Purple Haze

PHALANX · Board game · 2024
1–4 · best 1 Solo 90–720 min Weight 2.9/5
9.6 rating Ludopedia
8.0 rating BGG
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9.6 rating Ludopedia
8.0 rating BGG
Our Verdict

If you dig wargames with a heavy dose of narrative and decisions that truly matter, Purple Haze will hook you from start to finish!

Highlights
  • Deep narrative immersion
  • Impactful story choices
  • Engaging, tense campaign
  • Challenging tactical experience
Keep in mind
  • Long playtime
  • Moderate complexity
  • Can be grim
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
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About the game
Dude, if you're into total immersion in the Vietnam jungle and aren't afraid to make tough calls, Purple Haze is for you! Released in 2024, this tactical campaign game throws you right into the boots of a US Marine in 1967. Picture this: your Huey crashed, the pilot's gone, the gunner vanished, and you're surrounded by fresh-faced recruits. The enemy's closing in, and all you've got is your squad and the hope of making it out alive.

Purple Haze blends the tension of a tactical wargame with the depth of an RPG and the thrill of a narrative campaign. Every choice you make, every decision in the storybook paragraphs, will shape the fate of your mission and your men. It's a story-creation game where your combat tactics decide who lives and who dies. Your soldiers will suffer, grow tougher, and some, sadly, won't make it home. The goal is clear: complete the mission and get out alive. With mechanics like area movement, dice rolling, a chit-pull system, and events, the game grips you from start to finish. Playtime can vary significantly, from 90 to 720 minutes, and it works solo or with up to 4 players. It's a weighty game, with a complexity rating of 2.9/5, but it rewards dedication with a unique and unforgettable experience. If you're looking for an adventure that makes you think and feel, Purple Haze is a solid pick.
Rules videos

In English

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Game details

Families

Country: USA Country: Vietnam Crowdfunding: Gamefound History: Vietnam War Mechanism: Campaign Games Players: Games with Solitaire Rules
Publisher PHALANX
Designer Bernard Grzybowski
Artist Bartek Jędrzejewski, Jagoda Piasta, Łukasz Strupiechowski, Miłosz Wojtasik, Natalia Turzańska, Paweł Krzyżak, Przemysław Gołąb, Tomasz Badalski
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average playtime?
The playtime is quite flexible, ranging from 90 minutes for shorter scenarios to 720 minutes (12 hours) for full campaigns. It's recommended to plan for longer sessions for campaigns.
How many players can participate?
Purple Haze is designed for 1 to 4 players. It offers a robust solo experience and also works very well in cooperative mode with friends.
Is the game very difficult?
With a BGG weight of 2.9/5, it's considered a moderately complex game. It requires tactical planning and attention to the consequences of your choices, but it's not overly complicated.
Do I need to know wargame rules to play?
Not necessarily! Although it's a tactical wargame, the mechanics are well-explained, and the learning curve is manageable, especially when learning with the solo or cooperative mode.
What is Purple Haze's main selling point?
The big differentiator is the combination of a tactical wargame with a strong narrative and story-creation component. Your decisions shape the story and your soldiers' fate in a very personal way.
Is the game dark or heavy?
Yes, the Vietnam War theme and the consequences of battles can make the game emotionally heavy and dark. It doesn't shy away from the realities of the conflict.