DOS

NAM

Nam can be a simple game to pick up and a difficult one to put down. With a useful multi-player option, the game can become addictive. Unfortunately, the game can also be frustrating. The first level is particularly tough and could put some people off until they master it. The graphics let the game down by being slightly blocky, often making it annoyingly difficult to distinguish between bad guys and trees, Vietnamese and vines. Anyone who enjoyed Doom or Duke Nukem will appreciate the instant gratification this game offers, as the interface is almost identical to those classics.

With its aged graphic look and DOS interface, Nam is a rather surprising release, and seems pretty laughable at first glance. The game uses the Build engine, which was awesome for Duke Nukem, but seems woefully obsolete now. Geriatric technology aside, Nam's attempt to create a mix of standard first-person shooting with the gritty feel of war isn't half bad.

But make no mistake: No matter what the box copy says about "realistically bringing the true experience of the Vietnam War to life," this is a video game trying to pass itself off as an accurate and realistic simulation. Is it a good first-person shoot-em-up? No. Is it a good simulation? No. Should you buy it? No.

You should only consider picking this one up if you are still using a 486, or are so keen on playing a Vietnam War action game that you can close your eyes to the fact that the engine is horribly dated, and not implemented very well to begin with. You certainly shouldn't pay more than $20-$30 for it, as it is essentially a commercial Duke Nukem mod.

As a freely available total conversion for Duke Nukem it might've been worthwhile. As a commercial game in its own right it sadly just takes the piss.