Vietnam’s gaming scene has really stepped up its game, evolving from its modest origins to earning a place in the global gaming community, with a special spotlight on mobile gaming, hits such as 2013 Flappy Bird made its name. Yet, this focus hasn’t deterred Vietnamese game developers from exploring other arenas; they’re actively creating games for consoles and PC too.

Titles in the pipeline, like the beat ’em up Pho King My Life, the horror-themed action game Into Samomor, and the Metroidvania-style game Divine Guardian, which dives into Vietnamese mythology, are testaments to this. It’s clear that Vietnam has a wealth of untapped potential waiting to be released and soar to greater heights!

In this article that’s part of a weekly series, we will showcase some of the most outstanding video games produced in the country that players should definitely consider playing or adding to their wishlist:

Counter Strike

Country(s): Vietnam/Canada
Developer: Minh Le & Jess Cliffe
Platforms: PC
Release Date: 1999

The focus isn’t on the current minds behind Counter-Strike, but rather on the initial duo responsible for laying the groundwork of this iconic tactical FPS series. Minh Le, known within the gaming circles as Gooseman, is a Vietnamese Canadian who, alongside Jess Cliffe, developed the Half-Life mod known as Counter-Strike in 1999. Their project caught the eye of Valve, leading to a collaboration that created the standalone Counter-Strike 1.0, launched in November 2000. This game rapidly rose to global prominence, marking over two decades of its presence in the gaming world.

For those who might not be familiar, Counter-Strike pits players against each other in a 5v5 format, where individuals can choose between playing as terrorists or counter-terrorists. Each team has specific objectives depending on the map, with terrorists aiming to plant and detonate a bomb, and counter-terrorists striving to defuse it once planted. Beyond this, the game offers various other modes, including Deathmatch, Wingman, and Demolition, among others.

If you’re eager to test your skills or dive into the action, you can check out the F2P Counter-Strike 2, available on Steam.

7554

Country: Vietnam
Developer: Emobi Games
Platforms: PC
Release Date: 2011

Also known as 7554: Glorious Memories Revived, is a first-person shooter, whipped up by a Vietnamese game studio, Emobi Games, which goes by Hiker Games now. The studio has released the game exclusively for Vietnamese market in 2011. The development journey of this first-person shooter began back in October 2008, during which the developers focused on ensuring the game’s compatibility with lower-end hardware setups.

Set against the backdrop of the Franco-Vietnamese War spanning from 1946 to 1954, “7554” gets its name from the iconic date of 7 May 1954. This date marks the Viet Minh’s significant victory against France in the Battle of Dien Bien Phu. The game draws considerable inspiration from the Call of Duty series in terms of gameplay features but distinguishes itself with a unique arsenal. The weaponry mirrors the actual armaments wielded by the Viet Minh, with some sourced from Japanese stockpiles captured post-World War II, including the Arisaka rifle.

Although “7554” is not made available on mainstream gaming platforms, interested players can still acquire it via third-party downloads—though caution is advised. For those looking to explore the game without downloading, a full gameplay showcase is available on YouTube.

Hoa

Country: Vietnam
Developer: Skrollcat Studio
Platforms: PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series, Nintendo Switch, PC
Release Date: 24 August 2021

If you’re a fan of Ghibli Studio and loves cozy exploration with soft melodious background music, then Hoa will delight you with its every being. From breathtaking hand-painted backdrops to a wholesome storyline, the game lets you play as Hoa, on her journey through magical nature environments back to where it all began. Hoa will meet adorable creatures along its way that will share their own stories. Some stories will warm your heart and some are lowkey tearjerker.

It takes around 2 to 3 hours to complete, with platforming and puzzle elements incorporate in. The game’s main strength definitely lies in its aesthetic, so if you’re searching for a visual treat with little or no brain power required, this is the perfect game. So just sit back and relax with Hoa.

The Death | Than Trung

Country: Vietnam
Developer: DUT Studio
Platforms: PC
Release Date: 15 September 2022

Video games featuring Vietnamese horror stories are still few and far between, and that’s where the recent indie game Than Trung finally comes in. Developed by three Vietnamese developers, you play as Dung, a young man looking for a cheap place to rent in the middle of Hanoi, and who comes to view a small house in the middle of a shady alley. Despite knowing that the place is haunted, he decided to stick around.

The gameplay is packed with puzzles and enough jump scares to keep you on your toes. Now, some might say the puzzles are on the tough side, but that’s all part of the fun. You can breeze through the main storyline in under five hours. But for those who love to leave no stone unturned, there are hidden dolls scattered throughout the game. Collecting these dolls is key to unlocking a secret ending. What really sets Than Trung apart is its emphasis on a moody atmosphere and some seriously unsettling visuals. Plus, the game’s portrayal of Hanoi adds an extra layer of immersion, especially for those familiar with the city.

In a nutshell, Than Trung is a fresh take on horror gaming that’s definitely worth your time.

God Of Weapons

Country: Vietnam
Developer: Archmage Labs
Platforms: PC
Release Date: 13 September 2023

If you’re into the addictively intense action like in Vampire Survivors, then you’ll want to check out God of Weapons. It’s a game that hooks you slowly but surely, throwing you into battles against massive enemy hordes where your weapons do the heavy lifting automatically. But here’s the twist – it’s not just about slashing and dashing. You’ve got to be smart with your gear, organizing your inventory like a pro to get the upper hand in fights.

Mastering your inventory is crucial. As you get further into the game, you’ll gather an epic collection of weapons and accessories that pretty much turn you into a walking Armageddon. The whole tale kicks off when the world falls into shadow, thanks to some evil dudes snatching away the light. Now, it’s on you to brave the tower of Zhor and bring back the light to save the world.

So, if mixing up chaos, action, and a bit of brainy inventory strategy sounds like your jam, you might want to add this one to your Steam library. If you’re on the fence of getting it, God of Weapons has sold over 100,000 copies in just 2 weeks since launched! That says something.