REVIEW: Brothers in Arms Hell’s Highway

Developer: Gearbox Software | Publisher: Ubisoft | Format: PS3

Reviewer: Craig Jay Gallagher

Much like the war which its based upon, Hell’s Highway has been a long way coming. First mooted in 2006, a rash of set backs ensured that the third in the Brothers in Arms series lost much of it’s initial momentum. Now, after years of waiting Hell’s Highway finds it’s self on the PS3.

Like many realistic FPS, HH suffers from placing far too much emphasis on heavy handed melodrama and trying to force home just how much a tragedy WWII was. While games based on such a black note in human history should be treated with respect, HH spends far too much time utilising poorly voiced cut scenes and a script peppered with such inane topics of conversation that it’s hard not to wonder if this wasn’t written by 12 year old.

Throw in the usage of slow motion head shots that reward you for managing to place a bullet in an enemies head one does wonder why exactly did the developers spend so long creating a solemn and respectful tone only to go and glorify war in the game. That said, the low motion head shots are bloody great fun if highly inappropriate.

In the last few years we have been treated to a slew of above average war based FPS, so it’s not surprising to discover that HH doesn’t come anywhere near close to matching titles such as Call of Duty 4. Even when this is taken into account HH still stands up quite well due to it’s superior gameplay. Taking a traditional FPS and mixing it with tactical squad-based gameplay works surprisingly well and makes for a far more satisfying experience. Gamers will find themselves contemplating their next move rather than rushing in guns blazing. From the get go one aspect of the game really does shine, the AI of both your troops and enemy soldiers is exceptional. Your team mates will always take cover rather than getting mown down and will more often than not act on their own initiative rather than slavishly wait on commands from you. Knowing that you aren’t constantly needed to baby-sit makes for a truly challenging and entertaining game.

The game is a lot of fun but given the superiority of the first two entries and the numerous delays its likely that Hell’s Highway may be the last we see of the franchise, though the game does leave the door open for a sequel which hopefully deliver the franchises true potential. Far from a poor title, HH is simply mediocre and in this day and age mediocrity is no longer acceptable.