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yfitz2001
Reviews
Brothers in Arms: Earned in Blood (2005)
A good game, but too identical to Road to Hill 30
I just finished this game recently and thought it was very good. But some things about this game were disappointing. First of all, when the first Brothers in Arms(BiA) was released, it was very highly acclaimed because of its extreme realism and authenticity. Squad control, unlike most games, was simple, effective, and very easy to pick up.
Now i loved the first one. I bought it about two weeks ago and finished it. I loved it so much, i bought the second one without consulting any reviews on how it was, and if it was any good. Right from the bat, it felt very familiar. Maybe too much so. In fact, i don't even consider this be a real sequel. It has the exact same controls, the exact same feel, and not enough mission objective variants. The graphics were exactly the same a well. They aren't bad , but its nothing incredible The game stresses how important it is to "fix the enemy", then "flank them". But the encounters are so straightforward and linear, the developers basicallyset the flank up for you.
It might sound like I disliked the game, but i didn't at all. I enjoyed the new features, however few they are. First is the two new weapons. The "grease gun" and the FG42(which i love by the way). The A.I. is significantly better. People complained the enemies in the first one were to stationary. These enemies, flank you. And if they notice you are flanking them, they will relocate to a new position to where you have to rethink your strategies. The urban fights are intense and enjoyable. A nice change from the familiar countryside.
The story wasn't as interesting as the first one. This time you play as Hartsock and you recount your battles since the drop to Col. Marshall. The voice acting is superb. Especially Hartsock. And there are more inside jokes this time round as well. And the musical score is inspirational, from movies like Band of Brothers and Saving Private Ryan. And earlier I stated the graphics were nothing special. But there is somrhting about this games graphics that I thought was wonderful. The faces of your squadmates. Each teammate has a distinctive face. Unlike most FPS's whewre the character models are re-used over and over again. Not in Brothers in Arms. Just the way they look, especially the eyes, oh my gosh the eyes. They look at you like they really are waiting for your orders. And by the end of the game, your men will all probably have blood-shot eyes, and dirt all over their face. All in all Earned in Blood provides a great experience to play as the 101st airborne. If you enjoyed the first one, i recommend this title, but if you are used to the run and gun style shooting, i suggest you rent this one first.