Medal of Honor Review

Medal of Honor, developed by Danger Close Games (single-player) and DICE (multiplayer), and published by Electronic Arts, marked a significant reboot for the long-running franchise. Released on the PlayStation 3 (PS3) in 2010, this installment shifted the series from its traditional World War II setting to contemporary modern warfare, aiming for a gritty, realistic portrayal of conflict in Afghanistan. This Medal of Honor PS3 review explores its ambitious attempt to compete in a crowded FPS market.

Gameplay: Gritty Realism and Varied Perspectives

The single-player campaign of Medal of Honor on the PS3 offers a grounded and intense FPS experience. Players step into the boots of various characters, including elite U.S. Army Tier 1 Operators, Army Rangers, and an Apache helicopter pilot. This multi-perspective approach provides a broader view of the conflict, focusing on small-unit tactics and the harsh realities of modern combat.

The gameplay emphasizes realism, with a slower pace than some contemporaries, and a focus on cover-based shooting. The gunplay feels weighty and satisfying, with realistic weapon handling and impactful sound design. While the campaign is relatively short, it delivers a series of memorable and intense set-pieces, from stealth infiltrations to large-scale firefights.

• Gritty, realistic single-player campaign
• Multiple playable perspectives for diverse gameplay
• Emphasis on small-unit tactics and cover-based shooting
• Satisfying and weighty gunplay
• Intense and memorable set-piece moments

Story and Setting: Conflict in Afghanistan

The narrative of Medal of Honor is set during the early stages of the War in Afghanistan in 2002. It attempts to portray the conflict from a more authentic perspective, focusing on the elite, clandestine operations of Tier 1 units. The game’s story, while fictionalized, aimed for a sense of realism and gravitas, touching upon the complexities of modern warfare.

The setting itself is well-realized, with dusty Afghan villages, rugged mountain passes, and desolate landscapes contributing to the game’s immersive atmosphere.

Graphics and Sound: Frostbite Engine Power

Visually, Medal of Honor on the PlayStation 3 was impressive, particularly for its single-player component, which utilized a modified Unreal Engine 3. The environments were detailed, and character models were well-rendered, contributing to the game’s realistic aesthetic.

The multiplayer, developed by DICE (the creators of Battlefield), ran on the powerful Frostbite Engine. This allowed for larger maps and some environmental destruction, though not as extensive as seen in Battlefield titles. The sound design across both modes was a major highlight, with incredibly realistic weapon sounds, explosions, and immersive ambient audio that pulled players into the combat.

Multiplayer: DICE’s Touch

The multiplayer component of Medal of Honor was handled by DICE, bringing their expertise in large-scale combat. While it didn’t reach the same player counts as Battlefield, it offered a solid experience with various modes and class-based gameplay. The inclusion of the Frostbite engine gave the multiplayer a distinct feel, with some destructible environments adding tactical layers.

Legacy: A Bold Attempt

Medal of Honor was a bold attempt to reinvent a classic franchise for the modern era. While it faced stiff competition from the likes of Call of Duty and Battlefield, it carved out its own identity with a focus on gritty realism and the unique perspectives of Tier 1 Operators. It remains a notable entry in the military shooter genre.

Is Medal of Honor on PS3 Worth Playing Today?

For fans of realistic shooters and those interested in the evolution of the FPS genre, Medal of Honor on PS3 is still worth playing. Its single-player campaign offers a compelling and intense look at modern warfare, while the multiplayer (if you can find active servers) provides a solid experience with DICE’s signature touch. It’s a solid classic PS3 game that offers a different flavor of military action.