Iron Brigade

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.

One hell of a game. There are tons of loot options and load-outs to try in missions that freely allow you to mix and match strategies to your liking. It's a huge amount of fun to bring friends over to your game in order to go for just another gold medal. The extensive stat tracking will have you coming back repeatedly.

What you need to know is that this is a blisteringly paced, funny, addictive game that never lets up.

The game won't live forever, and players will eventually max out their requisite and personal challenges, but for the time being it is well worth the price and time to play.

Trenched screams personality, polish, and customization. While it is labeled a tower defense game, it allows for so much more. Lack of split screen co-op is disappointing, but overall, Trenched is well worth the dozens of hours you will inevitably invest in it.

It's not perfect but, instead of the faults (little things like visual glitches, etc) piling up to become an unbearable thorn in your side, they're more like the eccentricities of a favorite uncle. It's whacky, weird, and wonderful.

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.

Trenched has a surprising level of polish, a steady dose of wit, and a consistent supply of mind-synchronizing mechicular combat. It doesn't ask to be qualified with the modifier "for a downloadable game." Trenched is simply a fully-polished, fully-voiced, and fully-realized mech combat game that genuinely cares about making people smile. The game was clearly designed by people who care, and it shows in every way possible.

On top of the classic Double Fine charm we expected, we found Treched's mechanics more than satisfying, and when you consider the game's approachability and download-only pedigree, the depth is startling.

Trenched is the best downloadable game I've played all year. Its skillful blend of witty writing, fun shooting, and tactical tower defense makes for hours of replayable gameplay.

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.

But those are small problems in what is otherwise a wonderful, simple game. The colored loot calls out to the loot hound in me, and the customization option available for both my mech and his pilot make me want to play a few more matches just to earn the money to trick them out differently. Trenched's campaign isn't terribly long, but like Double Fine's other recent downloadable games, it's completely enjoyable throughout.

A marvelous action game that outshines everything in its class. [Aug 2011, p.73]

Whether if you're a fan of the Tower Defense genre or the Action genre, Iron Brigade is a title not to be missed: the mixture of the two genres it's just perfect and there's a good amount of humor for the ones who love to snatch a laugh while playing.

It is an enjoyable genre crossover with bit of mech (trench) customization, looting, tower defense and shooting. [Jan 2012]

There's absolutely no doubt that Trenched offers a deep and entertaining action and strategy experience, built on a familiar premise, molded into an amazingly unique perspective.

From the grimly nostalgic art design to the thrumming soundtrack and exceptional voice acting, it's a slickly presented package from start to finish. It manages to pack just enough complexity into its strategy to offer a challenge without sacrificing action-oriented gameplay that gives a direct sense of agency and control.

A brilliant game if you're a fan of the Tower Defense genre or the Action genre.

Nice tower defense game with lot of action. Multiplayer is brilliant, however single can be a little harsh. Graphics are slightly blurry.

Trenched is doubtlessly a tower defense game, just one that falls further from the tree than most. Though it takes a few missteps, particularly the tedious scrap collection and the lack of a survival mode, it's ultimately another notch in Double Fine's belt.

Don't like tower defense games? Not impressed by the slow-moving nature of mech games? Me neither, yet I couldn't get enough of Double Fine's newest game. Trenched isn't perfect (it can be a tad frustrating when playing solo), but that shouldn't stop you from experiencing one of the year's most creative games!

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.

Iron Brigade is great on its own - not a perfectly balanced strategy game, but it's great fun finding out what works. With the flesh-filling and reasonably-priced downloadable content, it's an easy recommend.

A refreshing take on the genre. [Issue #81, p.102]

With great playability and presentation as well as a lot of surprisingly subtle humor, Iron Brigade keeps up with the high level of Double Fine's previous releases.

A very interesting title that blends succesfully third-person action with tower defense. Its humour, excellent level design and replayability make it a good choice for those looking for a different game.

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]

Overall, if you can get past the limited movement of your trench, the drab color scheme, and the annoying voice over, Trenched is a fun game that can occupy you for hours by collecting loot, leveling up and killing your way to the top.

Overall Trenched is a fun action game that can require teamwork and planning to complete with the highest rating, that being a gold medal. It has a few online issues, but is still very enjoyable - and with a good four hour campaign if you blaze through it. The game is very replayable, especially with the medal and challenge systems; plenty of unlockables to be had.

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.

This is a satisfying genre crossover that follows through on what Brutal Legend attempted. I'd chalk that up as a victory.

Shredding the different enemies with your varied arsenal is quite satisfying. It'd be a thin experience if you were looking for something to play by yourself, but if you like to just saddle up with friends and blast things apart, Trenched is a strong download.

Trenched is a humorous tower defense game that incorporates fast-paced action and a rewarding loot system to great effect.

Schafer hasn't been able to crack the finer details of blending a story with action and strategy, but Trenched is definitely a step in the right direction, opening up a myriad of possibilities.

It's all good, accessible fun, which makes up for the absence of Double Fine's trademark jokiness.

A lack of variety notwithstanding, Trenched is an action-packed and amusing variation on the tower defense paradigm. If you're open to some mission replays and a little grinding, Double Fine's latest effort could be worth a look.

Because of the necessity of specializing and team-work in the game, single-player Trenched can become frustrating and a bit boring...However, if you have a group of friends you play online regularly with, Trenched can't be beat.

Gun turrets and more can be deployed tactically, though relatively ineffectually - unless you play cooperatively with up to four players. [Feb 2012, p.91]

With Trenched Double Fine continues their legacy of making small games with a couple of irritating elements. However, the game is good fun from start to finish – especially if you've got a couple of friends who are willing to join you on the battlefield.

Trenched follows a well-worn formula with dustings of humor and a self-aware annoyance at its own conformity. That gives it an edge. What it loses out on is the creative soul of past projects, the manic energy of something like Psychonauts.

The game's underlying sense of humour and its obvious affection for giant robots save it from feeling ordinary. [Sept 2011, p.110]