E3 2011: Brothers in Arms: Furious 4 Preview Impressions

There's no doubt that Quentin Tarantino is one of the most influential modern directors, but his influence on gaming hasn't been too noticeable. Well, the latest Brothers in Arms was shown off today, and it bears more than a passing resemblance to two of Tarantino's most impactful movies. Dubbed "Furious 4," this comical slant on the war buddies genre is a drastic turn from the usually somber military shooter, which could separate it from the glut of similar-looking games. Ubisoft announced the game at its E3 press event and showed the different direction the franchise is moving in.

The art style is closer to Team Fortress than Call of Duty, but the influence most evident early on was Inglorious Basterds. The titular four approach a tavern, and it looks strikingly similar to the bar scene from Tarantino's latest movie. A feeling of tension permeates the air as two opposing groups square off. From there, things get a little wacky. We're introduced to each of the four characters in violent fashion, making it clear that this game will focus more on wacky hijinks than realistic war situations. After all, as the Ubisoft presenter said before the trailer ran, "They enjoy killing their enemies." And how!

Stitch leaps toward an enemy with an electric grenade, sticking it right on some poor sucker's crotch. Crockett bands a dead guy's forehead. Chok leaps through the air while firing a gun. And then there's Montana, the requisite giant man with a Gatling gun. And the trailer ends with a shout out to Pulp Fiction: a man on a toilet, facing his imminent death.

Sadly, because this was all prerendered, it's impossible to know how the actual game will play. But at least it's different from other games in the genre. Stay tuned to GameSpot for more coverage of Brothers in Arms: Furious 4.