Some may gasp at Brothers’ all-too familiar backdrop initially, but writing off Hell’s Highway as just another WWII shooter would be a big mistake. The amount of care and realism that has gone into recreating Operation Market Garden (the largest airborne invasion the world has ever seen) is second to none, and the increased brutality on the battlefield this time around only helps the meaningful dialogue and cutscenes stand out. Brothers in Arms: Hell’s Highway is truly unlike any of its competitors, and thanks to some newly enhanced gameplay elements, it manages to provide an overall experience that surpasses both previous installments in the franchise.



One of the most noticeable changes has nothing to do with the gameplay, though. Since much of the game takes place in Holland - the cities of Eindhoven, Nijmegen, and Arnhem play major roles in the plot – you can expect to see vast acres of sunny hills and green pastures laid out before you. This is a far contrast from the gray, dreary color palettes of Normandy that most are accustomed to, and for the most part the visual design does a terrific job of convincing you the levels are bigger than they actually are. While some invisible walls do exist, the game encourages you to take alternate routes to achieve your objectives and doing so only reinforces the fact that each map is well thought out and large enough to plan successful ambushes or flanking tactics. Of course, there are still a few situations where you must traverse smaller buildings and landmarks, which are very nice diversions from previous levels. One chapter in particular has your squad escaping a war-torn rain-soaked city, which not only resembles something from the vein of Saving Private Ryan, but ultimately stands as one of my favorite experiences the genre has ever produced. Needless to say, the level design is much more diverse than you would expect, especially considering the games peaceful starting point.