Men of War: Vietnam Review for PC

System: PC
Dev: 1C
Pub: 1C
Release: September 9, 2011
Players: 1
Screen Resolution: 480p-1080p	Blood, Mile Language, Violence

Of course, the real-time strategy genre isn't always known for its presentation, and this game leaves some things to be desired on this front. On the plus side, the environments make you feel like you're there, with sound effects that capture the mosquitoes and wildlife of the Vietnamese jungles, and well-designed maps that feel natural while offering plenty of strategic options. And some of the environments just plain look great. But on the minus side, the animations aren't always fluid, and I noticed a lot of texture issues. The music that plays during firefights is cheesy as hell. Worst of all, the Vietnamese voice acting is, to my ears, a collection of poorly acted stereotypes.

Men of War: Vietnam Screenshot

One last note: However well-made this game is, it is absolutely not for newcomers, even aside from the high difficulty I've already mentioned. Given that you have to command, sometimes in excruciating detail, the behavior of four different soldiers on the battlefield, the controls are overwhelming by necessity. You can even take "direct control" of an individual soldier. Your men will do exactly what you tell them to, even if you inadvertently tell them to stand just barely in the line of fire. And if you wanted a few low-pressure missions to ease you into the game, forget it: There are no tutorials, and the very first hour of the game has you staving off a rush of enemy infantry, eliminating the enemies guarding a supply crate, and taking out three helicopters—all with a group of four Vietnamese soldiers.

Men of War: Vietnam is made for a niche audience: hardcore RTS fans who are looking for a great campaign. Given that limitation, the game is exceedingly well-executed, offering players a total of ten long, interesting, and challenging missions. This isn't a game that will bring newcomers into the RTS field. But it is a game that will give the RTS faithful exactly what they came for.

By Robert VerBruggen
CCC Contributing Writer

RATING OUT OF 5

RATING DESCRIPTION

3.9

Graphics
The immersion is there, but there are some animation and texture issues.

2.7

Control
They're a little overwhelming, simply because there's so much you can do.

3.0

Music / Sound FX / Voice Acting
The sound effects are great, but the music can be pretty cheesy.

4.0

Play Value
Ten long, well-designed missions for $35. Sold.

3.7

Overall Rating - Good
Not an average. See Rating legend below for a final score breakdown.

Review Rating Legend
0.1 - 1.9 = Avoid	2.5 - 2.9 = Average	3.5 - 3.9 = Good	4.5 - 4.9 = Must Buy
2.0 - 2.4 = Poor	3.0 - 3.4 = Fair	4.0 - 4.4 = Great	5.0 = The Best

Game Features:

The latest game in a critically acclaimed series.

New, story-driven campaign lets you taste the explosive mix of the jungle, Hueys, and rock 'n' roll.

Embark on breathtaking missions including an ambush on the Ho Chi Minh trail, a game of cat and mouse on the Mekong Delta, raids into Cambodia and Laos, bridge defense during the Tet Offensive, and more.