I got invited to Gearbox Software’s Victory Party to celebrate their two upcoming games Brothers In Arms: Hell’s Highway and Samba de Amigo (Wii).  There’s nothing like a little gaming mixed with some music, women, DJ Jazzy Jeff and partying.  I had VIP status so I got to chill in the VIP room and get some hand’s on time with both Hell’s Highway and Samba de Amigo.  There was a kick ass faceplate that I was tempted to snatch but my better half took over and I simply admired it from afar.

Photos: Gearbox Software Victory Party

I know you’re all interested in how Hell’s Highway plays and if you’re a Brothers In Arms fan, you’ll love it.  It’s not a run & gun game for those unaware of the series.  You have a squad that you need to implement in order to maximize the fun factor and keep yourself from being killed repeatedly.  Yes, I found that out with trial & error.  If you haven’t been introduced to the series, you might have a task enjoying what BIA: HH has to offer.

First thing I noticed was that Hell’s Highway definitely screams next-generation with its design.  The environments, the characters, the sound…it was a sight to see.  I guess it didn’t hurt playing on a huge HD television.  I had some trouble with aiming and vaulting fences felt weird especially when trying to evade enemy fire.  Preventing massive damage while hopping a fence is when strategy and your squad are most effective.  Do not run & gun your way through Hell’s Highway.  The hand signals to initiate squad commands were cool and commanding was an easy Left trigger and D-pad command away.

One thing I wish had been implemented was more destruction.  By that I mean having doors, buildings and other meaningless objects destructible.  I couldn’t tear down a door to surprise some enemies and I really wanted to.

The other game of the night was Samba de Amigo and I’d be doing the game an injustice if I didn’t mention how much fun I had with it.  It was seriously a frenzy of arm waving fun on the Wii.  I couldn’t play for too long because that’s just how the Wii is.  It’s an exercise machine masquerading as a console.  But Samba de Amigo should make Wii fans really happy if you’re into rhythm/music games.

I had a great time at the event and I’m looking forward to going to hell on September 23rd.  I want to send a big thanks to Gearbox Software and David Eddings for the VIP invite.  Before I go let me just that that DJ Jazzy Jeff is a beast on the turntables and he kept the crowd entertained from the moment he got there to the time he left. 

With that said, who’s going to hell with Hell’s Highway later this month?