SteelKrill Studio’s Trenches VR has arrived just in time for Halloween, and so has 131XR’s review of the game. A VR adaptation of the 2023 console and PC game, Trenches VR makes use of the immersive nature of VR to ensure that you’re thoroughly scared. However, it does so with some very basic jump scares, a lot of annoying design decisions, and little else.
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About Trenches VR
Trenches VR is set in 1917, casting you as a soldier behind enemy lines. The game’s official synopsis claims that you’ll “experience the war from the eyes of a soldier caught behind enemy lines.” However, in reality, the game delivers nothing like this. Instead, you’ll find an environment devoid of life and replaced entirely with creepy goings-on.
The game’s unique hook is very simple. There are nine hidden dolls which you must acquire. These can be found by pushing further into the labyrinthian level in pursuit of the sound of crying. If the sound is loud a doll is nearby, if it goes quieter you’re getting further away. You have a whistle you can blow to activate the sound, but doing so will also alert your interminable, invincible antagonist: a mangled beast that, should it catch you, results in instant death.
Trenches VR Review
Trenches VR presents an interesting gameplay premise, but it does so with far too many issues to be considered anything other than a jump scare fest. The fundamentals are all there – decent VR movement options and heaps of atmosphere – but beyond that, the game offers very little to write home about. As you can see in 131XR’s Trenches VR review below, the game is comparable to AFFECTED: The Manor – a VR experience from nearly a decade ago.
What’s more, there are many issues with the VR implementation that most definitely should’ve been ironed out before launch. The game features hidden notes and photographs which upon being collected will offer some backstory. However, a dialogue box detailing their contents will only appear when you hold the item in a specific position in front of your face. Thus, turning your head to read them will mean they automatically close. It is frankly a ridiculous oversight. One which make you wonder if the developers actually played the game in VR.
Perp Games & Steelkrill Studio
As stated above, Trenches VR is based on the console and PC game, Trenches, developed by solo developer Steelkrill Studio. For a one-person team creating a game like Trenches is undoubtedly a tough task. However, this time around they weren’t working alone. The studio has the backing of Perp Games – a company very familiar with the demands of VR game production – and as such, we were undoubtedly expecting better. It’s highly likely that the issues will be fixed as Trenches VR was pushed out the door in time for Halloween. But sadly, as it stands this isn’t an easy game to recommend to even the most adamant VR horror fan.
Have you been interested in Trenches VR? Did you play the flatscreen edition of the game? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
