Screenshots & trailers
Review sentiment over time
Weekly positive-review rate (green) and review volume (bars). Dashed lines mark significant patches; the amber line is the start of the current scoring window. Hover the dots to see what drove a dip or a jump.
How this score was computed
The VGC Score is a weighted blend on a press-comparable 0-100 quality scale. Steam approval rates are first calibrated (95% positive on Steam ≈ 89.5 quality, since Steam approval skews high). Press and tracked creator reviews each count ~2x a player review and share one cap against player evidence (creator buy/skip calls pool into an approval rate, calibrated like Steam approval); all-time sentiment is capped and halved (it's context, not verdict); reviews of the current build carry the most weight when a fresh patch anchors the window; and a 'typical game' prior keeps small samples from pegging the scale. Because press reviews and Metacritic user aggregates describe the launch build, their weight decays as the game ages (3-year half-life after a 1-year grace). That's how a game that launched rough can outgrow its old reception once updates win players over. Reviews under 2h playtime (the refund window), non-Steam activations, and free copies are downweighted.
| Component | Positive | Quality (0-100) | Weight (pseudo-reviews) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Press reviews (Metacritic) | – | 82 | 6 |
| Creator reviews (1 tracked) | – | 84 | 0 |
| All-time Steam reviews | 86% | 79 | 622 |
| Metacritic user ratings | – | 85 | 2 |
| Post-patch Steam reviews (trust-weighted) | 97% | 92 | 4 |
| Calibration prior (typical game) | – | 72 | 50 |
Scoring window: last 30 days (no significant patch detected) · 10 reviews sampled · 8 total reviews in window · weighted 5.9 up / 0.2 down · computed 3h ago · full methodology →
Press & Creators reviews (42)
Individual verdicts from outlets we track: scored reviews first, most trusted outlets first among them. The small badge is each outlet's trust score: how well its scoring history aligns with players.
- 75
“It's all good, accessible fun, which makes up for the absence of Double Fine's trademark jokiness. ”
read full review ↗ - 90
“Like Costume Quest and Stacked before it, Trenched is one of those downloadable games that almost makes you feel like you're getting away with robbery for paying $15 for it rather than full retail price.”
read full review ↗ - 91
“Trenched delivers a lot for its 1200 Microsoft Points tag. It is a new perspective on tower defense and it makes for some frantic gameplay moments, but it does not skimp on the strategic style of it one bit. The action is exciting and the comedy writing is there and really sells it. Double Fine has created a download that is definitely worth your time. ”
read full review ↗ - 91
“What you need to know is that this is a blisteringly paced, funny, addictive game that never lets up. ”
read full review ↗ - 90
“Trenched stands out as one of the best downloadable titles this year on any platform. The mix of genres works out just right, as the tactical notions of a tower defense game blend in well with the action of a third-person mech shooter.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“A marvelous action game that outshines everything in its class. [Aug 2011, p.73]”
read full review ↗ - 80
“This is a satisfying genre crossover that follows through on what Brutal Legend attempted. I'd chalk that up as a victory. ”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Trenched is a humorous tower defense game that incorporates fast-paced action and a rewarding loot system to great effect.”
read full review ↗ - 92
“Trenched is, at the most basic of explanations, a tower-defense game crossed with a third-person mech shooter. But that's a pigeonholed description that doesn't do it justice because it's so much more.”
read full review ↗ - 82
“Trenched is not only a great multiplayer game, it can also be a great way to introduce players to the Tower Defense game genre. And whether playing for 10 minutes or 10 hours, Trenched will keep you addicted thanks to its thoughtful and well balanced gameplay and co-op structure. It is fun, addicting, action packed but yet strategic. And yes, a game you will want on your 360's hard drive. ”
read full review ↗ - 80
“If you ever wished to help your defenses in Defense Grid directly Trenched is the answer to your pleas. Cooperative multiplayer adds an extra portion of fun. [Issue#208]”
- 80
“If you are a gamer who likes a bit of strategy with their third-person shooting mayhem (and if you like blowing enemies away with ridiculous weapons) then I highly recommend you give Trenched a try.”
read full review ↗
The A.V. Club
Worth Playing
Eurogamer
GameSpot…and 30 more tracked reviews.
Patch history
- Multiplayer is now fixed!Oct 2, 2015significant · resets scoring window
- Multiplayer is now fixed!Oct 2, 2015
- New beta patch availableJul 31, 2015
- New beta patch availableJul 31, 2015
- Now with Steam Matchmaking!May 26, 2015
- Now with Steam Matchmaking!May 26, 2015