Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Vietcong thrusts you into the dense, humid jungles of Vietnam where survival hinges on your ability to think tactically and blend into the foliage. From the outset, the game emphasizes squad-based mechanics, letting you issue orders to your AI teammates with a simple click. Whether directing them to provide covering fire or ordering a frontal assault, you quickly learn that cooperation is key—charging in solo rarely ends well in the thick undergrowth.

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Stealth plays a pivotal role in many missions, forcing you to move slowly, listen for distant gunfire and call in airstrikes at the crucial moment. Enemy patrols can spring traps or bring reinforcements, so reconnaissance and patience are rewarded. The adrenaline rush when you successfully navigate around a well-placed trap or silently eliminate sentries is a testament to the game’s emphasis on tactical thinking over pure run-and-gun action.

Multiplayer expands on the singleplayer formula with a suite of well-designed maps and varied objectives. Co-op mode tasks your squad with clearing enemy-held ruins or escorting convoys, while competitive modes range from classic deathmatch and capture-the-flag to more asymmetrical scenarios like defending a relay station from wave after wave of attackers. Regardless of the mode, weapon management remains critical—you can carry only one primary weapon, one sidearm and a knife, plus grenades and medical supplies—so decisions about whether to pick up an enemy’s AK-47 or stick with your M16 can turn the tide of battle.

Graphics

At its core, Vietcong’s visuals strive for a gritty, realistic portrayal of jungle warfare. The foliage is thick and unforgiving, with palm fronds and vines casting lifelike shadows that can hide both predators and prey. Environments range from rice paddies and dense bamboo thickets to bombed-out villages and dank tunnel networks, each area rendered with enough detail to make you second-guess your next step.

Character models are serviceable for the era, with uniforms and equipment modeled accurately to evoke the period. Explosions send dirt flying realistically, and muzzle flashes illuminate the forest canopy in satisfying bursts of light. While textures occasionally look dated by modern standards, especially during a close-up inspection of rock walls or tree bark, the overall atmosphere remains immersive thanks to smart use of lighting and color palettes that reinforce the oppressive heat and tension.

Sound design complements the visuals perfectly: distant mortar fire rumbles through the speakers, insects buzz relentlessly in the background, and dialogue between squad members conveys urgency and camaraderie. This audio layering enhances the illusion that you’re not just playing a game, but experiencing a small slice of a larger conflict. Occasional pop-ins of foliage or minor clipping issues are forgivable in light of the dense environments and scale of the jungles you traverse.

Story

Vietcong’s narrative is a patchwork of intense vignettes that capture the chaos and moral ambiguity of the Vietnam War. You step into the boots of Sergeant First Class Steve R. Hawkins, a seasoned soldier tasked with leading a small recon team behind enemy lines. There’s no grand hero’s journey here—just raw, unfiltered engagements that underscore the grind and uncertainty faced by soldiers on both sides.

Each mission unfolds with minimal exposition, dropping you in media res and letting the environment tell much of the story. Radio chatter and mission briefings hint at a larger conflict, but the real drama emerges as you navigate booby traps, free hostages, and witness the heartbreaking aftermath of ambushes. The sporadic interludes in Vietnamese villages remind you that every firefight affects civilians, adding a somber weight to your objectives.

While the storyline doesn’t delve deeply into character backstories or complex political commentary, it succeeds in delivering an authentic, immersive experience. You feel the tension build as you inch closer to a Viet Cong bunker or race to defuse a hidden trap. This form of emergent storytelling—where the jungle and your team’s reactions become your narrative—keeps each mission fresh and eerily compelling.

Overall Experience

Vietcong stands out as a tactical FPS that refuses to simplify jungle warfare into run-and-gun fanfare. Its emphasis on squad commands, stealth, and environmental awareness creates a layered experience that rewards thoughtful play. Fans of methodical shooters will appreciate how every misstep can lead to disaster, making each hard-fought victory feel genuinely earned.

Though some visuals and AI behaviors show their age, the game’s atmosphere and sound design more than compensate for technical limitations. The multiplayer offerings, from cooperative campaigns to team-based skirmishes, add substantial replay value. You’ll spend hours perfecting maps with friends or testing out different loadouts, and the sense of teamwork remains surprisingly engaging even today.

Ultimately, Vietcong delivers a gritty, immersive journey into the heart of the Vietnam conflict. It may not hold modern graphics milestones or feature a sprawling narrative arc, but its authentic setting, tactical depth, and compelling mission design make it a must-play for enthusiasts of realistic military shooters. Strap on your helmet, steady your aim, and prepare for a harrowing trip into the jungle that won’t hold your hand.

Retro Replay Score

7.6/10