Stealth-horror experiences in VR are nothing new. In fact, there seems to be another title aiming to terrify players every month. But Trenches VR seems different. Steelkrill Studio seem to be aiming for a game which is about true immersion, rather than simple jump scares. In the latest information blast for Trenches VR, the studio has revealed some key gameplay mechanics which could help to achieve this.
What is Trenches VR?
Trenches VR is an upcoming psychological horror experience set in the chaos of World War I. A new nightmare is emerging from the mud-soaked trenches of history, exclusively in VR.
You’ll take on a first-person journey where you have to survive and escape the harsh war-torn environment of the year 1917. Trenches VR promises a chilling story as you navigate the horrors of battle, equipped with only your senses and a trench whistle. You’ll need to find clues to better understand the enemy trenches. These will help you in how to progress, and do so without without being caught.
The game relies on your ability to hear and emit sounds. You are equipped with a ‘Trench Whistle’ which when used will play a sound. You should follow the sound. But do so cautiously, as the enemy can hear the whistle too. You don’t want to give out your position easily. Enemies will also be able to hear if you run, if you break anything, or even if you walk on wood as it will make a creaking noise.
The game is being designed for the ‘hardcore’ gaming audience. An objective-finding psychological horror game about finding and collecting clues to escape the Trenches, with gut-wrecking moments and randomised locations for clues on each take.
Key Gameplay Mechanics
Steelkrill Studio has stated that they are ‘listening closely to player feedback’ and ‘pushing the immersion to new heights’. Below are some of the key gameplay mechanics in Trenches VR, as detailed by the studio verbatim:
- Full Arm Tracking: Your arms now follow your real-world movements for increased realism and physical interaction.
- Revamped Inventory System: The backpack system has been refined, and intrusive inventory text has been removed for a cleaner, more immersive UI.
- Enhanced Visuals: Several in-game models now feature upgraded textures and lighting for a grittier, more visceral experience.
- Improved Player Navigation: Footstep responsiveness and movement have been made smoother to better reflect the tension of navigating tight, haunted trenches.
- Better Enemy: Enemy models have been redesigned, and their pathfinding has been improved for more unpredictable and intense encounters.
- Voice Detection Mechanics: Enemies can now hear your actual voice through your headset’s microphone. A subtle visual cue appears near your hands when you make sound — so tread carefully and speak softly.
Trenches VR Launch Date
Steelkrill Studio is developing Trenches VR in partnership with Perp Games. Perp Games earned a good reputation with the VR community by supporting the medium with physical releases early on in the life of the original PlayStation VR, and subsequently has published a handful of titles digitally.
The game is coming soon to PSVR 2, Meta Quest headsets and SteamVR. No specific release date has yet been announced.
Are you excited for Trenches VR? How do you feel about the developers prioritising the game for ‘hardcore’ gamers? Let us know in the comments below!
