An experience, not a game
That is a near-quote from the Design Notes for Purple Haze by Bernard Grzybowski from PHALANX which was published in 2024. The game is self-described as a story-creation, tactical combat wargame. It is also cooperative where the players are part of a Squad in Vietnam sent on missions facing off against three E’s—Events, Encounters, and Enemies—all driven by the rules and not an opposing player.
Notions
As a grognard, I went into playing Purple Haze with some preconceived notions of what I thought the game was supposed to be. Suffice it to say those notions disappeared as quickly as the Viet Cong come sunrise. While I was not expecting a full-on classic wargame I had a strong notion that I was going to play what I call an Adventure Wargame; that is, a wargame with strong roleplaying game elements. As it turns out that is not quite an accurate description of the game either.
What did I just play?
At the end of the day, Purple Haze is an interesting…experience. Taking a cue from the designers I too am hesitant to call it a game, much less a wargame. Regardless of what you choose to call it Purple Haze is very good at what it does but it really needs the right group to “buy into” the title to be fully enjoyed.
In the coming weeks I will be publishing a deeper discussion of Purple Haze at the Armchair Dragoons website. Until then if you get a chance to play Purple Haze by no means should you pass on it. Just make sure you have a really open mind.
Feature image courtesy RMN
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