Brothers in Arms: D-Day review

Sadly, like a perfectly placed grenade toss that turns out to be a dud, the PSP control scheme handicaps you from the start. Developer Gearbox did what they could - a strafing feature at least gives you some flexibility to target an enemy while moving - but without a second analog stick, you'll struggle to win the war, or even feel comfortable trying. An awkward movement and aiming system will frustrate at key moments where placement and cover are your only methods for survival. At least some of your German foes are pretty willing to be sitting ducks while you pick them off - a drastic departure from the game's console cousins.

Not that the trademark smart, reactive enemies are gone, mind you. German soldiers will read your movements and attempt to outmaneuver you, depending on which tactics you and your squad employ. The situational awareness map is also here, an incredibly valuable "freeze the battlefield" screen that'll let you take stock of where any spotted Nazis are while plotting your attack route. Realistic? No. Desperately needed? Hell yes.

Don't expect any health packs or power ups of any kind, though. The only way to complete a mission is to make it through alive from start to finish (although those poor bastards under your command don't need to be so lucky). This becomes pretty dicey in several of the later levels, not only because of the crafty Wehrmacht, but also due to the choppiness and slowdown that accompanies too much action on the small screen.