When RCT came out in '99 I was 13. I wasn't much of a PC gamer (was into the Civilization series) but after reading about RCT it sounded awesome and right up my alley. I was into building and managing pixels so I figured I'd give it a try...once I got the money from my parents of course :). I figured if I was able to conquer the world in Civ I was able to build sweet parks in RCT. Now I don't remember too much specifics from back in the day, but I know I instantly became addicted to the original. One of my favorite things to do was to build cool entrances that typically involved water, statues, bridges, trees, and gardens. It wasn't necessary but that was my thing. When I found out about GOG nearly two years ago the first game I looked up was RCT. Not only was it available but it was the Deluxe version. The original AND the two expansions. Sold! So here we are, a 30-something year-old playing RCT. Yea I ain't embarrassed to admit it. I might not play it as much as a 13-year old, but the game still lives up to the hype and is a classic. When I first got back into playing I would flip between the original and expansions. At first I was not into creating my own coasters but slowly gained an interest. It can be time consuming but I've become a big fan. I took a break from the game and just recently got back into the swing of things. The interface and functionality of the game has always been very simple. Working underground can be difficult at times and is something I personally don't bother with, despite it being helpful when crammed into small spaces. The Power Launch and Reverse Incline coasters are a staple to just about every park I build. There is nearly an endless of options you have to influence. Pricing, marketing, construction, employee tasks, landscaping, it's all fascinating. I really enjoy being hands on in all that good stuff. Sometimes, however, the length of your goal hinders that. Still, though, it's a gem of a game.
Brothers in Arms Earned in Blood (EIB) is a continuation of BIA Road to Hill 30 (which I gave a 4-star rating). In many ways EIB is just as great or better. However there are a few setbacks along the way. The AI was sharpened up a bit to an extent (more on that later), the graphics are a smidge better, some new weapons are introduced, and the missions are more extensive/open. The two games were released less than a year apart in the mid 2000s, so perhaps at the time EIB wasn't worth the money. I bought all 3 BIAs off GOG for roughly $10 so that's a plus. Roughly halfway through the game I was very impressed. The game was truly a continuation of the original BIA with a few upgrades. To me that was great; why fix something that ain't broke? Then it started to get VERY difficult. Parades of Germans, tanks, and MGs started flooding missions. This was a major test for your squads to fight as one. It unfortunately failed as this is where the AI began to dip. During these battles the AI, specifically on my squads, were downright clueless at times. I lost too many men due to highly questionable tactics. Many times they simply did not properly hide behind cover. Maybe I was doing something wrong, but I felt like I was spending all my time moving guys around to try to avoid getting blasted by shells while simultaneously trying to kill all the Germans essentially by myself. One of the last missions took me many, many tries to get through one checkpoint. There are also a few missions where you control a squad and a tank. During one of these missions I constantly lost the tank to the point where I basically hid him until me and the other squad got through the Germans and their heavy artillery. This lone-wolf tactic goes against the premise of the game. I should also note I played on the same difficulty level as I did in the first. If I could I'd give EIB a 3.5-star rating instead of 3-stars. Despite the AI at times the game is solid with some upgrades to Road to Hill 30.
This is going to be a bit tough being that I'm reviewing a game that is 10+ years old. But here I go... Right off the bat the graphics, soldier interaction, and overall storyline (which is a true story) are great and engrossing. I'm used to playing FPSs on PS consoles. The controls were surprisingly very easy to get accustomed to. You also have the ability to change any control you want. The missions are relatively long, some being tougher than others. At times I feel like me and my squad(s) are too outnumbered, but that's war. Speaking of the squads, their AI is...okay. At times they put themselves too far out in the open, even if I place them in a safe zone. The ability to command squad(s) to suppress and fire is very cool; though it can be tough placing them in certain spots sometimes. I read on someone's review you can command through the situational awareness mode -- I was not aware of this, and thanks for pointing it out. Despite your squads inefficiencies at times, you will need them to complete your goals/missions. There have been a few instances where I went full "me-mode" (Either because my squad died or weren't helping much) and got lucky and survived. I play in Normal mode so I can't see that happening on tougher modes. Additionally, when you complete missions you earn a medal depending on the level of difficulty. This unlocks cool Extras -- cool feature. My final point I'll make involves Baker's (you) shooting. I'll have Germans suppressed, flank them, and have a Great shot on them. I shoot, and the Krauts miraculously are able to take the bullets and get up from their position and be on the attack. I hate when this happens, but perhaps it's due to the age of the game. Also, keeping scope of fire at a relatively steady spot is difficult. Point is, it shouldn't be hard to eliminate a suppressed enemy with a few shots. Perhaps I just stink at the game haha. Overall I'm giving 4 stars due to the storyline, tactics, and graphics.
