Brothers in Arms: Hell's Highway

 Xbox 360
User Score
8.2

Generally favorable reviews- based on 168 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 131 out of 168
  2. Mixed: 24 out of 168
  3. Negative: 13 out of 168
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  1. FrankCreeper
    Jul 4, 2023
    10
    I played all games about the series and I can say this game is awesome...the story writting,characters,filosofy under this game,the atrocity about the real events on the Operation Market Garden....The Humanity about this game is something only a few game about the WWII can really rappresent...such a masterpiece for his too bad that ubisoft or gearbox dont create another sequel...
    P.S I    I played all games about the series and I can say this game is awesome...the story writting,characters,filosofy under this game,the atrocity about the real events on the Operation Market Garden....The Humanity about this game is something only a few game about the WWII can really rappresent...such a masterpiece for his too bad that ubisoft or gearbox dont create another sequel...
    P.S I played both versions game of the console    … Expand
  2. goodgriff33
    Jan 16, 2023
    8
    Answer: 75 characters is between 10 words and 19 words with spaces included in the character count. If spaces are not included in the character count, then 75 characters is between 12 words and 25 words.
  3. Heisenberg93
    Nov 2, 2021
    8
    It's been over a decade that I wanted to play Hell's Highway, outside the well-known demo, and finish the game given its name and fame from the fans that, even after many years, I still hear. I got the chance on Xbox 360 with which I recently started playing important and early generation games on the console.

    Video games with plot set in WWII usually go like this: the stories of    It's been over a decade that I wanted to play Hell's Highway, outside the well-known demo, and finish the game given its name and fame from the fans that, even after many years, I still hear. I got the chance on Xbox 360 with which I recently started playing important and early generation games on the console.

    Video games with plot set in WWII usually go like this: the stories of characters will be the background to the war, or the other way around. Whatever it will be, the plot must be interesting and catching. In Hell's Highway, maybe because plot is based on a true story, the war is really a powerful background to strictly personal events, which involve its characters. It's easy to empathise with them and the writing is credible and deep. Following the logic of Market Garden operation is more complex. "What is it that makes a great soldier? Is it his brain or his heart?". The answer, maybe obvious maybe not, is somewhere in between, probably.

    The game's base principle, "suppress and flank", works correctly. Put enemies under suppressive fire from your team and send another team to attack them on the flank. As such, putting enemies under pressure with MG team or Fire team fire is essential. The Assault team can also put suppressive fire but is less effective. Baker himself can also put suppressive fire. Squad members can't kill enemies on medium and long range, even if those are suppressed, but on short range their effectiveness increases. No need to flank suppressed enemies: sending Assault team in their face will be enough to kill them with ease. Consistent with the game's base principle, moving and shortening distances is key to progress. ​As a tactical shooter, the game works: commanding squads efficiently and observing them at work generates satisfaction, a sense of progression. Friend AI works well, even if sometimes gets stuck in the scenario or don't respond to orders. Enemy AI maybe a bit worse, but I saw them retreat as I advanced, move from cover to cover and have good mobility. There's a good variety of WWII weapons and shooting mechanics are solid; switch between the first and third person view (while in cover) is well done and seamless. Cover system itself is also not bad at all and it's nice to see a bit of environmental destructibility with things like wooden fences. Splatter system is good and explosives have devastating effects on bodies. The game offers an effective and convincing reconstruction of the war.

    Health game mechanic is different. Basically, while being hit, Baker is actually dodging bullets and increasing the risk of being hit. At the peak of exposure to threat, if not in cover, Baker is actually shot dead. Health is not decreasing, your luck is. Definitely an original design choice. While from the player's point of view, it doesn't change much, the problem is shooting and seeing enemy soldiers literally duck down and dodge bullets that should have hit. I don't like it, I understand that shooting means "lowering the enemies' luck and eventually kill them" but when the target gets hit, it just has to take damage, not turn into Max Payne.

    Hell's Highway is a slow game as it's a tactical shooter seeking realism. Shootings can lead to stalemates if not carried out correctly and can last for a long time. But slowness aside, the game it's woody; Baker is really slow, clumsy and in a cast. Enemy soldiers don't throw grenades (which contrasts realism) because I suppose it would be complicate for the player to avoid them. Also, the player's grenade launch system could have been done better as well. About lack of realism, the game grants too much ammo: I doubt s single soldier could carry such large bulky sets of ammo bandoleers, belts or pouches.

    The game is still graphically pleasing. Technically, it holds together both a decent environmental destructibility and splatter system. However, characters' faces and cut scenes in general are below expectations, even for a game of the time; they almost seem to come from the generation before. The soundtrack holds up well the epic feel of a WWII game.

    Ultimately, Hell's Highway is a great game. Critics seem to have been "disappointed" by absence of gameplay variations and alleged repetitiveness. Maybe that's true, but I have to give this game its merits. The ending is deliberately open and we knew recently that a new game is in development: let's hope Gearbox won't make any nonsense and that everything will go smoothly. Another game like Hell's Highway may very well be enough.    … Expand
  4. Broyax
    Jul 14, 2020
    0
    On pourrait croire avec ce "Frères d'Armes" à un énième clone d'un Kevin of Duty mais il n'en est rien : en vérité, c'est bien pire ! il s'agit d'un FPS certes mais avec un système de couverture comme les Gears et qui se repose ici exclusivement sur la mécanique du "tir de suppression" : il faut clouer les ennemis avant éventuellement de pouvoir leur tirer dessus ou plus précisément de lesOn pourrait croire avec ce "Frères d'Armes" à un énième clone d'un Kevin of Duty mais il n'en est rien : en vérité, c'est bien pire ! il s'agit d'un FPS certes mais avec un système de couverture comme les Gears et qui se repose ici exclusivement sur la mécanique du "tir de suppression" : il faut clouer les ennemis avant éventuellement de pouvoir leur tirer dessus ou plus précisément de les buter...

    Car leur tirer dessus avant de les "clouer" sur leur position ne sert strictement à rien, c'est comme si vous tiriez dans le vide... et tout le jeu est comme ça apparemment ou de ce que j'en ai vu et joué avant d'éjecter cet étron et de le reconvertir en super freesbee... ou miroir portable (c'est bien pratique). On peut aussi s'en servir comme patin sur le parquet et faire des figures comme danseur étoile et se préparer ainsi pour les prochains jeux olympiques. C'est quand même sympa, un DVD !

    C'est donc encore plus chiant que la merdasse annuelle des Call of Kevin, très répétitif et par ailleurs la mise en scène, les cinématiques d'andouilles qu'on ne peut pas zapper, sont encore pluis pénibles que les étrons à succès d'Activitron ! c'est dire si ce jeu casse les couilles ! un enfer... Alors certes, la réalisation est de fort bon aloi mais franchement, on s'en fout... complètement.    … Expand
  5. SleepNot
    Mar 28, 2020
    9
    Brothers in Arms: Hell's Highway - very good and realistic game! Great action about world war 2! very recommended!
  6. gamingisgreat
    Feb 20, 2017
    3
    I seriously don't understand why people like Brothers in Arms Hell's Highway.

    The gameplay is extremely generic and does not do anything new.The AI is ridiculously accurate to the point of being downright cheap and the level design is downright terrible.Another issue is the retarded ally AI.The game also has 10 minute unskippable cutscenes followed by loading screens,which removes the    I seriously don't understand why people like Brothers in Arms Hell's Highway.

    The gameplay is extremely generic and does not do anything new.The AI is ridiculously accurate to the point of being downright cheap and the level design is downright terrible.Another issue is the retarded ally AI.The game also has 10 minute unskippable cutscenes followed by loading screens,which removes the immersion this game tries so hard to achieve.

    The graphics and framerate are solid.

    The sound design is decent but the soundtrack is awful.

    Overall,Brothers in Arms Hell's Highway is an absolutely awful WWII FPS,there are far better games set in this time period,FPS and other genres.Don't go anywhere near this.    … Expand
  7. harryjc
    Sep 19, 2015
    7
    A good effort, but not a very enjoyable game. Should a World War 2 game be 'very enjoyable'? That is a matter of argument. But the clunky controls, and lack of proper hit detection made this a hair pulling experience. Local multiplayer would have made this a lot better, but unfortunately it is not here. However, the redeeming quality of this game is the story. The story, while ratherA good effort, but not a very enjoyable game. Should a World War 2 game be 'very enjoyable'? That is a matter of argument. But the clunky controls, and lack of proper hit detection made this a hair pulling experience. Local multiplayer would have made this a lot better, but unfortunately it is not here. However, the redeeming quality of this game is the story. The story, while rather light, takes you into the game, and makes you care about the characters. While this is not a master piece, and it has shown its age, it is definitely worth a look.… Expand
  8. twos
    Dec 25, 2013
    6
    A game worth playing it has interesting shooter mechanics and plays better as a tactical shooter than the early ghost recon offerings on this console. Story is dull but the game itself is very entertaining.
  9. WarrenX
    Jun 17, 2013
    1
    This title was pretty awful my FPS standards, it should be categorized as a strategy title. Gearbox was attempting to bridge so many concepts from other genres such a covering from third-person shooters, squad commanding, and FPS that the entire package just comes across as a mess.

    Poor frame rates and visuals that wouldn't have cut it in 2008 It plays and feels like a second tier    This title was pretty awful my FPS standards, it should be categorized as a strategy title. Gearbox was attempting to bridge so many concepts from other genres such a covering from third-person shooters, squad commanding, and FPS that the entire package just comes across as a mess.

    Poor frame rates and visuals that wouldn't have cut it in 2008 It plays and feels like a second tier game from the early 2000's. Avoid.    … Expand
  10. H360
    May 16, 2013
    7
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. While many of the franchise's traditional gameplay elements return, such as the tactical controls of squads, so do the issues associated with those controls. Tie in some questionable visuals and AI issues, and you have a title that's good, but not great.… Expand
  11. BurningDesire
    Jan 13, 2013
    0
    wow this is a horrible game. a good story can't make up for some of the worst controls on an fps or stupid AI that will run out and get shot, or how the guns just dont seem to shoot where you aim them. come on cod4 was before this and it looks better and plays better. if you want a wwII game get something else anything, a bag of hot sick will do but save your coin for anything else
  12. verminzz
    Jul 17, 2012
    8
    I've never played a BiA game, because i thought it is just another cheap war game. My friend lend my his Hells highway for xbox360 a week ago and i was amazed. I really like war games like Medal of honor, Cod, Bf, but this game really is special. The story, combat, soundtrack and graphics are good and controls are easy to learn. The only thing that isn't that good is multiplayer mode.I've never played a BiA game, because i thought it is just another cheap war game. My friend lend my his Hells highway for xbox360 a week ago and i was amazed. I really like war games like Medal of honor, Cod, Bf, but this game really is special. The story, combat, soundtrack and graphics are good and controls are easy to learn. The only thing that isn't that good is multiplayer mode. Great game.… Expand
  13. ADobbo
    Feb 18, 2012
    6
    When I got this game it took a bit of getting used to everything (the commands to the squad etc). The campaign is lengthy enough and has a good replayability factor in my opinion. The online is nothing special and barely anyone even goes on it nowadays. The campaign has good graphics and is a fun FPS and stands firm against opponents Medal of Honor, Call of Duty. Story wise I think it isWhen I got this game it took a bit of getting used to everything (the commands to the squad etc). The campaign is lengthy enough and has a good replayability factor in my opinion. The online is nothing special and barely anyone even goes on it nowadays. The campaign has good graphics and is a fun FPS and stands firm against opponents Medal of Honor, Call of Duty. Story wise I think it is on top but multiplayer wise it really needs to improve which it hopefully will for the next Brothers in Arms game.… Expand
  14. PigBodine
    Mar 23, 2011
    7
    It's got faults.The enemy AI can be dumb sometime... but... it's emotionally involving. The hospital level is genuinely creepy, and all in all it's a really solid tactical shooter that has good squad mechanics which took me back to playing Full Spectrum Warrior on the old xbox.
  15. Guivera
    Feb 28, 2011
    8
    A great game that is overshadowed by the colossus that is Call of Duty, Hells Highway does not get the attention and praise it deserves. While not a perfect war shooter, i found myself continually wanting to keep playing even with its flaws. Great game.
  16. AnotherSociety
    Feb 22, 2011
    8
    (Written by AnotherSociety, Editing and comedic quotes by x Joelene x)

    THE STORY SO FAR
    I have been looking forward to playing this installment of â
  17. parlarocha
    Aug 25, 2010
    10
    Un juego diferente, una diversión diferente para por fin tener acción en primera persona realmente divertida y entretenida. Se acabó el ir en plan Rambo, ahora debes estudiar al contrario y tener mucho cuidado de dónde pones a tus compañeros de batallón. Mejorable en el apartado gráfico,Un juego diferente, una diversión diferente para por fin tener acción en primera persona realmente divertida y entretenida. Se acabó el ir en plan Rambo, ahora debes estudiar al contrario y tener mucho cuidado de dónde pones a tus compañeros de batallón. Mejorable en el apartado gráfico, inmejorable en la sensación de estar verdaderamente en la II Guerra Mundial.… Expand
  18. tror123
    Mar 14, 2009
    9
    Wow I must be really losing my mind here or publishers are paying out for their critiques...this was whole lot of fun! The core mechanics I mastered and excelled out made me feel like I serving with heroes....The only wish I had was that I could control a tank and a squad like the first one...can't wait for the nex version!
  19. PeterB
    Feb 17, 2009
    10
    I really don't understand the people who give this game such low scores. It's one of the best games I've ever played. Story's awesome, killcam is even more awesome and the graphics are also awesome.
  20. ChrisO
    Dec 27, 2008
    9
    This is by far one of the best WWII shooters I have played, it's right up there next to Call of Duty Finest Hour (best IMO). Great story, great controls, and surprisingly very good multiplayer.
  21. ChrisL
    Oct 28, 2008
    5
    If you were a fan of the original iron site shooting without a cross-hair in the old BIA games, prepare to be disappointed. The game implements a fairly tacky cover system which really feels thrown in to sell copy which allows you to pick off enemies without using your squad at all (THIS GAME IS A STRATEGY GAME!). The frame rate is really lousy and some the graphics are very poor (which If you were a fan of the original iron site shooting without a cross-hair in the old BIA games, prepare to be disappointed. The game implements a fairly tacky cover system which really feels thrown in to sell copy which allows you to pick off enemies without using your squad at all (THIS GAME IS A STRATEGY GAME!). The frame rate is really lousy and some the graphics are very poor (which there is no excuse for considering the unreal engine powers this game). Plus the multiplayer is awful, which is a real shame considering how good the multiplayer was in earned in blood. This game does not stand out in any way apart from its horribly long development time but yet somehow still managing to feel rushed and buggy. Brothers in Arms Hells Highway marks a new low for Gearbox Software.… Expand
  22. Nico
    Oct 16, 2008
    4
    This game is plain and simply appalling. The First person shooter/tactical shooter genre is such a tough area of gaming to break into, not many of them are bad, just unrecognized, this though is poor, your teammates are unintelligent and clunky, the plot is poor, the voice acting is irritating, and the gameplay is monotonous. is was a rent, and i will be forgetting the experience.
  23. AllanD
    Oct 2, 2008
    8
    More often than not, I believe the Metascores for 360 games are just about right. Having played this game for several hours, I do really feel this game has been underrated. I you like Rainbow Six Vegas, GRAW, there's a good chance you might like this game. The only knock I have is the graphics and controls could be a bit better. Overall, a fun game that I think deserves an 8.5.
  24. AaronB
    Oct 2, 2008
    9
    This game met my expectations, exceeded them on many, many occasions, fell down a couple of times, but, all said and done I was totally engrossed from beginning to end, and that was on casual mode. ...but then came Authentic mode. The enemy AI is totally different in the way it plays, advancing on masse when attacked, from the very beginning you start the game again. I was swarmed by This game met my expectations, exceeded them on many, many occasions, fell down a couple of times, but, all said and done I was totally engrossed from beginning to end, and that was on casual mode. ...but then came Authentic mode. The enemy AI is totally different in the way it plays, advancing on masse when attacked, from the very beginning you start the game again. I was swarmed by enemies who seemed intent on kicking my squads asses. Without the crosshair either the game really feels like a life/death situation everytime you encounter an enemy. It forces you too use the iron sight view alot more making u vulnerable, and relying on visual aids such as explosions of dirt next to enemies, the only thing to gauge your accuracy - alot of fun flanking German infantry , to pop up next to them with your Thompson, no crosshair and spraying wildly in their general direction. Moments like this are represented amazingly well, for me anyway. Lots of tense shootouts. Most of the parts when u are seperated from your squad played really well for me, if not slightly out of place- it was appropriate for the moments in the game though and a nice diversion. I must say that the tank parts were, sort of fun, but I would have far rather commanded them as a squad like the original games, and not had to drive them myself. There is a lot of replay value to the game and authentic mode will keep you busy for quite a while. Some people don't like online...thats because its NOT ........COD4. If you actually pay attention to your squad leader its a blast. It is a different game however, you DO NOT control squads like the single player, you're part of one- you've got Rockstar New England to thank for that whatever you're final take on that is. GFX do take a hit though, but still alot of fun. More modes, even a deathmatch mode to test everyone's 'dig in' skills would be very welcome. Overall its a slower based, tactical game, abit like GRAW or Rainbow six, but with WWII tactics...GFX are similar to R6 in some ways actually, although it has a gfx style all its own with an grainy filter over some shadows etc. I liked that look as well. Please don't take 3 more years to bring out the next one Gearbox....and put back what you changed with regards the tank sections. I want to command them.not drive them. BUY it. Its well worth it.… Expand
  25. PaulB
    Oct 1, 2008
    8
    Just finished this very enjoyable game - different from your usual FPS, since it's squad based - and you cant just go in guns blazing. The game has a very cinematic feel throughout,with plenty of cutscenes to introduce the characters and their relationships with one another. Sure there are a few technical and gameplay issues, but thankfully they don't overshadow, what is a solid Just finished this very enjoyable game - different from your usual FPS, since it's squad based - and you cant just go in guns blazing. The game has a very cinematic feel throughout,with plenty of cutscenes to introduce the characters and their relationships with one another. Sure there are a few technical and gameplay issues, but thankfully they don't overshadow, what is a solid and refreshingly different shooter for the XboX.… Expand
  26. AnonymousMC
    Sep 30, 2008
    7
    A slightly average shooter that combines "Rainbow Six's" squad mechanic with the strip mined WWII shooter genre. Some minor bugs and glitches might frustrate you like wonky aiming, bad enemy AI, enemies shooting through walls and dodgy cover mechanics.

    As a note, I haven't played any of the previous "Brothers In Arms" games which makes it brutally unforgiving jumping into the    A slightly average shooter that combines "Rainbow Six's" squad mechanic with the strip mined WWII shooter genre. Some minor bugs and glitches might frustrate you like wonky aiming, bad enemy AI, enemies shooting through walls and dodgy cover mechanics.

    As a note, I haven't played any of the previous "Brothers In Arms" games which makes it brutally unforgiving jumping into the convoluted and somewhat nonsensical story. It doesn't help that the writers take themselves and the story waaaaaaay too seriously. Also, whomever decided that you can skip some cut-scenes but have to wait half-way through to skip others should be shot!    … Expand
  27. FPSMaster
    Sep 30, 2008
    8
    Most seem to hate it at first then by the 2nd or 3rd day it's grown on them. I am one of these people. The first play through was hard to stomach: Average graphics, lots of pop-in, bad framerates, bad friendly and enemy A.I., not many weapons, glitches galore, unrealistic reloading animations, not being able to aim at all on Authentic when in 3rd person view, linear levels, cheesy Most seem to hate it at first then by the 2nd or 3rd day it's grown on them. I am one of these people. The first play through was hard to stomach: Average graphics, lots of pop-in, bad framerates, bad friendly and enemy A.I., not many weapons, glitches galore, unrealistic reloading animations, not being able to aim at all on Authentic when in 3rd person view, linear levels, cheesy voice acting, overly drawn out cutscens and ridiculous solo missions that go against the entire point of playing this series over any other WW2 shooter. But it all clicked at some point and seemed as fun as the other 2 BIA games. It still though has a very last-gen feel with perfectly placed cover points put on the maps giving it a gamey feel and most of the levels only have 1 or 2 ways to outflank the enemies because they are so narrow and linear. The MP blows ass any way you look at it though so Gearbox should have made it themselves instead of leaving it to the team that ruined Bully for 360, Rockstar New England. It has 1 mode with no A.I. squads, looks like a PS2 game graphically and lags to Hell and back. Still, give the SP a chance if you like ordering squads around because this type of game is quickly becoming extinct in favor of everything being all about online MP in todays gaming world.… Expand
  28. DanC.
    Sep 30, 2008
    9
    Great game. Story is one of the best I've ever seen in a game. Controls feel great, haven't gotten bored yet. Don't purchase this game for the multiplayer though.
  29. ZackS.
    Sep 28, 2008
    9
    I have been a huge fan of brothers in arms series and this is the best one yet. The addition of the cover system really feels like your a soldier fighting in Holland. this is the most realistic and authentic WW2 game i have ever played.
  30. KCL.
    Sep 28, 2008
    10
    Awesome WWII shooter, the best in its class. I hope they make another one soon.
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Awards & Rankings

65
#65 Best Xbox 360 Game of 2008
22
#22 Most Discussed Xbox 360 Game of 2008
55
#55 Most Shared Xbox 360 Game of 2008

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 65 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 42 out of 65
  2. Mixed: 23 out of 65
  3. Negative: 0 out of 65
  1. games(TM)
    60
    To continually repackage the same hackneyed take on real pain, real suffering, and real people in the mane of entertainment is a sure road to exploitation. [Nov 2008, p.112]
  2. MEGamers
    87
    The game offers so much, from an engaging emotional story to showing the brutal face of war. Easily one of the best WWII based shooters.
    Read full review
  3. Edge Magazine
    60
    Gearbox has made a game that is stable and complete, if hugely unrefined in places, with an under-exploited but sound core of tactical squad combat. [Nov 2008, p.93]
See all critic reviews »