Xbox: Brothers in Arms Reviews

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XBOX IGN: 9.3 / 10

http://xbox.ign.com/articles/592/592373p1.html?fromint=1


Like most of us here at IGN, I'm still a huge fan of Call of Duty and Battlefield 1942. While those games have their own unique strengths, Brothers in Arms takes some of the best features of each and adds an entirely new tactical dimension. Offering up engaging, squad-based battles and presenting it all in an authentic yet undeniably cinematic setting, Brothers in Arms is a game that, to borrow a phrase from General Patton, "grabs you by the nose and kicks you in the ass."

There's no denying that the game is hard. It's so hard, in fact, that I literally almost broke my controller in frustration at one point. I believe I also said a bad word. But even when I was feeling hopelessly outclassed by the enemy, I still felt like there were always new approaches to take to circumvent and outwit the opposition. That's what kept drawing me back for more punishment. And when I did finally succeed, I felt it was because I had learned something, that I had discovered a weakness not in the game but in my enemy.

The addition of Road to Hill 30 in the title indicates that the gang at Gearbox would love to establish Brothers in Arms as a running franchise. We'd love nothing more than to see more titles like this.

I truly never thought I'd say this but the next time I see him I'm kissing Randy Pitchford on the mouth.



TEAM XBOX: 9.4 / 10

http://reviews.teamxbox.com/xbox/900/Brothers-in-Arms-Road-to-Hill-30/p1/


With all of the talk of upcoming releases like Splinter Cell Chaos Theory and DOOM 3, it is little surprise that Brothers in Arms: Road to Hill 30 slipped under the radar. That is, until today. Brothers in Arms is now the measuring stick for all war-themed FPS titles thanks to its amazing accuracy, fantastic storytelling, and dead-on presentation. Even with its flaws, there is no denying that this is an FPS that hardcore gamers have been waiting for. The genre has felt somewhat stale over the past year, but Gearbox proves that not all WWII games are created equal. The multiplayer mode is a refreshing change from the run-of-the-mill deathmatch and CTF modes we’ve become accustomed to, but still not for everyone. The single-player campaign is riveting from beginning to end. Ubisoft has yet another prized jewel to add to their collection.



So.... I hope the PC version is coming soon!

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GAMESPY REVIEW 5 / 5

http://xbox.gamespy.com/xbox/brothers-in-arms/592505p1.html?fromint=1

The best aspect of the multiplayer, however, is the fact that the game doesn't forget its roots when introducing more players. Some tactical shooters forego their squad-based mechanics once the game leaves the single-player arena, but Brothers in Arms allows between 2 and 4 players the ability to do battle with squads.

You can still use the "situational awareness" view, although it doesn't stop the action entirely, it merely slows it down for the player using it. You can still be killed, though, so you'd better save it for those moments when you're safely tucked behind cover. When playing with another player on your team, you'll each control a squad, requiring a lot of communication via the headsets. All in all, this is one of the most intriguing multiplayer games ever to hit Live.

While squad-based combat is nothing new, Brothers in Arms: Road to Hill 30 offers plenty of new features, starting with its excellent, intuitive command system. Thanks to tons of exhaustive research by the team at Gearbox, you'll feel like you've parachuted into the war zone alongside your teammates. Just about every aspect of the production is top-notch, from the stunning graphics to the realistic, graphic dialogue. Although there might end up being better Xbox games this year, you won't find a better WWII shooter anywhere.