When a game arrives in a wooden box with labeling that looks as though it could have been made with a wood-burning set — and I mean that in the best possible way — it captures your attention before you even lift the lid. The presentation has a vintage, handcrafted feel, which suits a game based on World War I perfectly.
Inside that snug little box — and I do mean snug; it takes careful repacking to get everything to fit again — lies Behind the Trenches, a game that’s a bit different from most war-themed offerings.
It’s billed as a resource management / deck-building hybrid, yet at its heart, it’s still a war game. That combination isn’t one you often see, so it earns immediate points for originality.
The copy I played was a preview edition, apparently home 3D-printed, so the components don’t quite meet mass-production standards — but honestly, that works here. The slight roughness of the finish fits the game’s overall aesthetic. Behind the Trenches has the vibe of something you might discover in your grandfather’s attic — a bit old-school, tactile, and charmingly nostalgic.
Because the game blends several mechanics, there’s a modest learning curve, though it’s no steeper than expected. Helpfully, Behind the Trenches includes a digital trainer to teach players the rules and basic strategy — something I wish more publishers would do. At this point, every game should launch with a “how-to-play” video; even seasoned gamers appreciate a concise demo to clarify tricky rules.
Gameplay centers around managing a hand of cards, with each country offering distinct abilities that shape your overall battle strategy. The goal is straightforward: push the front line toward your opponent’s headquarters — a sort of tug-of-war on the battlefield.
The game supports two to four players, but thematically and mechanically, it feels best as a two-player experience. After all, few conflicts match the intensity of a one-on-one standoff across the trenches.
If the game has a weakness, it’s pacing. It can run a bit long, though that’s not unusual for its genre. Dedicated wargamers are likely to appreciate the immersive experience, while casual players might find it a touch drawn out.
In the end, Behind the Trenches delivers a lot of game in a small, evocative package. The nostalgic look won’t appeal to everyone, but those drawn to its handcrafted style — and its clever mechanical mix — will find a rewarding and thoughtful design inside that little wooden box.
Check it out at behindthetrenches.com.
About Author
Calvin Daniels is a Saskatchewan-born, self-taught journalist. He is currently Editor of Yorkton This Week, with 35-years in the newspaper business.
A Lot of Game in a Small Wooden Box
Inside that snug little box — and I do mean snug; it takes careful repacking to get everything to fit again — lies Behind the Trenches, a game that’s a bit different from most war-themed offerings.
It’s billed as a resource management / deck-building hybrid, yet at its heart, it’s still a war game. That combination isn’t one you often see, so it earns immediate points for originality.
The copy I played was a preview edition, apparently home 3D-printed, so the components don’t quite meet mass-production standards — but honestly, that works here. The slight roughness of the finish fits the game’s overall aesthetic. Behind the Trenches has the vibe of something you might discover in your grandfather’s attic — a bit old-school, tactile, and charmingly nostalgic.
Because the game blends several mechanics, there’s a modest learning curve, though it’s no steeper than expected. Helpfully, Behind the Trenches includes a digital trainer to teach players the rules and basic strategy — something I wish more publishers would do. At this point, every game should launch with a “how-to-play” video; even seasoned gamers appreciate a concise demo to clarify tricky rules.
Gameplay centers around managing a hand of cards, with each country offering distinct abilities that shape your overall battle strategy. The goal is straightforward: push the front line toward your opponent’s headquarters — a sort of tug-of-war on the battlefield.
The game supports two to four players, but thematically and mechanically, it feels best as a two-player experience. After all, few conflicts match the intensity of a one-on-one standoff across the trenches.
If the game has a weakness, it’s pacing. It can run a bit long, though that’s not unusual for its genre. Dedicated wargamers are likely to appreciate the immersive experience, while casual players might find it a touch drawn out.
In the end, Behind the Trenches delivers a lot of game in a small, evocative package. The nostalgic look won’t appeal to everyone, but those drawn to its handcrafted style — and its clever mechanical mix — will find a rewarding and thoughtful design inside that little wooden box.
Check it out at behindthetrenches.com.
About Author
Calvin Daniels
Calvin Daniels is a Saskatchewan-born, self-taught journalist. He is currently Editor of Yorkton This Week, with 35-years in the newspaper business.
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