Small Block Platform

This attractive cheese slicer and server tray is ideal for a cheese-and-crackers presentation at a party, yet it's small enough to bring along on a picnic. Its high-tension stainless-steel cutting wire cuts through semisoft cheeses without sticking and harder cheeses without breaking. A natural finish on the beechwood board gives the server a sophisticated look appropriate for any occasion. The cutting wire is warranted by the manufacturer and can be replaced by mail. Washing with a mild detergent is recommended to keep the tray in good shape over time. --Julija Gelazis

It is natural thick beechwood cheese slicer with built-in stylish black arm and handle grip is one of our most popular models. The stainless steel cutting wire sinks easily into even the hardest cheese, to guarantee a perfect slice, thick or thin, every time. As with all of our cheese slicers, the wire is replaceable and has a lifetime warranty against breakage has non-slip rubber feet and comes in a full color box. Board measures 9 ½" x 6"

2 ton hand block and tackle (4000 pounds) capacity four wheel rope pully hoist.

522-1508-0100 Color: Blue Shown in Blue Features: -Plastic 5'' Raised Toilet Seat.-Raises toilet seat height by 5''.-Made of molded, unbreakable polyethylene.-Easy-to-clean.-Raises toilet seat height by 5''.-Fits most standard size toilet bowls.-Unbreakable polyethylene.-Weight Capacity: 250 lbs.. Includes: -Includes four slip-resistant pads that adhere to underside of toilet seat. Options: -Available in several colors. Assembly Instructions: -Completely portable with no assembly required.-No assembly required. Dimensions: -Dimensions: 14.5'' H x 15'' W x 5'' D.

The perfect starting point for LEGO creations! This green base plate measures 10'' x 10'' (255mm x 255mm), so it's a great place to start building castles, skyscrapers, or what ever your imagination comes up with. 4 Years +

This handy 10-by-10-inch LEGO base plate, made of sturdy green plastic, is the perfect building surface for your LEGO creations. The plate's textured surface is designed so that you can attach your LEGO pieces to it and create all sorts of scenes: castles, fortresses, farms, towns, or anything else you can imagine. With the base plate, even your more elaborate creations will hold together and be easy to transport and display. (LEGO pieces are sold separately.) --Elisabeth Fredrickson

When you're building, think pink! This pink storage case with transparent lid is portable and reusable for years of play and imagination! Includes hundreds of great LEGO elements, a minifigure and even a horse.

With the MEGA Bloks Build'n Go Table, your child will spend hours building unlimited combinations of structures. There is storage for MEGA Bloks inside the table and it folds into a convenient, portable case. Recommended for children over the age of one, the MEGA Bloks Build'n Go Table handy three-in-one feature is the ultimate in convenience for parents. Play 'N Go Table Ages: 1+ Pieces: 22 pieces What We Think Fun factor: Durability: Ease of assembly: Educational factor: Novelty factor: The Good: 3-in-1 table is lightweight and durable for years of use. The Challenging: We wish it came with a few more pieces. In a Nutshell: Bold, interesting shapes to build with for endless possibilities and hours of enjoyment. A colorful and fun building toy, MEGA Bloks will teach your child engineering and problem solving skills. View larger. This set comes with 22 versatile MEGA Blok pieces. View larger. Bright, Colorful Pieces for Endless Enjoyment The colorful, bright building pieces are durable and made to last. Build castles or create a small city block; your child will find many different ways to use the pieces. The set includes twenty-two MEGA Bloks pieces such as blocks, bridges, a car, and a boy. There's even a sticker sheet so kids can decorate the blocks with pictures like soccer balls and letters. The smallest piece in the set is over two inches tall and an inch wide, so none of the pieces pose a choking hazard. One tip for parents: add the MEGA Bloks Building Imagination Bag (sold separately) with additional pieces for even more combinations and possibilities. Just Fold and Go The MEGA Bloks Build'n Go Table is easy to set up. Simply place the four, colorful tabletop pieces in place and twist the center wheel to lock. Then unfold the legs until you hear a click. There's a handy storage compartment underneath the tabletop that can hold MEGA Bloks pieces for fast, easy clean up. It's also easy to prepare the table to get ready to go. You simply pinch the top of each leg until the leg folds down. The lightweight table has two handles on the side so you can carry it like a compact suitcase. It's light enough for children to tote it around. Portable and easy to carry, it's perfect for play dates or a trip to Grandma's house. What's in the Box One MEGA Blok foldable table, four interlocking table top pieces, 22 MEGA Blok shapes and pieces of varying sizes, one page of stickers, instruction sheet.

Bright, bold and bountiful, the Play 'n Go Table is a 3-in-1 construction marvel and the ultimate toy for home and school fun! This Play 'n Go Table can be brought everywhere and unfolds in a snap, acting as a building platform and practical storage container. From a multi-story house with garage area, to secret passageways and spectacular arches, let your kid’s creativity unfold as they build an entire town on the portable table! Encourage them to build and rebuild in different fashions!   Product Measures: 24.00 X 16.00 X 5.25 Recommended Ages: 1 year - 6 years

Hitch Mounted Basket Cargo Carrier; w/Folding Shank;

Audiobahn AMA24002H 2 Channel 600W Amplifier - The brand new Murdered Out Series of mono block Class D amplifiers utilize Audiobahn's most power efficient platforms to date. This circuitry coupled with the one piece solid aluminum heat sinks allows these amplifiers to have an incredibly small footprint while still providing for a maximum raw power production. These Class D amplifiers can also be run all day long because of their new proprietary ISO-Ventilation cooling protection. Audiobahn's Murdered Out Series of Class D amplifiers truly represent the best of both form and function. Features: Class A/B MOSFET Power Amplifier; 2 Ohm stable; MOSFET High Speed Switching Power Supply; RCA (Low Level) Inputs; Bridgeable; Input Sensitivity: 200mV - 8V; Optional Item: Bass Boost Control; 4-Way Protection Circuitry: Thermal, Short Circuit, Overload, & DC Offset; Variable High Pass Filter: 50Hz - 750Hz; Variable Low Pass Filter: 50Hz - 120Hz; Sub Sonic Control: 20Hz - 50Hz; Bass Boost Control: 18dB; Variable Bass Control remote: 0dB - 18dB; Phase Shift Switch: 0 - 180 degrees; 4 Ohm Stereo - 300 x 2; 2 Ohm Stereo - 600 x 2; 4 Ohm Mono - 1200 x 1; Available Power - 2400 Watts.

Continuing with the Brothers in Arms franchise, Hell's Highway drops you into Operation Market Garden, the largest paratrooper operation in World War II. Play your own way - choose to use your squad to execute a tactically elegant flanking maneuver or charge in with guns blazing Destructible cover - Keep your men moving and choose your cover wisely - modeled using real physical properties and behaviors, weapons will damage, dent, scorch and destroy the world around you New multiplayer experience - Fight major multiplayer battles with dozens of players on each side, combining all the intensity and accessibility of Deathmatch with squad-based gameplay Limited Edition contains - SGT Matt Baker Figurine - Fully articulated, high-quality, 6 collectible action figure with 13 accessories Comic Book - The entire first issue (with bonus content) of the Brothers in Arms comic series Poster Map - Map of Operation Market Garden

Brothers In Arms Hell's Highway brings the critically acclaimed squad-based WWII shooter into the next generation of gaming with amazing graphics and sound, new cutting-edge gameplay features, and a totally redesigned online component. Delivering on the franchise's compelling story, unrivaled authenticity and intense squad-based action, Brothers In Arms Hell's Highway drops you into Operation Market Garden, the largest paratrooper operation in World War II. Lead Matt Baker, Joe Hartsock and the rest of the 101st Airborne Division as they fight to open "Hell's Highway" in a daring bid for a quick end to the war. The Next-Gen of WWII action Take command as Sgt. Matt Baker.View larger. Engage in large scale battles.View larger. Or house-to-house combat.View larger. Experience the life of a soldier.View larger. Utilze fully-destructable cover. View larger. Precision shots yield 'quick kill' points. View larger. Operation Market Garden: The Story of Hell's HighwayOperation Market Garden was a real-life Allied offensive designed to destroy Nazi Germany before Christmas, 1944. The plan was ambitious - it was largest airborne invasion in the history of the world. The plan was to capture a corridor through Holland to punch through the German lines. Paratroopers of the 101st Airborne and other divisions dropped from the sky in mid-September to seize and hold the corridor by surprise. The surprise attack was a bust. Hitler's best units were in the area and immediately counter-attacked and crushed the corridor. Meet the Squad Although players see the chaos of Operation Market Garden exclusively through the eyes of Sgt. Matt Baker, Hell's Highway is squad-based and as such players will direct, interact with, and get to know all the members of the 101st Airborne in intimate detail. Some of the characters return from earlier games in the series, while others are brand new. Regardless, each has his own personality, history and attitudes towards the plight the squad finds themselves in as they seek to survive a bold, but doomed plan. Some of the dog faces players will encounter are include: Name & Rank: Sgt. Matt Baker Preferred Weapon: M1 RifleBio: With his experience from the battles of Normandy, Baker enters Holland fully accepting the mantle and responsibilities of squad leader. However, the loss of half his original squad still weighs heavily on him and he will not let any more of his men die. Name & Rank: Sgt. Joe "Red" Hartsock Preferred Weapon: M1A1 Thompson Bio: A corporal under Baker's command, he was promoted to Sergeant after the battle in Carentan. Unlike Baker, Red understands the realities of war and is prepared to make the tough decisions required of a squad leader. All he can do is minimize the casualties. Name & Rank: Pfc. Mike Dawson Preferred Weapon: M1A1 Thompson Bio: Though a newcomer to the squad, Mike served with the 502nd PIR in Normandy. He believes in fate and is interested in the story of Baker's "cursed pistol." His inquiries have made him a pariah, as the other members would rather not re-live those events. Name & Rank: Cpl. Tom Zanovich Preferred Weapon: M1918A2 B.A.R. Bio: The "old man" and veteran of the squad, Zanozich served in the French Foreign Legion before enlisting in the U.S. Army. Despite all the combat he's seen, Tom has a strong sense of humor - even when the situation doesn't exactly call for it. Name & Rank: Cpl. Sam Corrion Preferred Weapon: M1A1 Thompson Bio: Corrion was a corporal with Baker and Hartsock before Normandy, and much to his dismay, is still a corporal. Sam excelled as a foreman in the saw mill back home, and believes that he could perform better than either of his compatriots, if only given a chance. Key Features: Brothers In Arms Hell's Highway - Next Generation: The classic authentic, squad-based combat series explodes on your PC, offering unprecedented graphics and features. New Story, New Setting: Follow Matt Baker, Joe Hartsock and the rest of the 101st Airborne Division in "Operation Market-Garden" as they fight to open famous "Hell's Highway" in a daring bid for a quick end to the war. Live the life of an Enlisted Man: Get orders from HQ, go on patrol, spot the enemy and set up a devastating ambush. For the first time, finding the enemy before they find you is part of the challenge. Unprecedented Character Design: Lifelike characters look, talk, move and think with incredible realism. Game characters interact with the player and each other like true brothers in arms, trading ammunition, helping wounded allies and civilians, working together to man team-operated weapons, and more. Rich Cinematic Experience: As the squad leader, you interact with and get to know your brothers. Each character has his own personality, unique story and background, and grows through the game. Powerful New Units Under Your Command: Players can use or command combined arms teams - machine gun crews create intense fire, bazooka crews destroy buildings and tanks, and mortar crews pound the enemy from a distance. Step Into the Boots of a Soldier: Hit the dirt and get prone, rip grenades from your chest and hurl them at your enemies. See and feel the blast of nearby explosions. Completely New Multiplayer Experience: Fight major multiplayer battles with dozens of players on each side; all the intensity and accessibility of Deathmatch meshed with the squad-based gameplay that helped make Brothers In Arms famous. Destroyable Cover: Keep your men moving and choose your cover wisely - simulated with real physics, weapons will damage, dent, scorch and destroy the world around you. There's only one way out of hell, and that's through it. To the Allied paratroopers who fought to capture and hold the bridges and roads of Holland targeted in Operation Market Garden the price was the lives of their brothers in arms. To them the corridor became known as Hell's Highway. It was the the last great Nazi victory. It was simply hell for Sgt. Matt Baker and his squad. Relive their courage and heroism in Brothers in Arms: Hell's Highway. Limited Edition Bonus Items: Authentic 6" fully articulated Sgt. Matt Baker collectable action figure with 13 accessories. Brothers in Arms Comic Book - The entire first issue (with bonus content). The Operation Market Garden poster map. Brothers in Arms: Hell's Highway: The Colonel Antal Interview Since 1985, when it dropped into the WWII division of the popular tactical/strategy shooter genre with Brothers in Arms: Road to Hill 30, the Brothers in Arms series has consistently met with critical acclaim and gamer praise. This was a tough mission to accomplish, but it did so by focusing compelling squad-based tactical gameplay against the backstory of a fictional squad within the US Army's 101st Airborne Division as they battle through a historically correct re-creation of the events of the Allied invasion of Europe during WWII. This type of realism is more or less unheard of in the video game world and can only be provided by someone who really knows their stuff. Enter Colonel John Antal, US Army (Ret.). Vice President of Knowledge Operations and Military and Historical Director at Gearbox Software, developers of the Brothers in Arms series, Colonel Antal is an Airborne-Ranger officer, and a published author of scores of magazine articles, as well as several fiction and nonfiction books on military topics. Most importantly for the subject at hand though, he is also a major force behind the development of the Brothers in Arms series. Recently I was able to catch up with him and ask some questions regarding the newest title in that line, Brothers in Arms Hell's Highway. Colonel John Antal, US Army (Ret.) in Kandahar, Afghanistan in September, 2008 during a visit with the paratroopers of the 101st Airborne (Air Assault) Division Amazon.com/games: The modern military is full of cutting edge technology, but I'm sure that some readers will be surprised to hear that a career military man, such as yourself, plays such a pivotal role in the development and marketing of a video game. How did this come about? And did you have any video game experience prior to the Brothers in Arms franchise? Colonel Antal: I just returned from a ten day visit with US and NATO troops in Afghanistan, and I can report to you that when Soldiers are not fighting, they are training for the next fight. The more time Soldiers spend training in realistic simulated battles, the less blood spilled in battle. During my thirty years in the US Army, I trained thousands of Soldiers using constructive, virtual and live military simulations. Once I retired, it was an easy leap for me to switch my experience with military simulations into value-added content for video games. Amazon.com/games: I know you've probably been asked this question a thousand times, but let's make it a thousand and one. Operation Market Garden, the WWII allied offensive that Hell's Highway is based on culminated in a German victory. Why make a video game based on a defeat? Colonel Antal: Market Garden was not a complete success, but war is fought at many levels. At the squad level, war is about fighting for the next hill, hamlet or road junction. Victory and defeat is very clear in a squad - when the battle is over you either have won and lived, or have lost and most of your comrades are dead or wounded. In Brothers in Arms, Hell's Highway, we created a historical fiction that is true to the real history of the battle in ways no other game has approached. The true story of the battle for Hells Highway is dramatic and a worthy story. If we told only stories of victories, we wouldn't be telling true historical fiction. War is about victory AND defeat, gain and loss. Telling both is part of being true to the actual history. Amazon.com/games: As a follow-up to this, because this game is based on a very real and in many senses, tragic event for the forces involved and the civilian population, was there more pressure to stick to the facts in this game in order to get things right? And if so how did your team ensure this? Colonel Antal: Yes. We have done our best to make the game the most authentic WWII experience ever. Our goal is to put you in the boots of a true-to-life squad leader in the 101st Airborne during the fight for Hell's Highway. This game addresses the true history of the Battle for Hell's Highway, uses realistic tactics and requires you to lead a rifle squad in ways that no other game has ever done. Amazon.com/games: The game's story is centered around the events of an American squad, but since Operation Market Garden was an allied offensive, will players get to control, or even better, play as other allied forces? And will there be any playable German characters? Colonel Antal: The player will play as an American, Staff Sergeant Matt Baker. If you want to learn more about the British, the Dutch Resistance and the Germans, read my companion novel to the game, "Brothers in Arms, Hell's Highway", published by Ballantine Books, Random House. There will also be a history book out in January 2009 that explains the battle for Hell's Highway in day-to-day detail with maps, historical photos, screenshots from the game and much more. Shop for the Colonel's companion novel, "Brothers in Arms, Hell's Highway." Amazon.com/games: I've read that Hell's Highway will contain a whole new multiplayer experience. Can you shed some light on how this experience is different from what previous games in the series offered? Colonel Antal: Multiplayer is really exciting. Our multiplayer design is different from other games because it brings squad game play on-line. We created a team based game, where the team-based aspect is about squad organization. The game will select (or players will vote on) a commander on each team. There can be up to 20 people in the game, 10 per team. The teams will go after objectives in each map that will be resolved in rounds. Amazon.com/games: A common criticism in squad-based games is that AI enemies engaged in singleplayer modes are too easily outwitted, which is obviously something that should not happen on a real battlefield. Was dealing with this a consideration in the development of Hell's Highway? Colonel Antal: Yes, the team did a good job at creating a robust enemy AI that is clearly a tough opponent. Players will be excited about this feature. Amazon.com/games: Hell's Highway will feature a wide variety of weapons, not only used by US forces, but also those of allied troops and the Germans. Are all of these usable by any character and if so does each have specific ammo? Colonel Antal: All the small arms -- pistols and rifles -- will be useable, as well as most of the crew served weapons (like machine guns). Players can choose from semi-automatic rifles such as the M1-Carbine and M1-Garand, to machine guns such as the M1A1, bazookas such as the M9A1 and pistols. To check out all the weapons you can use and see them in action, check out the website (www.brothersinarmsgame.com in 'the game' section). Amazon.com/games: Hell's Highway is the first Brother in Arms title to come to Next-Gen platforms. How much has the visual clarity made possible on these platforms helped in the series' ongoing quest for authenticity? Colonel Antal: The visual clarity is stunning in this game. It makes use of the Unreal 3 Engine technology to deliver incredibly realistic, authentic and cutting-edge 3D environments. The game also has unprecedented character design - with lifelike characters who look, talk, move and think with incredible realism. Amazon.com/games: Hell's Highway is the third game in the series featuring Sgt. Matt Baker, and now Sgt. Joe Hartsock. These two have differing views on the acceptable costs of war and have traded off command duties in the last two games. In Hell's Highway both lead separate squads, but Sgt. Baker appears to be front and center. Will the game feature the ability to play as either sergeant? And regardless, is this dichotomy of outlook regarding command as much an attempt at realism in the field as anything else in the game? Colonel Antal: The player will play the role of Baker. The story of Baker and Hartsock, and their different approaches to leadership is a vital part of the story that I many of our fans will find intriguing. Amazon.com/games: I don't recall tanks playing too much of a role in earlier Brothers in Arms games, but one of the nicer videos I've seen indicated that they might be prominent in Hell's Highway. This seems a nice touch considering that Operation Market Garden's objective was to secure a path for armored units crossing into Germany. What exactly will players be able to do with tanks and what other new units and/or changes to the control scheme can players expect to see? Colonel Antal: The player will be able to fight as part of a Sherman Firefly crew and will be able to battle German Panzers head to head. Amazon.com/games: When last I saw Hell's Highway demoed, one of the things that stood out in my mind was the destructibility of environments and cover. Considering that the game in filled with weapons of varying destructive power, I thought this was a fantastic and natural addition. Can you give a few details on this for our readers? Colonel Antal: Destructible cover allows the player greater tactical flexibility. Now you can create a flank by blowing away flimsy cover that would normally block your maneuver. The destructible cover system was modeled using real physical properties and behaviors, so weapons will actually damage, dent, scorch and destroy the world around you. It's a great addition to the game that gives players a truly authentic experience. Amazon.com/games: Having grown up myself watching movies like A Bridge Too Far, The Guns of Navarone/Force 10 From Navarone, Where Eagles Dare, The Dirty Dozen, Kelly's Heroes, The Longest Day, etc. I've often wondered why the events of WWII have not been more heavily mined for game subject matter. With the continued success of the Brothers in Arms franchise and others, as well as the power of Next-Gen technology, do you see this changing? Colonel Antal: I strongly believe that powerful, dramatic human stories provide an exciting medium for video games. WWII was a vast WORLD WAR with countless powerful, dramatic, human stories. Anyone who is bored with WWII hasn't studied the war in depth. The stories from WWII have importance relevance to us today and are archetypical examples of the moral dilemma of war. No sane person wants war, but if you value life and liberty, sometimes you are forced to fight. I expect that we will be telling these stories and incorporating them into our games for many years to come. Amazon.com/games: Since the framework of the Brothers in Arms series is the allied invasion of German-occupied Europe and the battles that would eventually make up the march towards Berlin/the race to beat the Red Army there, can players expect to see more from Sgt. Baker and his squad in the future, perhaps at the Battle of the Bulge and beyond? Colonel Antal: As long as I have anything to do with it, the answer is YES. Amazon.com/games: Finally, because it's interesting to pick the brains of people behind the games, do you mind telling our readers what games you are playing and/or what you are reading these days? Also, I know that you have authored several fiction and nonfiction books as well as articles. Are you working on anything new that you might want to tell us about? Colonel Antal: I'm an Airborne-Ranger and have been a combat officer all my adult life. I pretty much like to play anything with WAR in the title! Many thanks to Colonel Antal for taking taking some time to give us his insights into the impact that the historical events of WWII, as well as actual combat tactics, have played in the creation of Hell's Highway and the Brothers in Arms franchise as a whole. We wish him, Gearbox Software and Ubisoft much success with the new game and look forward to the next installment in the Brothers in Arms saga, where players may find the Screaming Eagles of the 101st Airborne fighting their way to Berlin and an eventual rendezvous with VE day. --Tom Milnes, Freelance Contributor

Brothers In Arms Hell's Highway brings the critically acclaimed squad-based WWII shooter into the next generation of gaming with amazing graphics and sound, new cutting-edge gameplay features, and a totally redesigned online component. Delivering on the franchise's compelling story, unrivaled authenticity and intense squad-based action, Brothers In Arms Hell's Highway drops you into Operation Market Garden, the largest paratrooper operation in World War II. Lead Matt Baker, Joe Hartsock and the rest of the 101st Airborne Division as they fight to open "Hell's Highway" in a daring bid for a quick end to the war. The Next-Gen of WWII action Take command as Sgt. Matt Baker.View larger. Engage in large scale battles.View larger. Or house-to-house combat.View larger. Experience the life of a soldier.View larger. Utilze fully-destructable cover. View larger. Precision shots yield 'quick kill' points. View larger. Operation Market Garden: The Story of Hell's HighwayOperation Market Garden was a real-life Allied offensive designed to destroy Nazi Germany before Christmas, 1944. The plan was ambitious - it was largest airborne invasion in the history of the world. The plan was to capture a corridor through Holland to punch through the German lines. Paratroopers of the 101st Airborne and other divisions dropped from the sky in mid-September to seize and hold the corridor by surprise. The surprise attack was a bust. Hitler's best units were in the area and immediately counter-attacked and crushed the corridor. Meet the Squad Although players see the chaos of Operation Market Garden exclusively through the eyes of Sgt. Matt Baker, Hell's Highway is squad-based and as such players will direct, interact with, and get to know all the members of the 101st Airborne in intimate detail. Some of the characters return from earlier games in the series, while others are brand new. Regardless, each has his own personality, history and attitudes towards the plight the squad finds themselves in as they seek to survive a bold, but doomed plan. Some of the dog faces players will encounter are include: Name & Rank: Sgt. Matt Baker Preferred Weapon: M1 RifleBio: With his experience from the battles of Normandy, Baker enters Holland fully accepting the mantle and responsibilities of squad leader. However, the loss of half his original squad still weighs heavily on him and he will not let any more of his men die. Name & Rank: Sgt. Joe "Red" Hartsock Preferred Weapon: M1A1 Thompson Bio: A corporal under Baker's command, he was promoted to Sergeant after the battle in Carentan. Unlike Baker, Red understands the realities of war and is prepared to make the tough decisions required of a squad leader. All he can do is minimize the casualties. Name & Rank: Pfc. Mike Dawson Preferred Weapon: M1A1 Thompson Bio: Though a newcomer to the squad, Mike served with the 502nd PIR in Normandy. He believes in fate and is interested in the story of Baker's "cursed pistol." His inquiries have made him a pariah, as the other members would rather not re-live those events. Name & Rank: Cpl. Tom Zanovich Preferred Weapon: M1918A2 B.A.R. Bio: The "old man" and veteran of the squad, Zanozich served in the French Foreign Legion before enlisting in the U.S. Army. Despite all the combat he's seen, Tom has a strong sense of humor - even when the situation doesn't exactly call for it. Name & Rank: Cpl. Sam Corrion Preferred Weapon: M1A1 Thompson Bio: Corrion was a corporal with Baker and Hartsock before Normandy, and much to his dismay, is still a corporal. Sam excelled as a foreman in the saw mill back home, and believes that he could perform better than either of his compatriots, if only given a chance. Key Features: Brothers In Arms Hell's Highway - Next Generation: The classic authentic, squad-based combat series explodes on your PC, offering unprecedented graphics and features. New Story, New Setting: Follow Matt Baker, Joe Hartsock and the rest of the 101st Airborne Division in "Operation Market-Garden" as they fight to open famous "Hell's Highway" in a daring bid for a quick end to the war. Live the life of an Enlisted Man: Get orders from HQ, go on patrol, spot the enemy and set up a devastating ambush. For the first time, finding the enemy before they find you is part of the challenge. Unprecedented Character Design: Lifelike characters look, talk, move and think with incredible realism. Game characters interact with the player and each other like true brothers in arms, trading ammunition, helping wounded allies and civilians, working together to man team-operated weapons, and more. Rich Cinematic Experience: As the squad leader, you interact with and get to know your brothers. Each character has his own personality, unique story and background, and grows through the game. Powerful New Units Under Your Command: Players can use or command combined arms teams - machine gun crews create intense fire, bazooka crews destroy buildings and tanks, and mortar crews pound the enemy from a distance. Step Into the Boots of a Soldier: Hit the dirt and get prone, rip grenades from your chest and hurl them at your enemies. See and feel the blast of nearby explosions. Completely New Multiplayer Experience: Fight major multiplayer battles with dozens of players on each side; all the intensity and accessibility of Deathmatch meshed with the squad-based gameplay that helped make Brothers In Arms famous. Destroyable Cover: Keep your men moving and choose your cover wisely - simulated with real physics, weapons will damage, dent, scorch and destroy the world around you. There's only one way out of hell, and that's through it. To the Allied paratroopers who fought to capture and hold the bridges and roads of Holland targeted in Operation Market Garden the price was the lives of their brothers in arms. To them the corridor became known as Hell's Highway. It was the the last great Nazi victory. It was simply hell for Sgt. Matt Baker and his squad. Relive their courage and heroism in Brothers in Arms: Hell's Highway. Brothers in Arms: Hell's Highway: The Colonel Antal Interview Since 1985, when it dropped into the WWII division of the popular tactical/strategy shooter genre with Brothers in Arms: Road to Hill 30, the Brothers in Arms series has consistently met with critical acclaim and gamer praise. This was a tough mission to accomplish, but it did so by focusing compelling squad-based tactical gameplay against the backstory of a fictional squad within the US Army's 101st Airborne Division as they battle through a historically correct re-creation of the events of the Allied invasion of Europe during WWII. This type of realism is more or less unheard of in the video game world and can only be provided by someone who really knows their stuff. Enter Colonel John Antal, US Army (Ret.). Vice President of Knowledge Operations and Military and Historical Director at Gearbox Software, developers of the Brothers in Arms series, Colonel Antal is an Airborne-Ranger officer, and a published author of scores of magazine articles, as well as several fiction and nonfiction books on military topics. Most importantly for the subject at hand though, he is also a major force behind the development of the Brothers in Arms series. Recently I was able to catch up with him and ask some questions regarding the newest title in that line, Brothers in Arms Hell's Highway. Colonel John Antal, US Army (Ret.) in Kandahar, Afghanistan in September, 2008 during a visit with the paratroopers of the 101st Airborne (Air Assault) Division Amazon.com/games: The modern military is full of cutting edge technology, but I'm sure that some readers will be surprised to hear that a career military man, such as yourself, plays such a pivotal role in the development and marketing of a video game. How did this come about? And did you have any video game experience prior to the Brothers in Arms franchise? Colonel Antal: I just returned from a ten day visit with US and NATO troops in Afghanistan, and I can report to you that when Soldiers are not fighting, they are training for the next fight. The more time Soldiers spend training in realistic simulated battles, the less blood spilled in battle. During my thirty years in the US Army, I trained thousands of Soldiers using constructive, virtual and live military simulations. Once I retired, it was an easy leap for me to switch my experience with military simulations into value-added content for video games. Amazon.com/games: I know you've probably been asked this question a thousand times, but let's make it a thousand and one. Operation Market Garden, the WWII allied offensive that Hell's Highway is based on culminated in a German victory. Why make a video game based on a defeat? Colonel Antal: Market Garden was not a complete success, but war is fought at many levels. At the squad level, war is about fighting for the next hill, hamlet or road junction. Victory and defeat is very clear in a squad - when the battle is over you either have won and lived, or have lost and most of your comrades are dead or wounded. In Brothers in Arms, Hell's Highway, we created a historical fiction that is true to the real history of the battle in ways no other game has approached. The true story of the battle for Hells Highway is dramatic and a worthy story. If we told only stories of victories, we wouldn't be telling true historical fiction. War is about victory AND defeat, gain and loss. Telling both is part of being true to the actual history. Amazon.com/games: As a follow-up to this, because this game is based on a very real and in many senses, tragic event for the forces involved and the civilian population, was there more pressure to stick to the facts in this game in order to get things right? And if so how did your team ensure this? Colonel Antal: Yes. We have done our best to make the game the most authentic WWII experience ever. Our goal is to put you in the boots of a true-to-life squad leader in the 101st Airborne during the fight for Hell's Highway. This game addresses the true history of the Battle for Hell's Highway, uses realistic tactics and requires you to lead a rifle squad in ways that no other game has ever done. Amazon.com/games: The game's story is centered around the events of an American squad, but since Operation Market Garden was an allied offensive, will players get to control, or even better, play as other allied forces? And will there be any playable German characters? Colonel Antal: The player will play as an American, Staff Sergeant Matt Baker. If you want to learn more about the British, the Dutch Resistance and the Germans, read my companion novel to the game, "Brothers in Arms, Hell's Highway", published by Ballantine Books, Random House. There will also be a history book out in January 2009 that explains the battle for Hell's Highway in day-to-day detail with maps, historical photos, screenshots from the game and much more. Shop for the Colonel's companion novel, "Brothers in Arms, Hell's Highway." Amazon.com/games: I've read that Hell's Highway will contain a whole new multiplayer experience. Can you shed some light on how this experience is different from what previous games in the series offered? Colonel Antal: Multiplayer is really exciting. Our multiplayer design is different from other games because it brings squad game play on-line. We created a team based game, where the team-based aspect is about squad organization. The game will select (or players will vote on) a commander on each team. There can be up to 20 people in the game, 10 per team. The teams will go after objectives in each map that will be resolved in rounds. Amazon.com/games: A common criticism in squad-based games is that AI enemies engaged in singleplayer modes are too easily outwitted, which is obviously something that should not happen on a real battlefield. Was dealing with this a consideration in the development of Hell's Highway? Colonel Antal: Yes, the team did a good job at creating a robust enemy AI that is clearly a tough opponent. Players will be excited about this feature. Amazon.com/games: Hell's Highway will feature a wide variety of weapons, not only used by US forces, but also those of allied troops and the Germans. Are all of these usable by any character and if so does each have specific ammo? Colonel Antal: All the small arms -- pistols and rifles -- will be useable, as well as most of the crew served weapons (like machine guns). Players can choose from semi-automatic rifles such as the M1-Carbine and M1-Garand, to machine guns such as the M1A1, bazookas such as the M9A1 and pistols. To check out all the weapons you can use and see them in action, check out the website (www.brothersinarmsgame.com in 'the game' section). Amazon.com/games: Hell's Highway is the first Brother in Arms title to come to Next-Gen platforms. How much has the visual clarity made possible on these platforms helped in the series' ongoing quest for authenticity? Colonel Antal: The visual clarity is stunning in this game. It makes use of the Unreal 3 Engine technology to deliver incredibly realistic, authentic and cutting-edge 3D environments. The game also has unprecedented character design - with lifelike characters who look, talk, move and think with incredible realism. Amazon.com/games: Hell's Highway is the third game in the series featuring Sgt. Matt Baker, and now Sgt. Joe Hartsock. These two have differing views on the acceptable costs of war and have traded off command duties in the last two games. In Hell's Highway both lead separate squads, but Sgt. Baker appears to be front and center. Will the game feature the ability to play as either sergeant? And regardless, is this dichotomy of outlook regarding command as much an attempt at realism in the field as anything else in the game? Colonel Antal: The player will play the role of Baker. The story of Baker and Hartsock, and their different approaches to leadership is a vital part of the story that I many of our fans will find intriguing. Amazon.com/games: I don't recall tanks playing too much of a role in earlier Brothers in Arms games, but one of the nicer videos I've seen indicated that they might be prominent in Hell's Highway. This seems a nice touch considering that Operation Market Garden's objective was to secure a path for armored units crossing into Germany. What exactly will players be able to do with tanks and what other new units and/or changes to the control scheme can players expect to see? Colonel Antal: The player will be able to fight as part of a Sherman Firefly crew and will be able to battle German Panzers head to head. Amazon.com/games: When last I saw Hell's Highway demoed, one of the things that stood out in my mind was the destructibility of environments and cover. Considering that the game in filled with weapons of varying destructive power, I thought this was a fantastic and natural addition. Can you give a few details on this for our readers? Colonel Antal: Destructible cover allows the player greater tactical flexibility. Now you can create a flank by blowing away flimsy cover that would normally block your maneuver. The destructible cover system was modeled using real physical properties and behaviors, so weapons will actually damage, dent, scorch and destroy the world around you. It's a great addition to the game that gives players a truly authentic experience. Amazon.com/games: Having grown up myself watching movies like A Bridge Too Far, The Guns of Navarone/Force 10 From Navarone, Where Eagles Dare, The Dirty Dozen, Kelly's Heroes, The Longest Day, etc. I've often wondered why the events of WWII have not been more heavily mined for game subject matter. With the continued success of the Brothers in Arms franchise and others, as well as the power of Next-Gen technology, do you see this changing? Colonel Antal: I strongly believe that powerful, dramatic human stories provide an exciting medium for video games. WWII was a vast WORLD WAR with countless powerful, dramatic, human stories. Anyone who is bored with WWII hasn't studied the war in depth. The stories from WWII have importance relevance to us today and are archetypical examples of the moral dilemma of war. No sane person wants war, but if you value life and liberty, sometimes you are forced to fight. I expect that we will be telling these stories and incorporating them into our games for many years to come. Amazon.com/games: Since the framework of the Brothers in Arms series is the allied invasion of German-occupied Europe and the battles that would eventually make up the march towards Berlin/the race to beat the Red Army there, can players expect to see more from Sgt. Baker and his squad in the future, perhaps at the Battle of the Bulge and beyond? Colonel Antal: As long as I have anything to do with it, the answer is YES. Amazon.com/games: Finally, because it's interesting to pick the brains of people behind the games, do you mind telling our readers what games you are playing and/or what you are reading these days? Also, I know that you have authored several fiction and nonfiction books as well as articles. Are you working on anything new that you might want to tell us about? Colonel Antal: I'm an Airborne-Ranger and have been a combat officer all my adult life. I pretty much like to play anything with WAR in the title! Many thanks to Colonel Antal for taking taking some time to give us his insights into the impact that the historical events of WWII, as well as actual combat tactics, have played in the creation of Hell's Highway and the Brothers in Arms franchise as a whole. We wish him, Gearbox Software and Ubisoft much success with the new game and look forward to the next installment in the Brothers in Arms saga, where players may find the Screaming Eagles of the 101st Airborne fighting their way to Berlin and an eventual rendezvous with VE day. --Tom Milnes, Freelance Contributor