Brothers In Arms: Road to Hill 30 is another WW2 game. Unlike other WW2 games though, is the fact that this one is very unique. In a genre where everything has been covered at least twenty four times, there's not much room to "improve" in it. You almost need a game that can blow the others straight out of the water. You need a game, like... Brothers In Arms. Story: Brothers In Arm's story puts you in the role of Sgt. Matt Baker, a quiet, calm, solemn man who joined the 101st Airborne, 502 PIR. The game takes you through the events of the Normandy Invasion and the days following it. It starts off well, beginning with scene of battle at "Hill 30" outside of the city of Carentan, the last foothold the Germans had in France. Then as your character is quickly knocked out, the rest begins, flashing back to the jump behind enemy lines on the night of June 5, morning of June 6, 1944. The script is well thought out, as, unlike in other games where I enjoyed killing my comrads because I really didn't know them, this game makes you actually care about everyone else in your squad that you command. Overall the story is very very good. My only complaint would have to be the fact that some people get killed. That really sucks when that happens. 9.5 Graphics: The graphics in Brothers In Arms are very well made, especially on the Xbox. I'd think with these graphics, your computer would explode. Environments in the game are truly alive, with birds flying through the air, the clouds floating in the sky, debris such as dirt and blood flying onto the screen when your hit, suffering shellshock from a grenade or mortar round, etc. Character models are notably well detailed, from the authentic equipment on both the American and German soldiers, to the right ammunition pouches depending on the weapon you're carrying. Faces are lifelike, their eyes follow you where you go. When shot, a visual expression of pain comes across their face. Firearms in the game are very authentic, from M1 Garands, M1A1 Carbines (the A1 was added by the US Army to designate it as an M1 Carbine with a paratrooper stock) M1A1 Thompsons, MP40s, MP or STG 44s (whatever you prefer to call it) Colt 1911 pistols, K98 Mausers, etc. All function the most realistic out of any WW2 game I've played, with near accurate reloads, only problem would be with the sights. They're the correct sights, it's just to mimic that view through the sight in real life would require you to have your eyeball right next to the sight. Anyway graphics are well handled. I almost forgot to mention the realistic Saving Private Ryan shots. When I say this, I mean that the enemies and your "brothers in arms" fall realistically, with a puff of smoke and some blood quickly leaving the entry wound. Grenade explosions cause decapitation, so expect to find Germans killed by grenades to have limbs missing. Overall fantastic in the graphics department. 9.0 Sound: Fortunately, sound is just as amazing as the graphics are. Explosions are distinct, mortar fire and grenade explosions sound different so you won't be confused. Firearm sounds are distinct, so you'll know which weapon is going off. Apparently the developers employed a system in which your buddies will comment on the action, or just talk about random stuff when nothing is happening. It doesn't become annoying, because unlike in other games, you care about these guys thanks to the story, or if you don't then it could get very annoying. They usually don't say the same thing over again, it's not repetitive. In fact that system adds another level of depth to the game. Overall the sound is also fantastic. 9.0 Gameplay: The most important part of any game, the gameplay. Now this is where people will get confused. There are those that can engage in military tactics, such as suppressing, flanking, and finishing the enemy. Then their are those that just want to play a game with tons of action. Brothers In Arms tries to conquer both, with plenty of action through the game, but unlike others, this game incorporates military concepts. Holding down the L trigger button will command either your fire or assault team to either move to a position or engage in the enemy. It's a lot like Full Spectrum Warrior, except it's also a first person shooter, so you control Baker directly. This can be tough at points, getting used to using your fireteam to engage in the enemy while you and your assault team flank around the enemies' blind spot, but soon it becomes easy. Almost somewhat repetitive but not overly repetitive. What I mean is, the enemy makes no effort to counter your flank if they see it. Basically you will tackle any obstacle using fixing (or suppressing) and flanking the enemy. There are other little features to the game. The interactions with your comrads are interesting. For example, if you stand in front of your comrad for some time, he'll start asking if you're okay, or you can get them to say some one liners about the situation. Unfortunately, this isn't fleshed out more, because it would be kind of fun to engage in conversation with them. Yes they are that interesting and well developed characters, story wise. The gameplay is where I see the problem, some won't like taking control, which is unfortunate, because this game is unbelievable. Gameplay 9.0 Finally, the review has ended. Brothers In Arms is quite an experience, much like Band of Brothers in a game.
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