World War II games have become a lucrative genre. Publishers are releasing new titles almost as quickly as fans are finishing them. With so many good offerings available, gamers are spoilt for choice. The most difficult thing to do, it seems, is to find time to play all of them.
And now, in Brothers in Arms: Road to Hill 30, Ubisoft and Gearbox Software have shipped a game that is as close to the ultimate World War II experience as is possible. Billed as a first-person tactical shooter, it is based on the true story of the 101st Airborne Paratroopers.
On the eve of the invasion at Normandy, the 101st were airdropped behind enemy lines to disrupt the defences and counter-attacks that would come from the German soldiers the next day. Unfortunately, the paratroopers were scattered across the French countryside, far from their targets and desperately needing to regroup before the invasion was set to start.
The player takes control of Sergeant Matt Baker as he is forced to become the leader of a squad of 101st paratroopers. Featuring a cast of more than 20 characters based on real soldiers, Brothers in Arms combines first-person shooter elements with a strategic squad control that is sure to get war aficionados excited.
Unlike many other war titles, the player can only be hit a few times before dying. This, and the almost insurmountable odds against the Allies, necessitates the gamer to use military tactics such as flanking and decoys to successfully complete missions.
The story unfolds over the eight-day invasion of Normandy and contains historically accurate and detailed battlefields, events and equipment. This was recreated from Army Signal Corps photos, Aerial Reconnaissance Imagery, and eyewitness accounts.
Naturally enough, the early missions require the gamer to link up with other paratroopers and take out German defensive positions. Soon, the squad will be doing everything from clearing towns to blowing up bridges as the invasion takes place.
Anyone who has seen the Band of Brothers mini-series will know exactly what to expect from Brothers in Arms. The game recreates the feeling of camaraderie and total dependence on the members of your squad that was required to survive the war.
Drawing from its console roots, Brothers in Arms features numerous unlockable content that ranges from historic photographs to speeches made by the Allied leaders of the time. In the graphic and sound departments the game comes into its own and does not disappoint.
While there might be some complaints that the game is too short (approximately 10 hours play time), the actual gaming experience more than makes up for it. Brothers in Arms is definitely one of the most enjoyable World War II titles available at the moment.
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