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Continuing to grumble, I wasn't a fan of the missions when you break apart from your team and go through a section of the game solo. The main problem here is that it gives no reason why the whole squad couldn’t participate in the mission. Is clearing a house is a popular solo activity in WWII? I just think it would be a lot more effective if four soldiers invaded the premises instead of a solo lonewolf. The German’s don’t go it alone, so why do the Allies? I can accept the odd solo mission and when they are done correctly they really stand out. Hell’s Highway’s Silent Hill-esq “Rabbit Hole” mission is probably the best solo mission in the game. More than being cool, this mission is set up properly and used futher character developments. Unfortunately, the majority of the solo affairs aren’t plot driven and the usually feel out of touch from the rest of the mission structure.. let's not even get started on the tank. Hell’s Highway’s strong point is squad-based combat in open battlefields which becomes more obvious when Baker flies solo in cramped hallways.
  
Issues aside, commanding a well-oiled squad into the face of death is extremely satisfying. Even better than coordinating a team of death bringers is fighting out of impossible situations when you are pinned down and fighting against the odds. One contributing factor that helps make each moment in Hell’s Highway stand out is the approach to realism. The realism in Hell’s Highway takes form with the impressive audio production in recreating the sounds of war along. This includes the outstanding voice-over work (it’s that good I had to plug it twice), ultra-realistic weapon sounds and crisp atmospheric sounds that draws you into the action. The score also handles the dramatic moments perfectly by swooping in and out with impeccable timing.

The graphics also carry over this realistic vibe starting with the care taken to recreate each location to its real-world counterparts. Hell’s Highway is so accurate you could be Operation Market-Hell’s Highway tour guide. The amount of gore which is used at the right moments also helps mirror reality, war isn’t pretty and either is blowing a bullet through someone’s skull. A few moments in the game reminded me of the scene in Saving Private Ryan when the soldiers lead the assault on Omaha Beach. The action camera that zooms in on gore filled moments is a pleasure that isn’t overdone. Peering around the landscape is another trump card in Hell’s Highway, the level design combined with an attention to detail goes a long way in making the game world seem realistic.

Although overly impressive, Hell’s Highway has a few graphical glitches that take you out of the action. The major complaint I’d have to make it the sluggish slowdown when a lot of things are going on in the game. This doesn’t happen too often, but it can occur and it’s generally at the worst time. The framerate is fairly solid for the most part; however it hits a snag once and awhile. Another grip is the inconsistency of the textures and lighting that seem to pop in and out. Hell’s Highway is definitely pushing the Unreal engine and as result we see a few minor nitpicks.

Hell’s Highway multiplayer supports up to 20 players. Like the solo campaign the multiplayer begs people to use squad tactics as two factions face each other in online battle. Each member on the team in multiplayer matches have their own special function that makes each game unique. The philosophy in multiplayer is the same as the solo game play together and fight as a team and survive. Those who want a lone wolf, Halo killing sprees are going to be disappointed when an up against a strong clan like mentality. Although in my time online I've seen more Rambo kids then Patton Generals. Still, the Rambo's are the wildcards online because multiplayer games play a little quicker without too much extra time to think. If gamers can slow it down a bit and try to recreate the squad-based action of the solo campaign, then the multiplayer has real promise to deliver some serious competitive matches. Until then you will want to spend most of your time hammering out the game in the different difficulty settings.

Brothers in Arms: Hell's Highway is an excellent alternative to the normal run-and-gun shooters on the market and should make any Brothers in Arms fan, or fan of shooters happy. A few problems creep up now and then that could be possible delth with in a patch. Patched or not, Hell's Highway is a carefully planned to make a gripping expreince that should have you at the edge of your seat. It doesn't always have to be about how many enemies you can gun down in the quickest amount of time.

Unlike other games, Brothers in Arms: Hell's Highway brings you into the action making it feel like more than a simple game, it becomes a believable journey into the heart of a war. Hell's Highway is as close to an authentic WWII experience you can have and still make the game fun. The storyline is thoughtful tale of camaraderie between soldiers on the battlefield fighting in a war most of them don’t fully understand. Engaging and gritty Hell’s Highway grabs you throwing you into its world filled with intense squad-based combat situations and horrific moments of human truth.

Brothers in Arms: Hell's Highway
Gameplay: 9, Graphics:8, Sound:10, Innovation:8, Mojo:10 Final: 9.0 / 10

Reviewed by Downtown Jimmy | 10.02.08