The game examines the violent and sometimes brutal interactions between communist efforts to liberate the nations of the “Third World” from colonialism, American fears about Communist aggression, the resulting US strategy of containment, and the volatile situation in Southeast Asia during the mid-1960s.

It is set in the middle of the Cold War – a global contest between the “Free World,” which was led by the United States, and communism, a totalitarian political ideology.

During the period examined by the game, Vietnam was divided between the communist North and the anti-communist South.

Players take on the roles of key American decision makers on the National Security Council as well as an array of advisors, journalists, commentators, and foreign policy professionals. Confronted with a wide array of policy options, they must explore the historical documents that are included in the gamebook, research historical events, and determine the best course of action for the US in Vietnam.

This is a Level 3 game that is still under development but has been approved by the Reacting Editorial Board (REB) for general use. A detailed explanation of the editorial process and game levels can be found on our REB Page.