Established games series are finding their way on to mobile platforms with more regularity these days, though not always in the form we've become used to. Brothers in Arms is the latest to make that leap, with Brothers in Arms 3: Sons of War.
Sons of War is a bit of mixed bag. Set in World War II, you are battling the Nazis, leading your squad to victory (hopefully). Squad members have different benefits. Jacob Hall, for example, can call in an airstrike when things get difficult. James Gann is a sniper, while Cain Lawrence throws Molotov Cocktails. You start out with Jacob Hall, and other squad members are unlocked as you complete various missions.
There’s plenty of content to work your way through, from campaigns to raid missions. There are bonus missions, classed as top secret, that can only be unlocked if you find the location map in a supply crate.
Each mission will have different requirements in terms of weapons and supplies, and you have to choose what to take with you. The game recommends certain supplies, giving you a rather large hint.
Each time you play, you lose energy, and as with many free to play games, you only have a certain stock of energy available to you before you’ll have to take a break and let it rebuild. Or pay out real money to refuel instantly. Missions are short enough, more suited to the mobile platform but it could be a little disappointing for seasoned players.
Once you are in the game, controls are straightforward. An onscreen joystick moves you around, a cursor will allow you to drag and aim your weapon for that all important headshot, and weapons are fired by tapping. In the heat of battle though, things can get a bit confused.
The controls aren’t the only thing that will hamper you. The cover system, although useful at times, is somewhat limited. You can take cover at certain parts of a barricade, indicated on the sandbags or barbed wire, but nowhere else. On one mission, you had to bring down a barricade, but before you did, you couldn’t use it for cover to take out the soldiers firing on your position. It’s frustrating when you are trying to advance on a machine position, for example, and you are tied to the cover the game deems adequate.
There’s no option for multiplayer, though you can chat to other players through the game.
Although the in-app purchases are many, they can be avoided, if you have the patience. Many a good game has been ruined by the constant reminders that you can pay your way past a difficulty or challenge.
As a mobile game, BiA has its challenges. But it's a good effort by Gameloft, and could bring the series to a whole new audience.
