Trident's Wake is a cooperative twin-stick shooter that places players in control of digital consciousness entities known as ECHOs. These entities inhabit mechanized Sentinels to reclaim the overrun colony ship Trident from alien invaders. The game emphasizes team coordination in a sci-fi setting where each player selects a distinct chassis with specialized battlefield roles.
Gameplay
Core action revolves around top-down twin-stick controls that allow precise movement and aiming while navigating the ship's corridors and sectors. Players transfer into one of several Sentinels, such as the Moskva for frontline defense with deployable barriers or the agile Mogami for rapid dashes and projectile spreads. Combat mixes direct engagements with tactical positioning, as Sentinels carry unique abilities that complement team efforts.
Weapon selection adds depth through combinations like the Guzzler flamethrower paired with the Javelin railgun or the Viper hand cannon alongside the Buster plasma rifle. Support tools include supply packs that benefit allies and repair stations received in return. Mission modifiers increase difficulty for better rewards, while progression involves clearing sectors to unlock new options. Weapon customization features stat re-rolls and upgrades powered by collected tech, and rank advancement grants passive bonuses that enhance long-term performance.
Game Modes
The primary experience centers on cooperative missions where up to four players clear objectives across the Trident's sectors. These missions follow a structured loop of infiltration, enemy elimination, and sector liberation, with modifiers available to adjust challenge levels. Solo play is supported alongside online and local co-op options, though the design rewards coordinated team play through shared abilities and resource exchanges.
No separate competitive or versus modes exist. All activity stays within the cooperative framework of reclaiming ship areas, with mission variety coming from different sectors and modifier combinations rather than distinct playlists or formats.
Progression Systems
Advancement ties directly to mission completion and resource gathering. Freeing sectors grants access to additional weapons and abilities, while tech collection enables upgrades. Re-rolling weapon stats encourages experimentation, and rank-based passives provide steady character growth. The loop balances immediate combat rewards with longer-term customization goals.
Is It Worth Playing?
Trident's Wake suits players who enjoy cooperative twin-stick shooters with loadout experimentation and team synergy. Its mixed reception on Steam reflects a dedicated but small audience, with some noting grindy elements and balance concerns in solo runs. The game launched in 2019 and maintains its original feature set without ongoing seasonal updates or expansions. Those seeking intense co-op sessions with friends will find the Sentinel variety and weapon mixing engaging, while solo players may encounter steeper challenges. Availability remains limited to PC through standard digital storefronts.
