Hell Let Loose: Vietnam Review

Expression Games is back with a new Hell Let Loose game, this time focusing on the Vietnam War. The original Hell Let Loose is set during World War II, offering a unique gameplay experience, making it one of the best war games to this day. Now, with the addition of a new installment to the franchise with a take on the Vietnam War, it can only get better. However, Expression Games did one thing new this time: they fully released the game, instead of releasing it in an Early Access stage. The feedback of the community matters to make the overall experience better. This is our review of Hell Let Loose: Vietnam, developed by Expression Games and published by Team 17.

NOTE: The review copy of the game was provided by the publishers.

Gameplay

Hell Let Loose: Vietnam is a multiplayer first-person shooter video game. The gameplay of the next installment is very similar to the original HLL, putting players in a 50 vs 50 format to take hold of objectives for victory. The core gameplay of HLLV is to deploy with your squad and try to take the objectives on the map. Every squad member has a unique role that they must make use of to fight the opposing side. While most of the players play as Rifleman or Sniper, others can be an Engineer, a Squad Leader, or a Commander to lead the rest of the squad. The depth of the units and roles within them is steep, which can be overwhelming for newer players.

There are six units and a total of 17 roles. Learning all the characteristics of each role can be tough. However, practicing fewer roles and playing them tactically is the way to perform better in a match. Otherwise, you can find yourself running across the map and dying to a player that you did not even see on your screen. While getting used to the HLLV can be a bit difficult for new players, it is recommended to play the tutorials. The Devs have specifically added the tutorials for all the new features, so that both old and new players can understand the new mechanics.

One of the common judgements that players make for HLL is that it is similar to Battlefield. Although it is somewhat correct, it is more tactical. The Squad Leader must push through and build garrisons for better respawns, otherwise you have to make the whole run back from the HQ.

New Features

Despite the core gameplay being the same in the new installment, there are a variety of new features in Hell Let Loose: Vietnam. A few of the main features are the Helicopters, Boats, and Tunnels. As it is the Vietnam War, the US Force has access to helicopters, and the NVA Force can build and interconnect tunnels across the map. If you join the US Force and select the Pilot role, you can fly the helicopter to drop off Marines or let the gunners shoot at the enemies from the air. Joining the NVA Force allows you to build and interconnect tunnels. This allows you and the rest of the team to use those tunnels to fast travel across the map and surprise the opposing side. The map design includes a lot of rivers, making a perfect opportunity for boats. Both of the Forces have boats for navigation and assault.

In addition to these new features, there is a new mechanic for progression in HLLV. As progression is important for leveling up the roles and unlocking new weapons, players must manage their loadout on the basis of weight capacity. The weight capacity is the new mechanic, and leveling up a role increases the maximum weight capacity. Having more weight capacity is crucial for bringing more magazines, bandages, utility items, etc.

Hell Let Loose: Vietnam also brings some new game modes. Of course, the classic Warfare and Offensive are the heart of this game, but there are two new game modes. The new game modes are Conquest and Domination. Out of these two new game modes, Conquest is quite good, requiring the forces to lower the morale of the opposing force. 

Visual and Performance

Hell Let Loose: Vietnam offers a great atmosphere that captures the chaos of the Vietnam War. The jungles with dense foliage, rivers, runnels, and explosions. However, the issue with the dense foliage is the poor visibility. Most of the time, you cannot even see the enemy; you die. The main problem with the current state of the game is the poor optimization. There are constant frame drops and stutters, especially on mid-range PCs. Although the game looks and sounds good, there is a trade of smoothness gameplay.

Verdict – Score 7/10

Hell Let Loose: Vietnam is a good tactical war game that requires constant communication and strategy to take over an objective. All squad players must fulfill their roles for a progressive return. Otherwise, it can go all downhill for the team. There are classic and new game modes, with new features that are crucial for all players to learn. However, the poor visibility and optimization issues can feel underwhelming for all players.

Hell Let Loose: Vietnam is now available on PC (Steam), PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.