Trench Face
" Atmospheric horror turn-based RPG with skill-based combat but expansion's unfair difficulty spike "
Trench Face Review
Trench Face is a well-received atmospheric horror RPG Maker game that impresses players with its unique blend of survival horror and turn-based RPG mechanics. The game draws inspiration from titles like Fear and Hunger but establishes its own identity through distinctive art style and sound design. Players appreciate the haunting ambiance, unsettling moments, and challenging yet fair combat system that emphasizes player skill over random chance. The base game offers around 4-6 hours of gameplay, providing a tight, engaging experience that balances tension and strategy effectively.
However, the expansion received mixed feedback due to its significantly increased difficulty and perceived unfairness in enemy encounters, which many players found frustrating. Despite this, the core game’s music, visuals, and gameplay mechanics were praised for their creativity and polish. Some players noted the story as vague or minimalistic, leaving room for interpretation but lacking depth. Overall, Trench Face is recommended for fans of dark, challenging RPG horror experiences, with hopes for further development from the creator.
Highlights
Players particularly praise Trench Face's atmospheric horror elements, which are enhanced by excellent sound design and a unique art style that balances detail and abstraction.
The gameplay mechanics are lauded for being fair yet challenging, with combat that rewards player input rather than random chance. The music and ambient sounds contribute significantly to the tense and immersive experience.
The game’s setting, a dark alternate WW1 universe, provides a compelling backdrop that adds to the unsettling mood. The base game is noted for its satisfying balance and engaging encounters, making it a standout within RPG Maker horror titles.
Criticisms
The expansion is commonly criticized for its steep difficulty spike and perceived unfair enemy behavior, which many players found frustrating and player-hostile. Enemies in the expansion often feel overpowered, with health and damage scaling that makes combat feel tedious and punishing.
Some players felt the story was underdeveloped or too vague, relying heavily on notes and leaving many narrative elements unexplored. The game’s short length was also mentioned, with some wishing for a longer or more fleshed-out campaign.
Technical issues like occasional crashes and minor bugs were noted but did not significantly detract from the overall experience.
Pros
- • Atmospheric horror with excellent sound design enhances immersion and tension.
- • Unique art style balances detail and abstraction to stimulate the imagination.
- • Fair and engaging combat mechanics reward player skill over RNG luck.
- • Compelling alternate WW1 setting adds depth to the game's world.
- • Challenging gameplay that maintains a satisfying difficulty balance.
- • Strong musical score complements the dark and eerie atmosphere.
- • Tense and creepy moments that elicit genuine player reactions.
Cons
- • Expansion's difficulty spike is often seen as unfair and frustrating.
- • Enemies in expansion have high health and damage, leading to tedious fights.
- • Story is vague and minimal, leaving some narrative elements unexplored.
- • Short overall game length leaves some players wanting more content.
- • Some class skills feel underwhelming and add little to combat variety.
- • Occasional crashes cause loss of progress and disrupt gameplay.
- • Expansion's stealth mechanics can feel inconsistent and punishing.
Rating Criteria
Trench Face is a horror turn based war RPG featuring exploration-based dungeons, with hanging monsters lurking around each corner. Every enemy varying in strengths and weaknesses. Escape the trench with your life.