Rising Storm 2: Vietnam
- May 30, 2017
- Antimatter Games
- 25h median play time
A fiery test of awareness, speed and accuracy which upholds the series' devotion to teamwork and authenticity, but doesn't nail the asymmetry of modern era combat.
Rising Storm 2: Vietnam is a tactical first-person shooter set in the Vietnam War. Players can choose to fight as U.S. forces or the Viet Cong in large-scale battles with a variety of weapons and vehicles. The game features a destructible environment, a brutal and authentic combat system, and a deep class and weapon customization system.
Reviews
- gameplay3,718 mentions
- 40 % positive mentions
- 55 % neutral mentions
- 6 % negative mentions
The gameplay of "Rising Storm 2: Vietnam" is characterized by a blend of tactical realism and fast-paced action, appealing to fans of both hardcore military simulations and more casual shooters. Players experience a steep learning curve, requiring patience to master the game's mechanics, which include asymmetrical warfare, unique class roles, and a focus on teamwork and communication. While the game offers intense and immersive combat, it is also marred by bugs and performance issues, leading to mixed reviews regarding its overall execution and polish.
“However, gameplay is still faster paced but you do have to watch your surroundings and have some sort of tactical awareness to your surroundings.”
“While the game may have a steep learning curve for newcomers, those willing to invest the time will be rewarded with a deeply satisfying and rewarding gameplay loop.”
“The gameplay is both challenging and rewarding, providing an immersive and engaging experience.”
“The game has a steep learning curve, especially for players new to the series, requiring patience and dedication to fully grasp its complex mechanics and systems.”
“Every aspect of this game, from the UI to the mechanics, to the graphics, and everything in between just seem hastily and shoddily thrown together with no regard to quality at all.”
“The core gameplay loop just sucks.”
- graphics2,113 mentions
- 36 % positive mentions
- 49 % neutral mentions
- 14 % negative mentions
The graphics of "Rising Storm 2: Vietnam" have received mixed reviews, with many players noting that they are dated and do not meet the standards of contemporary AAA titles. While some appreciate the game's immersive atmosphere and attention to detail, others criticize the visuals for being choppy, poorly optimized, and lacking in clarity, particularly in dense environments. Overall, while the graphics may not be the game's strong suit, many players find that the engaging gameplay compensates for these shortcomings.
“The graphics are detailed and realistic, capturing the atmosphere of the Vietnam War.”
“Graphics for dense jungles to the gritty urban environments are stellar; this game captures the essence of the era flawlessly.”
“The graphics in Rising Storm 2: Vietnam are so realistic that I swear I could smell the agent orange.”
“The graphics are terrible - this game came out in 2017 yet can't seem to get past Half-Life 2 quality graphics and that came out in 2004.”
“Graphics are terrible even on max settings and don't look like what's advertised in the pictures here, with shadows being way too dark, anti-aliasing leaving jagged lines on everything, texture popping in everywhere, shadows absent from objects at a reasonable distance, and LOD trees actually looking better than those near you.”
“The graphics are below average and the game is rather poorly optimized.”
- optimization824 mentions
- 19 % positive mentions
- 48 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The optimization of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players reporting significant performance issues such as stuttering, frame drops, and bugs, particularly on lower-end systems. While some users have managed to achieve smooth gameplay with proper settings adjustments, others find the game unplayable even on high-end rigs. Overall, the consensus indicates that the game requires substantial optimization improvements to enhance the experience for a broader range of hardware configurations.
“The optimization for this game is super impressive!”
“Very well optimized for lower end systems.”
“Rising Storm 2 is an extremely well optimized game.”
“Additionally, some players have reported encountering technical issues, including bugs, glitches, and performance problems, which can detract from the overall enjoyment of the game and frustrate players.”
“I really enjoyed it then, and I want to still enjoy it now, but I simply have to leave a negative review; the game is entirely too un-optimized.”
“The game seems terribly in need of a performance patch.”
- music803 mentions
- 31 % positive mentions
- 64 % neutral mentions
- 5 % negative mentions
The music in the game is a mixed bag, with many players praising the iconic "Run Through the Jungle" by Creedence Clearwater Revival for its atmospheric fit, while others express frustration over the limited soundtrack, which often leads to repetitive listening. While the sound design effectively enhances the immersive experience of the Vietnam War setting, players frequently call for more diverse musical options to enrich gameplay. Overall, the soundtrack is appreciated for its authenticity, but the lack of variety detracts from the overall enjoyment.
“The sound design creates a suspenseful atmosphere while the iconic rock music of the era sets you squarely in the time period.”
“The music (both ambient original scores, as well as the soundtrack featuring a wealth of Creedence Clearwater Revival) is perfect for the setting, without feeling too cliché.”
“Highly recommend it, the music really gives it a great atmosphere when you're running through the jungle.”
“I wish this game had more musical components.”
“Heads up, mute your game when you're in the main menu or turn off the music, or you will hear 'Run Through the Jungle' relentlessly like they need another song in this game.”
“The game only has one song (Fortunate Son, ngl I found that pretty amusing) and it's got tons of other little bugs which end up getting really frustrating.”
- stability790 mentions
- 3 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 97 % negative mentions
The game's stability is heavily criticized, with numerous players reporting persistent bugs, glitches, and performance issues that significantly detract from the overall experience. Many users describe the game as "buggy," with frequent crashes, unresponsive controls, and inconsistent voice chat, leading to frustration during gameplay. While some players find enjoyment in the core mechanics, the overwhelming presence of technical problems and lack of developer support leave the game feeling unfinished and unreliable.
“But: there are no freezes, no gigantic fps drops.”
“Regardless, the game isn't too buggy and feels like it's made professionally almost all the time.”
“The game runs great and has a lot of depth to its mechanics.”
“Additionally, some players have reported encountering technical issues, including bugs, glitches, and performance problems, which can detract from the overall enjoyment of the game and frustrate players.”
“Abandoned by devs, riddled with bugs and glitches, wonky movement.”
“The game came out broken and buggy so I quit playing it.”
- atmosphere428 mentions
- 61 % positive mentions
- 37 % neutral mentions
- 2 % negative mentions
The atmosphere in "Rising Storm 2: Vietnam" is widely praised for its authenticity and immersive qualities, effectively capturing the chaos and intensity of the Vietnam War through detailed graphics, realistic sound design, and period-appropriate music. Players report feeling deeply engaged in the gameplay, with many highlighting the game's ability to evoke a sense of dread and urgency, making it a standout title for those seeking a gritty military experience. Overall, the game's atmosphere is considered one of its strongest features, contributing significantly to its appeal as a tactical first-person shooter.
“Rising Storm does an excellent job at delivering an authentic atmosphere of the Vietnam War—as you spawn and walk towards the battlefield, you will hear the crescendo of gunfire, the roar of explosions, the haunting cries of soldiers in the distance, the napalm followed by screams, you might witness a comrade standing beside you get cut down by a stray bullet, their death adding to the war atmosphere, and many more moments that make this game so special.”
“The atmosphere is incredible. It truly feels like you are a soldier in the Vietnam War.”
“The atmosphere this game provides is amazing, the addition of music from the era is a really nice touch, furthermore, it engages players and forces them to work together in a way that you rarely see with other games.”
“The sounds and overall atmosphere is surprisingly stale.”
“The biggest criticism so far is the lack of atmosphere compared to the older games.”
“I thought the game would have a better atmosphere to it, given the setting, but it feels quite bland to me.”
- humor410 mentions
- 98 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 2 % negative mentions
The humor in "Rising Storm 2: Vietnam" is a standout feature, with players frequently highlighting the game's hilarious voice chat interactions, funny achievements, and the absurdity of chaotic combat scenarios. The community is described as generally lighthearted and entertaining, often engaging in dark humor and playful banter, although some instances of casual racism and over-the-top accents are noted. Overall, the game successfully blends intense gameplay with comedic moments, making it a memorable experience for players who appreciate humor in a military setting.
“One of your teammates named 'sum ting wong' is laughing at you in voice chat because your left foot landed in his lap some fifty odd meters away.”
“If you are not laughing like a maniac after playing this game and watching your friends and foes vaporize faster than quark speed, you are playing this game wrong.”
“The proximity voice chat allows for hilarious interactions between players of opposing teams.”
“Great game if you can ignore the tediously unfunny dipshits that think Asian accents are hilarious in 2020.”
“Please stop singing 'Fortunate Son,' the joke's not funny anymore.”
“Furthermore, expect a lot of unfunny jokes about eating, destroying, stealing, or defending rice.”
- story236 mentions
- 14 % positive mentions
- 75 % neutral mentions
- 12 % negative mentions
The game's story aspect is largely criticized for its absence, with many users noting that there is no traditional narrative or single-player campaign. While some players appreciate the immersive atmosphere and the potential for crafting personal stories through gameplay, the consensus is that the lack of a structured storyline detracts from the overall experience. A few comments suggest that the game could have benefited significantly from a dedicated story mode, especially given its historical setting.
“This is a true story, one of countless sacrifices made in an effort to push the front line..... you will die.... die fighting!”
“Building on the success story of the Red Orchestra series & the original Rising Storm expansion, RS2 throws you into the jungles of Vietnam. If you loved RO and the original RS, then this game will not disappoint.”
“I know single-player experiences are not really relevant in games like these, but with a setting like Vietnam, it would have been perfect as the Vietnam War is not a popular war to visit in video games, and it would have been nice to actually play a story in this era.”
“Story:... I mean... there is none.”
“It's bad that no one online and no story mode; I was sad to buy this game.”
“After playing this for a while, I can say that while the gameplay is good and so is the atmosphere you get, don't come expecting a story mode or much content yet.”
- grinding172 mentions
- 3 % positive mentions
- 15 % neutral mentions
- 81 % negative mentions
The reviews overwhelmingly indicate that grinding in the game is a significant and often tedious aspect, with many players feeling it requires an excessive time commitment, likening it to needing a "second life" to manage. While some appreciate the lack of grinding for weapon unlocks, others criticize the overall progression system as shallow and frustrating, leading to a repetitive experience. Despite these criticisms, a few players find enjoyment in the gameplay once they overcome the initial grind.
“Wanna play a mil-sim that isn't as tedious as Arma?”
“A bit grindy sometimes.”
“No grinding for weapons!”
“You'll need a second life for grinding.”
“The progression is shallow and grinding is immense, and the classes are quite boring and useless.”
“With every game roughly taking you thirty minutes to complete at minimum, I saw that grinding just wasn't worth my time.”
- monetization114 mentions
- 9 % positive mentions
- 40 % neutral mentions
- 51 % negative mentions
The monetization aspect of the game has received mixed reviews, with some players praising the absence of pay-to-win mechanics and the presence of only optional cosmetic microtransactions, while others criticize the developers for perceived cash grabs through DLC and a lack of meaningful updates. Many users express frustration over the introduction of microtransactions and the feeling that the game has shifted towards profit-driven practices rather than focusing on quality and player experience. Overall, while some appreciate the cosmetic-only approach, there is a significant concern about the game's future support and the potential for exploitative monetization strategies.
“The only microtransactions in this game are optional cosmetics, but most of the more practical items you'd usually use are purely unlocked by leveling up in-game.”
“I think this game will be one that is referenced in documentaries as having been the prime example of how microtransactions should be structured in a game properly, as well as how to truly satisfy customers and supply an incredible experience that garners undying customer loyalty.”
“There are no microtransactions and all future maps and updates will be completely free, so if this game looks appealing to you, I say go for it.”
“Used to be an amazing game, but the devs got greedy and tried to add the game to the Epic Game Store for a quick cash grab and broke the game.”
“That was until the devs abandoned this game, and now all the DLC appears to be no more than a cash grab.”
“Knowing this game has been out for 2 years and still has net code, hit registration, and lag issues is utterly embarrassing. I have a love-hate relationship with this game, but the devs have left any hope for making this game better behind and instead picked up selling garbage DLCs for a cash grab like Ubisoft.”
- replayability84 mentions
- 38 % positive mentions
- 57 % neutral mentions
- 5 % negative mentions
Overall, the game is praised for its high replayability, particularly in multiplayer modes, with many players enjoying it for hundreds of hours. However, some critiques highlight a lack of depth and variety in content, such as limited maps and unlockables, which can diminish replay value for certain players. Despite these concerns, the community-driven content and engaging mechanics contribute to a generally positive perception of replayability.
“Incredible multiplayer with infinite replayability.”
“Rising Storm Vietnam is the epitome of a realistic FPS set in Vietnam with an impressive degree of replayability.”
“Bonus is workshop features with new maps being made and worked on to provide endless replayability.”
“On the surface, there's very little replay value: ranks give you cosmetic unlocks and nothing else, all maps and weapons are unlocked from the beginning, and on top of that development has ended.”
“It lacks much replayability, mainly due to the fact that it is online only without a dedicated ability to play offline with bots.”
“Considering the price tag (£22 ish), it's not really worth it as the very little replay value and I have played it for about 15 hours and I'm already bored with the game.”
- emotional54 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players express a deep emotional connection to the game, highlighting its immersive experience that evokes feelings of fear, nostalgia, and even sadness. Many reviewers appreciate the game's ability to make them feel like they are part of the historical context, with some sharing heartfelt memories and a sense of loss regarding the game's abandonment by developers. Overall, the community is described as wholesome, and the game is recommended for its emotional depth and realistic portrayal of war.
“I would like to give my most heartfelt condolences for all teammates who have died through my actions.”
“Never before have I ever played a game that made me feel so immersed that I actually started getting scared for my life after getting pinned down.”
“I played, I cried, I died.”
- character development6 mentions
- 17 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
Character development is praised for its appealing design and user interface, but a notable drawback is the lack of visibility for the character's legs, which some players find disappointing. Overall, while the character design is well-received, it could benefit from more attention to detail.
“I really liked the character design and character design screen.”
“I really liked the character design and character design screen, but one of the important details is that we can't see our legs, which is a minus point for me.”
“I really liked the character design and character design screen, but one of the important details is that we can't see our legs, which is a minus point for me.”
“Better gun mechanics and character design.”
Critic Reviews
Rising Storm 2: Vietnam review
A fiery test of awareness, speed and accuracy which upholds the series' devotion to teamwork and authenticity, but doesn't nail the asymmetry of modern era combat.
85%A run through the jungle: Rising Storm 2: Vietnam Review
Rising Storm 2: Vietnam is a unique and brutally realistic multiplayer shooter meant to showcase the ugliness and unpredictability of a notorious war. Although it may cause monitor-smashing rage quitting at times and won’t win any awards for eye candy, there’s nothing else out there that provides a more nuanced, visceral, and intense jungle or urban fighting experience. At only $25, it’s tough to turn it down. And hey, who doesn’t enjoy some Creedence Clearwater Revival?
75%As Brutal and Unforgiving as the Real Thing
I’m a fan of the Red Orchestra series, as well as its competitors such as ARMA and Operation Flashpoint.
80%