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 cut-scenes 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.

Of course, none of the above would even matter if the gameplay wasn’t up to par, and thankfully, Hell’s Highway is able execute admirably in this department. The ability to dig in and take cover is a feature long overdue (think Rainbow Six), and the option to throw grenades (with a nifty new impact indicator) and command your squads from the cover position is groundbreaking for the series. Certain barriers like fences and sand bags can break away and disintegrate upon contact too, so choosing the right protection for the scenario is a must. Seeking refuge behind a vehicle or wooden fence with a MG bearing down on your squad likely won’t produce the desired results. This not only adds to the realism and intensity of each situation, but it also keeps you planning several steps ahead, which is the only way to safely achieve your objectives in most cases.    

Once you do discover a safe hiding place for the moment, you will likely want to check out the new tactical map. From there you can view recon points (finding these will reveal enemies and objectives, along with providing real-life photos and documents for scenarios), study the terrain, and plan your tactics accordingly. This will help you decide where to send any squads you may currently be in control off. Assault, Bazooka, and MG teams are usually available depending on the situation, and commanding them correctly can mean the difference between success and failure. Assault teams are useful for suppression, MG squads can clear obstacles such as sandbags and small barriers, and Bazooka battalions are more than capable of taking out tanks, elevated MG’s, and any vehicles that may reside in your path. I did have a little trouble with the occasional squad member or team standing around after an order was given, but for the most part controlling the battlefield with a flick of the left and right trigger was seamless.

Once the fight is initiated, you will notice one of the smaller, yet more gruesome additions to Hell’s Highway. Landing a head shot, grenade throw, or direct hit with a Bazooka will trigger the Action Cam. This causes time to slow to a near-halt, where you’ll see any enemies who happen to be caught in your attack ripped apart limb by limb in slow motion. Legs, arms, torsos, and even heads will scatter throughout the battlefield and nothing could be more grisly. And as horrific as this sounds, it doesn’t happen so frequently that it seems out of place or overblown at all. War is downright dreadful, and this game does a fine job of treading the line between realistic and deplorable.

Collectively, this is the impression you inherit after playing a title like Brothers in Arms: Hell’s Highway. It’s both shocking and beautiful at the same time, much in the way that a program like Band of Brothers is. Sure, some of the backstory could’ve used a little more clarification, and the squad member AI fails to impress at times, but the intuitive new features thoroughly outweigh any negatives you may uncover while playing. Despite the tired subject matter, Hell’s Highway is the pinnacle of an impressive ongoing franchise, and is a collective tale of friendship and misfortune that does everyone involved proper justice.