TrenchFin is a free to play 3D platformer action adventure game developed as a short student project for PC. Players control Asha Trenchfin, an anthropomorphic anglerfish, in a focused climb through a spiraling reef environment filled with platforming and light melee combat elements.
Gameplay
The core loop centers on vertical progression through a towering reef structure. Asha navigates coral formations using standard jumps combined with a dash bite attack that closes distance on enemies and a ground pound move for area impact. Her bioluminescent light serves as a key tool to expose hidden platforms and reveal lurking threats that remain invisible otherwise. Movement flows between interior reef pockets that offer contained platforming sequences and exposed exterior sections that introduce greater risk from the surrounding deep sea hazards.
Combat stays simple and direct with melee focus against the limited enemy roster. Two distinct critter types appear as obstacles that must be cleared to advance. The entire experience spans five distinct levels that build on these mechanics without introducing complex systems or branching paths. Achievements total 24 and tie directly into exploration and combat completion within those levels.
Game Modes
TrenchFin operates as a single player experience with no separate multiplayer or competitive modes. Progression follows a linear sequence of five levels that emphasize platforming challenges and light combat encounters. Players advance upward through the reef by mastering timing on jumps, using the light mechanic strategically, and applying dash bite and ground pound attacks to handle the two critter types encountered along the way. The structure keeps sessions short and self contained.
Visuals and Setting
The game presents a compact underwater reef world built around vertical ascent. Coral structures form the main navigation surfaces while the spiraling layout creates natural level design variety between sheltered interior areas and more open exterior climbs. The art direction supports the student project scope with clear visual cues for the light reveal mechanic and distinct designs for the two critter enemies. The overall tone mixes adventure with a sense of creeping danger from the deep sea setting and the looming Leviathan threat at the goal.
Is It Worth Playing?
TrenchFin suits players seeking a brief, no cost platformer experience with straightforward melee combat and a light based visibility mechanic. The five levels deliver a complete short campaign focused on upward progression and basic enemy encounters without additional content layers. As a free to play title on PC it requires no purchase commitment and runs as a quick session option for those interested in indie student projects or casual 3D platforming. The 24 achievements provide extra completion goals for repeat play within the limited scope. Those who enjoy precise jumping combined with simple attacks in a focused environment will find the mechanics consistent across the levels. The game remains in its original student project state with no announced updates or expansions.
