Brothers In Arms: Hell's Highway

(untitled review)

Normally when World War 2 and games are mixed all I can think of is how bad Medal of Honour has become. Call of Duty was alright to a point but at the same time it didn’t offer anything new. What all these games lacked was a connection to the war. It was a horrific period in history yet no game makes it feel intense and no game builds a real story around the people involved to make you believe in the events happening around you.

Well BIA changes all of that. If you were to invest in a WW2 game I would recommend this. I would say it’s for all action lovers. The environments are stunning, the sounds authentic. Each gun has a unique sound and it won’t be long before you know what the Germans are using against you. Plus you have a squad or two to help you through and these ones you control yourself.

Most of the game focuses on getting to cover, firing on the enemy until suppressed and then move in for the final blow. Even on the easy mode it will only take a few shots to take you down so it’s crucial to use your squads and not go Rambo style. For those that have played Rainbow Six, Ghost Recon then most of this will sound familiar. There is even a control option that is almost identical to Rainbow Six: Vegas so I felt at home right away.
I haven’t played any other BIA game so some of the story that leads back to the other games that are sometimes referenced, however this game has its own so you won’t feel too lost and you’ll care about the characters as you meet them. Most of this is due to the fact that they sound alive. During fights they shout advice, tell you to get down, if they need to reload. It’s a small touch but one that adds a whole new dimension to the characters. Your squads can “die” but come back next checkpoint.
As well as squad based wars you’ll fight your own. The game does include a few solo events which can be just as intense as the squad based, you need to be quick and plan your shots. Some people say it takes away the “Brothers” part but it doesn’t in anyway ruin the game.
The game runs on the trusty Unreal engine that seems to be an essential ingredient in almost all games involving squads and I’m sure this is the updated one being used in the next Gears of War. There are plenty of destructible pieces of environment and it’s a wonderful sight to witness. If you score a headshot from far away or frag a group the game goes slow motion and zooms to the action. It’s a neat touch as you can admire your work and it doesn’t happen each time so the feature isn’t over done.

The game is out on PS3, 360 now and PC 3rd October. Overall one of the best WW2 and action games this gen, well worth buying before the blitz (sorry) of new games this coming winter.