All in all, this is one of the most intriguing multiplayer games ever to hit Live. When playing with another player on your team, you'll each control a squad, requiring a lot of communication via the headsets. You can still be killed, though, so you'd better save it for those moments when you're safely tucked behind cover. You can still use the 'situational awareness' view, although it doesn't stop the action entirely, it merely slows it down for the player using it. Some tactical shooters forego their squad-based mechanics once the game leaves the single-player arena, but Brothers in Arms allows between 2 and 4 players the ability to do battle with squads. The best aspect of the multiplayer, however, is the fact that the game doesn't forget its roots when introducing more players. Although there's no co-op mode, your teammates' strong AI makes you feel like you're playing with friends. Each of these games can be played via system link, splitscreen, or Xbox Live, and from what we've seen, the Live netcode is virtually bulletproof. There are 10 different types of games in all, with the promise of more to come. One game requires the Germans to collect explosives and blow up a bridge while the Americans try to prevent it, while another tasks one team with stealing a set of documents and making a run for the border. The game eschews the usual modes like deathmatch and capture the flag, instead offering gamers the chance to play objective-based gametypes. While fans of games like Halo 2 might not be overjoyed by the modes offered, there's plenty to be excited about. On the multiplayer side of things, Brothers in Arms breaks some new ground. Many games will have music playing over the action, but this game doesn't need any help setting the mood. The score is also well done, managing to somehow be powerful and unobtrusive at the same time. Once you hear those bullets flying, you'll duck your head and diver for cover. You really feel like you're on the ground with these soldiers, especially when you're being fired upon by unseen foes.

Firearms rattle with every shot, bullets whizz by your ears, and mortar rounds shake the ground (and your living room) when they land nearby. Though the game's visuals are nothing to shake a stick at, they're still not as impressive as the masterful audio work. Every so often, the framerate will lag during heavy combat or when new scenes are preloading, but it's not enough to distract you from the gorgeous visuals. Even your fellow soldiers look like the real thing, following your movements with their eyes and moving their mouths when they talk.

The whole world is filled with tons of environmental details, from lush, green trees to murky standing water, and I've seen few things as beautiful as a fearsome firefight filling an orange, pre-dawn sky with tracer rounds. As I mentioned before, a lot of effort has been put into making Brothers in Arms feel as realistic as possible, and the game's excellent graphics are just one part of that.

Brothers in arms road to hill 30 covers