Conflict in Vietnam
Ia Drang, November 1965. The deafening whip of chopper blades indicates that the first large-scale helicopter assault ever attempted is underway. The battle begins with touchdown at LZ X-Ray. It ends five days later and no one is quite sure who has won, or what lessons were learned.
Five major battles from the Vietnam War will test your jungle combat command skills, as you harness airmobile forces, artillery and air strikes in a cat and mouse game of guerilla warfare. Battle simulation includes detailed challenges, including a day-night-cycle, weather, terrain, supply lines, formations, unit organization and experience, and more.
Conflict in Vietnam is a classic real-time simulation game from the 80s designed by Sid Meier and Ed Bever. The third title in the “Command Series” of tactical wargames from Microprose, the game begins with the defeat of the French colonial army and ends with the Viet Cong victory over the South Vietnam forces in 1972.
Each battle has multiple variables, so you can create “what-if” scenarios, and different levels of difficulty.
– Accelerated real-time simulation
– Historically accurate scenarios
– Different skill levels
– Single player campaign
– Two-play head-to-head
– Choose to lead either side
– In-depth historical backgrounds and hints
The idea for the Command Series came from observation of actual tabletop military scenario exercises. The games challenge you to manage assets, strategically place and move them around the battlefield map, and try to out maneuver the enemy. Victory requires careful strategic thinking and fast responses to rapidly changing battlefield conditions. Sid Meier, one of the most well-known and prolific strategy game designer-producers, collaborated with historian Ed Bever to make the games incredibly historically accurate.
Game Discussion
Steam User 4
Conflict in Vietnam, developed by MicroProse and released in 1986, is a real-time tactical wargame that immerses players in the complex and tumultuous landscape of the Vietnam War. Designed by Sid Meier and Ed Bever, the game is the third installment in MicroProse's "Command Series," following Crusade in Europe and Decision in the Desert. Unlike its predecessors, which focused on European and North African theaters, Conflict in Vietnam delves into the dense jungles and guerrilla warfare tactics characteristic of Southeast Asia.
The game offers five historically significant scenarios, including the Battle of Dien Bien Phu, the Battle of Ia Drang, the Battle of Khe Sanh, the Battle of Fishhook, and the Battle of Quang Tri. Each scenario is meticulously crafted to reflect the strategic challenges and decisions faced by commanders during the conflict. Players can choose to lead either the North Vietnamese Army (NVA) or the South Vietnamese forces, allowing for multiple perspectives on the same events. This duality adds replayability and depth, as strategies and outcomes vary depending on the side chosen.
One of the standout features of Conflict in Vietnam is its real-time simulation engine, which was innovative for its time. The game operates without turns, requiring players to make continuous decisions as the battlefield evolves. This real-time approach heightens the sense of urgency and immersion, as players must manage resources, coordinate units, and adapt to changing conditions on the fly. The inclusion of factors such as weather, terrain, and supply lines further complicates decision-making, mirroring the complexities of actual military operations.
Graphically, the game employs a top-down view with simple yet effective representations of terrain and units. While the visuals are modest by today's standards, they were appropriate for the hardware capabilities of the time and serve their purpose in conveying the necessary information to the player. The interface is straightforward, with intuitive controls that enable players to focus on strategy and tactics without being hindered by complex menus or commands.
The game's audio design complements its visual and gameplay elements, with sound effects that enhance the atmosphere of combat. While the audio is not as advanced as modern games, it effectively conveys the intensity of battle and the challenges faced by soldiers in the field.
Upon its release, Conflict in Vietnam received positive reviews for its depth, realism, and innovative real-time gameplay. Critics and players alike appreciated the game's commitment to historical accuracy and its challenging strategic elements. However, some noted that the game's steep learning curve could be daunting for newcomers to the genre. Despite this, it has maintained a dedicated following over the years, with enthusiasts continuing to appreciate its strategic depth and historical significance.
In conclusion, Conflict in Vietnam stands as a testament to MicroProse's dedication to creating detailed and engaging simulations. Its blend of historical accuracy, real-time strategy, and immersive gameplay offers a compelling experience for those interested in military history and tactical wargaming. While it may not boast the advanced graphics and features of modern games, its depth and attention to detail ensure its place as a noteworthy title in the history of wargaming.
Rating: 6/10