Conscript by Jordan Mochi & Catchweight Studio

World War I has a fascinating history when it comes to video games. One of the deadliest and most horrific events in human history, it hasn’t received the rapt attention that its far more “Good Vs. Evil” sequel has, especially in genres such as first-person shooters.

However, as we’ve already seen, the grit and grime of the trenches is an absolutely perfect fit for the survival horror genre. Thus it is that we get Conscript, a top-down horror experience that takes the design philosophy of the original Resident Evil and transplants it to the Battle of Verdun.

History nerds will already recognize this as a pretty horrifying premise. The question is, does the game deliver on it?

At First Light

As a French conscript fighting the Germans in Verdun, things have taken a turn for the worse. Your injured brother is missing, the Germans have breached the defenses, and command is falling back. Can you navigate the nightmarish labyrinth of the trenches to find your brother?

Even if you do, can you make it out alive?

Conscript does an admirable job of creating a tense and foreboding atmosphere. Despite a lack of zombies and bio-engineered monsters, smart use of light, sound, and limited resources combine to create a game that perpetually keeps you on edge.

Its references to Capcom’s landmark survival horror series are many, but they’re used smartly in a way that still feels novel and interesting to this day.

The usual genre staples are all here. Ammunition and healing items are limited, hidden keys need to be found in order to advance, and the question of fight or flight is always on your mind.

War Without End

Conscript also smartly incorporates more modern horror elements, too. Holes in trench walls and barbed wire need to be prepared, lest soldiers or rats find their way in to ruin your day. There’s even a mysterious merchant to trade with for supplies, though he’s distinctly not Australian.

Much like its inspiration, Conscript is also not a particularly long game. However, there are multiple endings to find, incentivizing replays to see what grim fate awaits its characters.

In terms of flaws, Conscript mostly has one in particular that grated on me. The game presents an admirably large trench network to explore, feeling even more like a Metroidvania as you backtrack to previous areas with new keys in tow.

However, the general lack of significant landmarks makes it hard to remember where you need to return to, and even after finding area maps, I would frequently get lost for long periods. It almost starts to feel like padding.

The Verdict

Conscript is a novel and interesting horror game that stands on the shoulders of giants, thanks to its unique setting and love of the genre. If you can get past the repetition and aimless wandering, there’s a lot here to love.

Just try not to catch trench foot. Trust me.

Conscript is available via the Nintendo eShop, PlayStation Store, Xbox Live, and Steam.

Watch the trailer for Conscript below: