Trouble in the Trenches

Trouble in the Trenches leans hard on atmosphere, and that is exactly where it earns attention. The shift from pre-war polish to the mud and pressure of 1914 gives the room a clear dramatic arc, with the trench setting doing serious work for immersion rather than just acting as decoration. It is a tense, story-led mission rather than a horror piece, so the mood is urgent without tipping into scares.

This is the sort of game that rewards teams who stay organised under pressure. Communication matters, tasks need splitting, and the best moments come when everyone is pulling in the same direction. As one sharply fitting line has it, "The setting pulls you in straight away, and the ending lands beautifully."

The puzzles look solid, tactile and mostly traditional, with less emphasis on tech and more on observation, pattern-finding and hands-on deduction. That suits the historical frame, though it may also mean a few sections feel slower or less naturally woven into the story than the strongest modern rooms. If you like escape rooms that make you work for progress, this should be satisfying rather than frustrating, provided your group is happy to ask for nudges when needed.

Its biggest distinction is the sequel-style framing. This is not a one-off trench vignette but part of a broader narrative, which gives the room extra identity and makes the ending matter more than usual. The line between compelling cliff-hanger and abrupt finish will depend on taste, but the chapter approach should appeal to players who enjoy connected experiences and want a room with a bit of continuity behind it.

There are a couple of caveats. The space may feel tight for larger teams, and some puzzle sections sound awkward enough to slow the pace if everyone crowds in at once. Younger players can join in, but this is best treated as a shared family adventure or enthusiast room for mixed groups rather than a gentle intro game. For players who value strong theming, a historical frame and proper teamwork pressure, it is well worth the trip.