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Marine Heavy Gunner: Vietnam

Score: 72%
ESRB: Mature
Publisher: Groove Games
Developer: BrainBox Games
Media: CD/1
Players: 1
Genre: First Person Shooter/ Squad-Based/ Action

Graphics & Sound:

How can Marine Heavy Gunner: Vietnam’s graphics be summed up? In two words, I suppose: GOOD and BAD. Throughout the game, there are some very nice textures to help give the feeling that you really are in this hostile territory. But, there are also graphical problems that are inexcusable. For example, there are countless trees and other objects that have textures stretching to the point that they appear as a big smear of colored goo. In other instances, it is possible to hit the ‘edge’ (invisible wall) of a map and clearly see background trees that are floating in mid-air. And finally, throughout the entire game, there are many instances of objects clipping through each other, especially for the leaves on trees and other foliage going through building walls and other objects.

On the audio front, MHG: Vietnam does a pretty good job of bringing the action close to home. Every gunshot, explosion, and Vietcong death sounds great with every step toward the infiltration of their territory. In fact, even though the voice acting is a bit on the cheesy side (especially the seemingly-forced cursing), it is better than most games on the market. The only problem is that the characters don’t move their mouths, which takes a lot away from the cinematic storyline.


Gameplay:

Marine Heavy Gunner: Vietnam is a single-player game, but squad-based with the help of your computer-controlled platoon. The entire game is presented in a story-mode fashion, with in-game cut-scenes that help drive the gameplay. You will also receive information from your commander real-time (sort of, since no enemies approach at these times).

In short, MHGV is essentially a game full of many, many mini-missions. These mini-missions are then strung together to make up 10 full levels. As the main grunt in your platoon, you will find yourself in harm’s way on more than one occasion. Because of this, getting medical attention and ammunition refills are essential. Oh, wait! It’s a good thing you have just the right people in your company! Actually, because getting shot can take a ton of damage, having access to a medic is very necessary.

Throughout the game, you will have to storm enemy territory, take over hills and camps, and shoot people down while manning huge guns that are mounted to choppers, boats, and anywhere that is allowed while on foot. In fact, Marine Heavy Gunner: Vietnam has a system in place that places a yellow texture on objects that can be interacted with, such as places to mount your ‘pig.’

But even with what seems like a very good game on paper, playing the game can get pretty repetitive, and the replay value won’t be very high because the game is quite linear in nature. Stack this with enemy A.I. that is, well, stupid (they run back and forth, and don’t work as a team at all), and playing MHGV just lost some luster. But wait! What’s this? A $20 price tag you say? Hmm... maybe it’s not so bad after all?


Difficulty:

For real, though... Marine Heavy Gunner: Vietnam’s A.I. is pretty dumb, which makes playing the game not all that hard. Don’t get me wrong, you will take your licks. When you get wounded, however, you can high-tail it to the medic and get healed instantly (there is a delay between the allowed healings). And given the fact that you can save at ANY time, playing through the game becomes part trial-and-error, part using your option to save to your advantage.

Game Mechanics:

Marine Heavy Gunner: Vietnam controls like most recent first-person shooters on the planet, which makes it easy to pick up for veterans and newbies alike. Using the mouse/keyboard combination allows you total control when storming enemy lines. In fact, the game is based on the Unreal engine, so those with experience here can see it instantly. The only really bad thing is that MHGV is not multiplayer-based at all. There are some maps that would make for an interesting capture/protect the flag (like the awesome hill level with bunkers).

While parts of the game have their problems (graphical and A.I. issues especially), Marine Heavy Gunner: Vietnam is actually a decent, cheap game to pick up and play around with. The $20 (USD) price tag is great, and makes the game have a bit more appeal than if it were released at a normal cost. Those that may not want to spend the 20 dollars on a single-player, linear game should at least keep their eye open a few months from now when this baby drops to 10 bucks or so. Despite its repetitiveness, it can be addicting in a way that you’ll want to ‘play just one more time’ to clear the next mission.


-Woody, GameVortex Communications
AKA Shane Wodele

Minimum System Requirements:



Pentium 3, 750 MHz; Windows 98, ME, 2000, XP; 128MB RAM (256MB for Win 2000/XP); 600MB Hard Drive Space; SVGA High-Color (16-bit); 32MB DirectX 8 compatible Video Card with multitexturing (min: TNT2 class card); 16-bit DirectX 8 compatible Sound Card; Keyboard; Mouse
 

Test System:



AMD Athlon 2700+ CPU; Windows XP; 1GB (2x 512MB) PC3200 DDR400 RAM; ATI All-In-Wonder 9700 Pro 8x AGP Video Card; NVIDIA nForce MCP Audio; DirectX 9.0; Sony DRU-500A DVD±R/RW as main CD-ROM (Speed = DVD-ROM: 8x; CD-ROM: 32x); 6 USB ports; Cable Modem Hi-Speed Internet Connection

Windows Shadow Ops: Red Mercury Sony PlayStation 2 ChoroQ

 
Game Vortex :: PSIllustrated