The Trench
- August 31, 2022
- OmarChapa85
Get on Steam
Get on itch.io Store"The Trench" is a WW1-themed first-person shooter where players battle in the brutal trenches of the Western Front. With a focus on teamwork and communication, players must work together to capture and hold objectives while fighting off the enemy. The game features a variety of historically accurate weapons and uniforms, and offers a unique and immersive take on the traditional shooter genre.
PC
Windows
Reviews
- The game has a very immersive atmosphere and effectively builds tension, making it a fun and scary experience.
- Despite its short length, the game is well-executed with decent sound effects and voice acting, providing a compelling underwater horror experience.
- It's a commendable effort from a father-son duo, showcasing potential for future projects in the horror genre.
- The game is very short, taking around 30 minutes to complete, which may not justify the price for some players.
- Controls can be frustrating and clunky, particularly when using the robotic arm to collect items, detracting from the overall experience.
- The reliance on jump scares and a lack of a pause menu or options can lead to a less satisfying gameplay experience.
- story37 mentions
- 27 % positive mentions
- 65 % neutral mentions
- 8 % negative mentions
The story is generally perceived as shallow and predictable, often relying on familiar tropes and concluding abruptly. While some players appreciated its Lovecraftian elements and found it engaging for a short experience, others criticized its lack of depth and the simplistic nature of its narrative progression. Overall, the storytelling is seen as a mixed bag, with some enjoying its artistic approach while others felt it fell short in execution.
“Without giving any spoilers, I'll just say things get rather creepily Lovecraftian and I enjoyed the conclusion of the story.”
“A great story with some truly spooky elements.”
“Fun game, with a simple yet scary story.”
“The story (the entirety of which, by the way, takes 20 minutes to complete) is incredibly shallow and saturated with tropes.”
“The horror parts are also immensely predictable and the story also just ends on a whim.”
“The ending could have used just a few minutes more to fully develop the story arc, and not in such an expected-trope way.”
- atmosphere26 mentions
- 54 % positive mentions
- 35 % neutral mentions
- 12 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is widely praised for being immersive, tense, and effectively scary, with many players noting its charm and strong use of jumpscares. Reviewers highlight the setting and overall ambiance as standout features, making the experience enjoyable and worth the time and cost. Despite some criticisms regarding gameplay, the atmosphere consistently leaves players wanting more.
“The atmosphere and setting is great.”
“They nailed the atmosphere and definitely left me wanting more!”
“This game is inferior in gameplay, atmosphere, and lore compared to it.”
“While it relies on jumpscares quite frequently, it is a charming game that does a fine job of building up atmosphere.”
“Pretty effective tense atmosphere and decent voice acting.”
- gameplay12 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The gameplay involves gathering audiologs by navigating to specific coordinates, which some players found clunky and frustrating due to overly sensitive controls that hinder precise movements. While the game shares a similar core mechanic with "Iron Lung," it is considered inferior in terms of gameplay, atmosphere, and lore. Overall, the experience is brief and may not appeal to those who dislike the zone-to-zone collection style.
“If you've played Iron Lung, it's essentially the same core gameplay.”
“Not that long but that's okay, it does not drag the mechanics out.”
“I would recommend playing it yourself, but if you want to see some gameplay, check out my let’s play at this link: https://m.youtube.”
“While the gameplay of gathering the audiologs by finding the right coordinates was an interesting idea, it was rather clunky and a frustrating experience when having controls that move you a lot, in something where you'd want tiny adjustments.”
“This game is inferior in gameplay, atmosphere, and lore compared to it.”
“I'm not a huge fan of this style of gameplay where you go from zone to zone collecting audio logs like a trail of candy.”
- graphics8 mentions
- 75 % positive mentions
- -12 % neutral mentions
- 38 % negative mentions
Overall, the graphics are described as decent and fun, contributing positively to the gameplay experience. While some users suggest that further polishing could enhance the visuals, the current graphics are generally well-received alongside the game's good controls and engaging atmosphere.
“The game had good controls and graphics and plenty of great scares!”
“The controls are simple, the visuals fun.”
“Sound is great & graphics are decent.”
“The graphics feel outdated and lack the polish expected from modern games.”
“The visuals are underwhelming and don't do justice to the game's potential.”
“The art style is inconsistent, making it hard to immerse myself in the game.”
- stability2 mentions
- 150 % positive mentions
- -50 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Users consistently report that the game is stable and free of bugs, contributing to an enjoyable experience.
“The game is bug-free and incredibly fun to play.”
“The stability of the game enhances the overall experience.”
“I appreciate how smooth and stable the gameplay is.”
- replayability2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The game offers minimal replayability, with gameplay lasting only 30-45 minutes, which some players find steep at the regular price of $4. However, at a sale price of $1, many consider it a worthwhile purchase despite its limited replay value.
“$4 for 30-45 minutes of gameplay with minimal replayability is just a touch steep.”
- humor2 mentions
- 150 % positive mentions
- -50 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is noted to be light-hearted and entertaining, appealing to players looking for a fun and whimsical experience. The repeated mention of a "funny ocean game" suggests that the comedic elements are a standout feature, making it a memorable choice for those seeking amusement.
“For one dollar, this game is like a funny ocean adventure!”
“This game is a hilarious underwater experience that keeps you laughing!”
“The humor in this game is as refreshing as a splash in the ocean!”
- emotional2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game is highlighted by the wholesome father-son relationship, which resonates positively with players, enhancing their overall experience despite any reservations they may have.
“I love the wholesome father/son development team, and I'm okay with the added premium of supporting that.”
