Brothers in Arms 2: Global Front by Gameloft does a nice job of combining first-person run-and-gun action with the third-person cover system of its predecessor Hour of Heroes to give you the best of both shooter worlds if you can overcome the frustration of some horrible jeep driving sequences.

  

The graphics and action in this WWII shooter is spectacular.  The flying bodies, explosions and screams definitely have a WOW factor as you fight in battlefields across the globe while trying to unravel the mystery of your dead brother.  While on foot, BIA2 controls much better than it’s earlier version with a virtual D-pad and swipe to look.  Tapping the cover icon puts you into 3rd person mode as you take cover behind walls or battlefield debris where you can target and then pop out into 1st person to fire or run.  It works smoothly and gives you different ways to play the game.

  

There are many instances where you’ll be expected to man heavy machine guns, drive tanks, fly gliders and unfortunately man a machine gun on the back of a jeep as it moves on rails through tons of enemies.  This occurs early on in the second campaign in Africa and will cause many players to become stuck because of the terribly unresponsive controls and lack of clear primary targets. I finally got through by concentrating on the RPG’s on the rooftops and blind luck.  The tank handles ridiculously, spinning like a top, but because of it’s firepower and the fact that you have some control of the vehicle, it’s not as frustrating.  Unlike Modern Combat: Sandstorm, BIA2 has mid-level saves so you don't have to play through an entire level at one sitting.

  

There isn’t much room for free exploration as you’re lead through the game by continual green spots that trigger the next sequence.  If you want more freedom, the multiplayer both local and online through WiFi and Gameloft Live is a lot of fun with 5 rather large and varied maps where you can play Team Battle, Deathmatch or Domination to your hearts content.  The game runs a little slow on my 2G Iphone which made the jeep sequences harder but it runs smoothly on my Ipod touch.

  

Brothers in Arms 2: Global Front is another great looking shooter from Gameloft.  While the single player game is fun, it’s rather linear and you’ll have to contend with some frustrating driving sequences but the multiplayer gives it added value and longevity for a 4 star rating.



goyami@comcast.net