better clarified concepts like suppression, firing at will, and how you can actually counter/effect enemy movements.”
“🎨 [b]grim visuals:[/b] immerse yourself in the grim atmosphere of the trenches, with visuals that depict the harsh conditions and horrors of war.”
“The shooting that the NPCs do between turns does nothing to add to the atmosphere as I know they're not actually shooting anything.”
- optimization7 mentions
- 43 % positive mentions
- 14 % neutral mentions
- 43 % negative mentions
The game's optimization is mixed; while some players report a generally stable experience with no performance issues, others have encountered minor bugs and performance problems typical of early access titles. Combat mechanics are described as clunky, suggesting that optimization may not be a priority in that aspect. Overall, opinions vary significantly among players.
“Overall well optimized as well.”
“I encountered no performance issues or bugs.”
“The key: keep balance between keeping your men alive and well and keeping your superiors content with your performance.”
“Combat is a little clunky; it's there to make stories, not to be optimized.”
“Generally stable, but some players have reported minor bugs and performance issues, typical of early access games.”
“Technical bugs: minor bugs and performance issues can detract from the experience.”
- grinding5 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 60 % neutral mentions
- 40 % negative mentions
Players consistently express that grinding in the game is excessively time-consuming, often requiring an unrealistic commitment akin to having a "second life." Additionally, the limited content and repetitive gameplay during both the preparation and battle phases contribute to a tedious experience.
“You'll need a second life for grinding.”
“Besides having only limited content for an overpriced game, the core gameplay in both the preparation phase in the military camp and the battle phase in the trenches is very boring and tedious.”
- stability4 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game is currently plagued by numerous bugs and glitches, leading to a frustrating experience for players. While some acknowledge the typical instability of an indie early access title, they still appreciate the engaging story and troop dynamics. Overall, stability remains a significant issue that detracts from the overall enjoyment.
“This game is a buggy disaster.”
“Fun, but there are a lot of glitches at the moment.”
“This is just a buggy mess now.”
- humor2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is effective, eliciting genuine laughter from players. However, it also presents a paradox where skilled players may overlook the anti-war message, highlighting a tension between gameplay proficiency and thematic intent.
“It has made me laugh.”
“The funny thing about anti-war games is that if you are good at them and not anti-war yourself, the often times the anti-war messaging of the game falls off.”
- music2 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- -100 % neutral mentions
- 150 % negative mentions
The game's soundtrack is generally well-received, with players appreciating its art style and story; however, there are criticisms regarding the need for more intense music during combat sequences.
“Even though I really enjoy this game's soundtrack, art style, and story, I do have some complaints.”
“The music lacks intensity during combat, making the experience feel less engaging.”
“I wish the soundtrack had more variety; it gets repetitive quickly.”
“The background music doesn't match the game's atmosphere, which detracts from immersion.”
- character development1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The character development in the game is highlighted as a key strength, with users praising the emotional storytelling that creates a deeply engaging narrative.
“The narrative is deeply engaging, with strong character development.”
“The emotional storytelling truly brings the characters to life, making their journeys feel personal and impactful.”
“Each character evolves in a meaningful way, allowing players to connect with their struggles and triumphs.”