The graphics on PS2 are good, but they don't nearly stack up to the PC or XBOX versions. Everything has a fable-type glow which looks very nice. The faces are also some of best I've ever seen and the environment is pretty good as well. The animations puts it altogether as it makes the game look extremely realistic. However in the PS2 version textures tend to be very muddy and overall a big step below the other two versions. But for PS2 it is still good.
The sound is definately not the main focus but it gets the job done. The music definately goes with the mood of the game, but is not that noticable, especially when intense battles break out. The best aspect of the sound is easily the gun noise. It sounds great, not Call of Duty quality, but still very good.
Okay, remember how in the first paragraph I said that I set a new record for saying "Damn!"? Well it's time to explain. I wouldn't say it's the hardest game ever created, but let's just say it's the hardest game I've ever played. Since there isn't any visible health meter and no health packs, you have to watch your back and if you want to rambo even just one enemy, be prepared for your health to take a dive.
On the good side of things, the control of your troops is done very well. It's sort of like Full Spectrum Warrior where there is a cursor you move and then your troops move there and like in Full Spectrum Warrior, you have 2 groups of soliders. However unlike Full Spectrum Warrior, it is much more easier and it's actually fun to control the troops. The best way to take out the enemy is to first spot them, then start firing at them (but before you do this get behind cover), then what I did a lot is I either moved the troop to a closer cover or I just went in rambo and hoped there was only one guy. Now if you have two troops all you have to do is have one firing at the enemy constantly and then take the second group around to take them out. I mean you can Rambo it some of the time and get lucky, but if there is 3-4+ enemies, even with full health, your dead. Overall the gameplay is excellent even though it is insanely difficult.
Online play is a definate mix bag. Unlike, again, the two other versions the PS2 version lags behind, literally. When playing the PS2 version we had multiple instances of lag but the thing that drags the online play down is the option of up to 4 people in a room. (4 troops, 2 on each side) I'm not expecting 32 players but the thing that sucks is if 1 player leaves, it's 2-1 which no one likes. Also online play is just dull for some reason that I can't explain, definately the weakest part of the game.
I was pretty impressed with Brother in Arms. It was definately not the best WWII shooter I've ever played and the PS2 version is a step below the other two, but the way it blended FPS, Action and Strategy all into one game, Ubisoft did a good job. Go out and rent this game.
