A lot of game in a small wooden box

When a game arrives in a wooden box with labelling which reminds of something done by a wood-burning set – still very nice mind you – it intrigues before you even open it. There is a ‘vintage’ or ‘older’ feel to it, and for a game based on the First World War that is a good fit.

Inside the box – barely as there is a lot of stuff and it takes some careful placement to re-close this one – is a game which is a bit different. Behind the Trenches is touted as a resource management / deck builder, and of course at its core remains a war game. It is not a game trifecta one immediately thinks even exists – so points for a game approach which is a bit different than most.

Now as a preview copy this one was ‘home 3D printed’ or at least it appears that way,  so the finish might not be up to big company print standards, which in this case sort of works.

The entire ‘vibe’ of Behind the Trenches ‘feels’ a bit like something you might find in grandpa’s attic – a bit old school.

Now because you have a bit of a hybrid in terms of game mechanics here there is something of a learning curve – albeit no more than anticipated at first look.

And Behind the Trenches comes with a digital trainer that teaches players the rules and basic strategy. At this point any game that is offered up really needs to have a ‘how-to-play’ video online before the game hits the market. While experienced gamers are likely good at deciphering all but the most poorly written rulesets, watching someone well-versed in the game run through the rules is a benefit for many.

Now in Behind the Trenches you rely on a hand of cards with each country offering some unique options, that ultimately combine into a battle strategy.

The battle begins in earnest with the goal to push the front line into the opponent’s headquarters – you can think of it as a battleground tug of war.

Behind the Trenches plays two-to-four, but probably is at its best with two – it fits the theme best when you think about it.

The game’s greatest drawback might be that it can play a little long – although this one is likely to garner its greatest interest from staunch war gamers and war games tend to be rather immersive and as a result longer on the table.

In the end there is more game in the wooden box, although with a bit of a nostalgic look, which may, or may not appeal.

Check it out at behindthetrenches.com