Gearheads of War

Since it is rare that I actually played a publicized game that someone else hasn't already beat on several difficulty levels, I am posting my first impressions for Those of You who are on the fence (got several messages via Xbox live last night "Is it good?").   Especially since gaming budgets are tight (How soon till November?!)

I qualify my impressions by a couple of things.  I have a strong interest in all things WWII.    My favorite movies are Band of
Brothers, The War (15 hour - Ken Burns documentary) and Saving Private Ryan.  Love - Steven Ambrose (Wrote D-day and Band of Brothers).

There are many levels that interest me.  One for example is "what would it feel like to be in that Time.  The Day of Days, etc..  Or "Would I have what it takes?"  I know that a game or movies can't answer that, but to see other people go through That experience is a wonder to me.   On another level, I have considered for some time now after studying that history, if today's situation in our country and world events (China, Middle East and Russia) are following a similar formula of that time period (1936 Nazi Germany).   At that time, most in our country chose to close their eyes to the looming threats.  Or saw it, but had no voice to summon our leaders to action and thus preventing many horrible events or at least being better prepared, sooner.

Okay, where was I??...   Oh yeah..

Brothers in Arms.

101st Airborne in Operation Market Garden.  

The Game has a Cinematic approach.  Opening action, then the Credits roll introducing the game.  I get the feeling that this isn't just a game that is trying to rely on some new game mechanic (like Fracture demo), but is trying to find its purpose in telling a story.  This is verified by lots of cut scenes (including a brief history flashback) which is good for me, because I have never played a BIA.   Then, starts off at a relaxed pace, teaching you all the game mechanics.  Dutch Farmhouses.

Playing on Veteran.  I am about an hour or more into game time in (probably played 2-1/2 hours, though due to the tutorial and dying several times in a couple sections).  I am at the end of the first chapter,  currently on a level in the country side, where my two teams (Assault and MG team) are clearing a path for the Glider planes to land.    It has a good feeling to the game.   Having a squad at your command gives you a sense of urgency.  The Germans, so far do some flanking, so if you just set up your teams position without paying attention to the Germans next move, your team can get flanked.   So far, it seems like this game does reward you for setting them up in the right places (meaning they don't die if they are positioned well).   Due to that comfort, it gives you time to view the battlefield, pull up the tactical map from your menu and plan your next move.  "Do I flank around this side?"  "Or move one of my teams over there?"

If you have read any of the reviews, one of the big complaints is the brokenness of moving your teams.  Yes and no.  I think that I will get better at it.  Meaning, I point to a section of Germans where I want them to put fire specifically on it and instead of shooting at it, the "Move command" sends them running straight at it.  "Damn!", some times they die before I get a chance to either move them back into their original position or since they are already out there, move them to a different position.  If they die, I usually just run out into the open and get myself killed and restart at the check point.   Check points seem spaced pretty good.  Although it is frustrating dying due to a seemingly "game mistake", you don't lose too much time, since each battle sequence is broken up well by checkpoints.

There are circle indicators over the Germans.  Red means they are not being shot at and you've better get someone shooting at them or get cover.  Gray means that you can pretty much move up on them.  Unless someone keeps firing at them, they will slowly turn red again.   The circles are helpful because their absence in an area lets you know that the guy is dead.   The cinematic feature is actually pretty cool.   I've gotten several so far with something like a nice grenade or head shot.  They don't come too frequently, so it is actually a nice pause in the game when it happens.

Graphics are a bit disappointing.   Call of Duty 2 level.  It uses the Unreal 3 Engine, so I am surprised that they didn't have a better polish (shadows on guys faces during close ups look grainy) and the overall coloring is too bright.  Green is too green.   If Gears and COD4 are a 9, then this is a 6-1/2.

Don't really like the cover system.  Yes, it is good that you Have cover (left bumper to Lock in)...  But, shooting over cover was problematic.  Many times my guy just wouldn't want to pop out and fire.  So, I would just Exit cover and shoot, but now I am exposed to fire.    Sometimes it worked.   Maybe, I just need to get the hang of it...

The Achievements must be geared toward rewarding single player mode, since I've already got 100 points.   It is nice compared to let's say NHL09 (I've played probably 2-3 hours of be a pro mode and have gotten one achievement - for a hat trick).

Played about an hour or so of MP.   Pretty lame actually.   VERY Laggy.  Been dropped out of half the matches at various intervals.   Graphics are dumbed down.  I will stay away from it for probably until I finish the campaign.  Hopefully by then, there will be some patches or something.  Still, it was fun last night playing a brand new game with guys all in the same boat as me (noobs to this MP)...  "Cool, I'm the tank driver" or  "Dude, try out the bazooka".

Anyone still reading this?

Okay, finally...   I think this is one of those games that I'm not going to finish anytime soon.  Not because it isn't good, but just don't have the urge to rush through it.  Kind of like when my wife bought me "Band of Brothers" disc set for Christmas, 2004.   I watched all 12 - 1 hour episodes over the period of my 2 week holiday break.   Two episodes at a time and I was satisfied.  It was an Event just sitting down for the night and popping in the disc and going through the experience.   I guess what I am trying to say is that something about this experience so far, feels new.   I am interested in unfolding what story they are trying to tell, because they definitely are trying to tell something.   And I get to shoot the bad guys.