Games from super talented solo developers are becoming more and more common these days, but sometimes one comes along that makes you question how just one person is behind it. Trench Tales is one such game. It’s a stunning yet haunting WW1 third-person shooter that feels like a blend of Resident Evil and Sniper Elite (albeit with fewer slow-motion exploding organs). While it’s a way off releasing at the moment and is without a launch date or window, there is still a chance for you to try it early, because its creator is hosting a series of playtests.
Channeling the atmosphere of some of the best horror games, Trench Tales puts you in the boots of a lone soldier that has been transported to a dark alternate realm of a WW1 battlefield. From war-ravaged towns, to castles, to trenches, the environments look beautifully grim. Throughout the game’s story, which solo developer Talking Drums promises will “leave you questioning the boundaries of truth and perception,” you’ll be battling against malevolent forces that take the form of reanimated fallen soldiers.
While you will have plenty of traditional (and highly-customizable) WW1 weaponry to hand, ranging from handguns to sniper rifles, you can also tap into a set of supernatural powers. These allow you to slow down time, see enemies through walls, heal wounds more quickly, and much more.
Talking Drums also describes Trench Tales as having “risk-reward gameplay with consequence for death.” Strategy, sharp aim, resourcefulness, and the ability to keep your focus with all that psychological horror stuff going on, will be crucial.
If that sounds like a bit of you, Talking Drums has just kicked off a run of “bite size” weekend playtest sessions. The first is live right now, and you can sign up to become a playtester (and learn more about Trench Tales) over on its Steam page here.
As mentioned, there’s currently no indication of a release date for Trench Tales, but I really can’t wait to see and hear more about this ambitious-looking shooter. Until then, make sure you check out our lists of the best war games and best FPS games for some more titles that will take you back to that infamous era.
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