'Verdun' Review Roundup: Game Draws Mixed Reviews for its Portrayal of Trench Warfare

After spending several months on Steam Early Access, "Verdun" was released in its final form on April 28 and was available for a special price of $20.69 until May 5. Its current price is $22.99 on Steam.

The game has been getting mixed reviews, with some reviewers citing its accurate portrayal of fighting in the trenches during World War I.

However, in its first look at the game, PC PowerPlay said the game developed by M2H and Blackmill is a first person shooter that "doesn't paint the right picture" of the actual Battle of Verdun.

The review said the tactics and positioning, such as crouching or lying prone before actually indulging in any shooting, is equally important. In the game there is also power in knowing the layout of a map whether you are engaging in offensive or defensive activity, it said.

The game also allows players to band together as a team headed up by a non-commissioned officer, but their range is limited as several teams are needed when storming a trench. The review said no one team or single player can succeed in the game. However, the reviewer noted that a player can mount a successful defense of a trench and even win the game.

GameSpot, in its review, said players can expect to spend most of their time in the game's Frontlines mode where a couple of teams have to get to an enemy trench after crossing no man's land and then capture it. Players can achieve this goal by simply sticking with their allies in their teams, shooting enemies and surviving long enough to reach the enemy trench.

However, the review noted that capturing a trench and winning in the game is not easy as the enemy has several advantages when defending it. The enemy can also counter attack or go on the offensive all of a sudden. The importance of communication is stressed in the review. It described how the game becomes much easier when attacks are coordinated with other members of the team.

Describing the game as a "bold step," GamerHeadlines said it provides an authentic first person shooting experience based on the biggest battle in the First World War. The review pointed out that there is a lot of waiting in the trenches as players decide how and when to balance caution with daring moves.