The
Brothers in Arms series has been kicking ass and taking names on consoles for
many years now, offering a unique take on WWII shooters and a more personal
experience than any other title in the genre. The upcoming next-gen iteration to
the series, Brothers in Arms: Hell’s Highway, is on many gamer’s most wanted
list. However, Hell’s Highway is still a ways off, so in the meantime Ubisoft
has released a DS entry to the series. Brothers in Arms DS does the series a
good amount of justice by offering the intensity and action of the console
versions, as well as some impressive graphics for the handheld. However, the
game stumbles a bit with clunky controls and some shallow missions. Still, fans
of the series might want to give it a look, as it might hold them over until
Hell’s Highway ships.
Whereas
the console versions of the Brothers in Arms series dealt with a group of
soldiers and emphasized the connection between them on the battlefield, as well
as utilized team orders and squad-based combat, Brothers in Arms DS instead
centers on an individual soldier. Tactical elements have given way to
straightforward third-person action. That’s not to say that you’ll be all by
your lonesome during your missions, as you’ll have plenty of fellow soldiers
around to share in the action, you just won’t be able to command them.
The game’s
three campaigns are split into six or so missions apiece, and each one is of
pretty decent length. Unfortunately, your goals are never terribly enticing.
Your missions are very straightforward, requiring you to perform implicit
actions like running from checkpoint to checkpoint or manning a mounted gun
because the game tells exactly when and where to do it. This can grow pretty
tedious, and those looking for more diversity or dynamic gameplay will most
likely be disappointed.
The
controls are another sore spot for the game. Most of the controls are done using
the touch screen, with the D-Pad (or the face buttons, if you’re a southpaw like
me) controlling movement and strafing, and the shoulder buttons controlling
shooting. Some elements work quite well, like switching weapons and throwing
grenades. However, aiming and turning around using the touch screen is a bit of
a pain, and the lack of response can be very frustrating. Even moving around
feels clunky and seeking cover behind objects in the environment is spotty.
However,
the game does do quite a few things right. The intensity is very impressive for
a handheld game, with the action never feeling scaled down. You can also use
vehicles like tanks and jeeps in certain sections, which is a good addition.
Graphically, the game looks very good for a DS game. The environments are very
detailed, and the character animations are very well done. Also the game moves
along at a decent clip, never getting bogged down when the on screen action gets
intense.
The sound
is also quite good, with sharp sound effects and battlefield ambience, like
explosions and the pop of gunfire. The voice effects are even impressive, as is
the score.
Brothers
in Arms DS is an impressive showpiece for the DS, with a very well done
presentation. Unfortunately, some elements get lost in the shuffle, like the
controls and the mission design. Still, if you’re a fan of WWII shooters or of
the Brothers in Arms series, this should be one to check out.
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Gameplay: 7.0
Brothers in Arms
DS does a good job of capturing the spirit and intensity of the console version.
However, the clunky controls and uber-linear mission structure are
disappointing.
Graphics: 9.0
Brothers in Arms DS
is a good showcase of what the DS is capable of from a technical standpoint,
with great character models and animations and solid environments, all moving at
a solid clip.
Sound: 9.0
The sound effects
are very good, with clean sounding explosions and gunfire, as well as some voice
work and good music.
Difficulty: Medium
Concept: 7.0
The game has great
presentation elements, but the lousy controls and shallow missions steal away
from the game’s glory.
Multiplayer: 8.0
Brothers in Arms DS
allows for four players to set up and play a local match.
Overall: 7.0
Brothers in Arms
DS is a technically impressive game, but a few weak elements keep it from being
a truly great game.
