No Manual - Once a PC exclusive, Gathering's much-loved war-based FPS Vietcong: Purple Haze has finally been granted a console release on Xbox. Boasting 17 of the greatest missions from the original, an online multiplayer game and two brand new missions, Purple Haze offers Xbox owners one of the most complete war-time shooters available on any platform. The most celebrated of 'Nam-based adventures, Vietcong is a thoroughbred shooter that plunges you deep into the inhospitable jungles of Vietnam and casts you as the leader of a team of US Special Forces. In similar vein to the likes of Rainbow Six, the gameplay is squad-based, meaning that you must take charge of your team and implement a fair amount of strategy throughout each mission. Working through the single-player game's 19 chapters, you're charged with overcoming dozens of formidable obstacles and employing a considerable amount of stealth in order to progress through to the end. Staying faithful to the real-life action of the infamous conflict, the game soon has you learning to keep a low profile, making use of shadows and developing a sharp eye for booby traps. Alternatively, players can assume control of the story's natural enemy, the Vietcong, in a welcome addition that offers a fresh and brutal perspective on the proceedings. Whatever your preference, the fun comes in making the kill, and this can be done in any number of ways. There is an arsenal of 30 weapons available to the player that include M16s M79s and grenade launchers. And if you should struggle with limited ammo supplies, close combat attacks and knives can make the difference between victory and failure. Furthermore, where the PS2 equivalent is sadly lacking in multiplayer options, Purple Haze for Xbox boasts an online game for up to ten players via Microsoft's Live service. There are nine out-of-the-box multiplayer levels, and downloadable content in the form of maps and game mods has also been promised. Purple Haze is an accomplished FPS affair and thoroughly deserving of a console release.