Brothers in Arms: Earned in Blood

The enemy AI is quite possibly the best I've ever seen in a console game.

In terms of presentation, technical gameplay, graphics, and audio, it's nearly impossible to rise above Brothers in Arms: Earned in Blood in any area.

Another riveting experience in what should be a creatively exhausted landscape. [Dec 2005, p.113]

Thanks to a potent combination of ingenious tactical A.I., flawless squad controls, and terrifying audio/visuals, these games are a perfect balance of realism and playability, without resorting to heavy-handed scripting and the predictable linearity in level designs found in its contemporaries. In fact, Blood is so good, it actually manages to put its predecessor to shame.

The single player campaign features an improved AI difficulty and the new skirmish mode adds plenty more hours of replay.

It is as good as the previous game, and then some with the enhancements that were made. Most notably, in the computer AI that puts up so much more of a fight than even the best FPS games.

The voice acting is outstanding and the missions were well thought out.

Excellent sense of immersion, great storytelling.

Having rejuvenated the tired genre, the sequel tightens up the gameplay and spruces up the visuals. Nothing major, but massively fun nonetheless.

But if you fancy a deep, serious game that represents a huge challenge - and aren't adverse to constantly studying a map and positioning your men before seeing any action - then this war hero is in a league of its own. [Xbox World]

Players have access to better weapons (machine guns, grenades) early on in this sequel, and it definitely makes for a much more exciting experience. [Official UK Xbox Magazine]

If you're looking for a harder and longer version of Brothers in Arms, Earned in Blood fits the bill -- although it can be hard to shake the feeling that you've trudged through these fields and villages before.

The game does have some linear aspects and is mission-based, but this is a smart game that draws players into the storyline and backs the content angle up with solid graphics, smart AI and great audio tracks.

Gearbox has a solid franchise here, and if they can boost the graphics and bring the environments into play more, then they could rival "Call of Duty" for best WWII series on the market.

Though it doesn't deviate at all from the formula established by the first game, the smarter AI and new multiplayer modes just add to an already excellent shooter.

Earned in Blood offers a rather similar experience to its excellent predecessor, with improved enemy artificial intelligence and additional multiplayer options. The novelty has worn off just a bit, though.

An awesome game and earns a great deal of respect and admiration, but doesn't quite earn what I wish it would.

Another authentic WWII experience with only the intensity and integrity that the Brothers in Arms series can provide. Yes, it's more of the same, but the original was so good.

This is a thinking man's game; jump out and rush like Rambo and not even a pair of well-oiled pecs will save you.

The fact that you are being asked to pay full premium for what is effectively an expansion pack in all but name, may put some off.

Even with the improvements to the A.I. and enhanced multiplayer experience, the game feels more like an expansion pack than a stand-alone product.

Earned in Blood improves on its predecessor with a larger variety of game modes and a more dynamic A.I., but doesn't deliver enough to warrant it's release as a sequel. I'd be better if the Skirmish mode with the new A.I. was offered as downloadable content for RtH30 and a sequel was held off until more significant changes could be made.

A very deep and engaging game. The AI in the game is extremely well done, almost to a point where it may be to hard for some.

Earned In Blood might not seem like a radical departure from the original but the gloriously cascading AI and open maps have effectively transformed it into a very special WWII experience. The fact that there's nothing quite like it in such a crowded genre speaks volumes. [Dec 2005, p.103]

This is one situation where more of the same does not negate the experience. More of the same is more than we could have asked for. It's the brown bun alternative.

If you're bored of the current slew of "shoot, run, shoot, run" FPS titles, then EiB's limited tactical bent might be enough to liven things up for you.

The two games aren't identical, but at times you wouldn't know the difference. [Nov 2005, p.166]

Earned in Blood is for those who enjoyed Road to Hill 30 but wished it was more challenging. You got your wish.

It's fun and well produced but it's a console version of an expansion pack and nothing more.

I wish more games had the voice acting and overall audio quality displayed in Earned in Blood.

If you were disappointed by the multiplayer options of the original game you should be more than satisfied with the bolstered options on offer in Earned in Blood.

As a huge fan of standard FPS games, I was a little put-off at first by my personal lack of effectiveness in the game, though I can appreciate the added tactical depth provided by the control of two fire teams.

You just have to be willing to look past the technical bugs and the fact that you're paying full price for a game that should have been released as a mission-disc, not a full-fledged sequel.

The first-person caper is satisfyingly immersive thanks to some outstanding graphical touches - heavy rain splatters neatly on Jeeps and we can even see Red's freckles in close-up.

A worthy follow up to its predecessor, but did we really need another one in such a short space of time?

Earned in Blood could have been the natural progression for the series but certain gameplay issues and other gremlins have spoilt an otherwise authentic and atmospheric experience.

It will undoubtedly prove enjoyable for those new to the series, but anyone expecting a fully-fledged sequel might be sorely disappointed.

What it lacks is something truly different to make it a worthwhile sequel to own. Perhaps Gearbox will take their time with their next chapter for the 360 and give us something truly spectacular.

There are a couple of perplexing flaws in the design, such as the inability to go prone or jump over low walls and fences, but suspend your disbelief and you'll be gripped.