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Medal of Honor review: Danger close but no cigar
EA has tasked Danger Close and DICE with the formidable challenge of not only rebooting the Medal of Honor brand but making it a direct competitor to Call of Duty, arguably the biggest franchise on the planet. Instead of taking a more fanciful approach to "modern warfare," EA's offering zooms dangerously close to ongoing combat operations. Set in modern day Afghanistan, Medal of Honor is inherently provocative, if only for setting alone. But is it good? That depends on what you're looking for. Single Player Medal of Honor is essentially two games in one, with two developers and two engines (Unreal for campaign; Frostbite for multiplayer) powering the distinctly different components of the package. The decision to splinter the development of the game has a certain logic to it: single-player gamers are not necessarily multiplayer gamers, and vice versa. Presumably, EA's approach allows each mode to be optimized for their respective audience. As it turns out, this method makes for a rather confusing end product. When viewed as a standalone offering, Danger Close's campaign is one of the finest shooters I've experienced in years, successfully finding the middle ground between a realistic military simulation and a great piece of entertainment. The story, which covers two action-packed days in the US military's ongoing battle against insurgents in Afghanistan, masterfully switches between the perspective of an elite group of soldiers (Tier 1), and the Army Rangers, and offers a genuine, realistic look into the struggles of being a modern warrior. %Gallery-104838%
Medal of Honor marketing director explains 'Taliban' removal
In writing about the "controversy" surrounding Medal of Honor's multiplayer and the subsequent name change of one faction from "Taliban" to "Opposing Force," we've heard from two sides, primarily -- EA corporate and the Army and Air Force Exchange Service. But we've never heard directly from the folks developing MOH -- Danger Close Games. Earlier this week at an EA event in New York City, we talked with Danger Close marketing director Craig Owens. Owens spoke to why he believes the name change occurred, what it will accomplish, and how internal reactions have been at Danger Close. In his eyes, it wasn't a result of AAFES-based GameStop stores not carrying Medal of Honor -- as he points out, the change hasn't affected the AAFES' sale embargo of MOH. "The objection was, kind of from an older generation that doesn't understand games, that the soundbyte was 'Play as the Taliban and kill US soldiers,'" though he admitted "There still is, it seems, a group that's still a little bit leery of a game taking place around an active conflict." Owens further clarified, adding that "Really the big thing was playing as a Taliban killing US troops. So we basically just changed it to 'Opfor' -- which is a term they [the US Armed Forces] use, some of our competitors use -- more out of respect." The AAFES, he contends, didn't factor into the decision whatsoever. He also pointed out that during the beta earlier this year, there were "about 500,000 people playing it, as the Taliban, killing US troops," without a single complaint. He further lamented the nefarious "soundbyte" that lead to the seemingly inevitable controversy, adding "Later that soundbyte kinda caught wind and got taken out of context, really."%Gallery-103178%
Military stores won't carry Medal of Honor despite 'Taliban' change [update]
The Army & Air Force Exchange Service has decided that, despite EA's recent moniker change of "Taliban" to "Opposing Force" in Medal of Honor's multiplayer component, that its decision not to sell the title "remains unchanged." In a statement, the AAFES's Commander Maj. Gen. Bruce Casella said, "Out of respect to those touched by the ongoing, real-life events presented as a game, Exchanges will not be carrying this product." He continued, "I expect the military families who are authorized to shop the Exchange are aware, and understanding, of the decision not to carry this particular offering." Last week, the AAFES was "engaged in a thorough review to fully understand the extent of the modifications." Apparently it wasn't enough. We've contacted EA for a statement. Update: EA Senior PR Manager Amanda Taggart told Joystiq in a statement, "We respect AAFES' authority to decide what's best for their customers. EA has not asked for, and does not expect, a change in the Defense Department's decision to restrict the availability of Medal of Honor on bases."
Medal of Honor Monday Night Football ad is [redacted]
Yesterday's Monday Night Football festivities were sponsored by a comparatively solemn advertisement for EA's Medal of Honor -- one that compiles all the testimonies from the game's anonymous military advisers into a single ad. Check it out after the break, provided you have codeword clearance.
Military base GameStops reconsidering Medal of Honor sales
On the heels of this morning's announcement that Medal of Honor's multiplayer mode swapped the "Taliban" moniker in favor of "Opposing Force," we asked GameStop and the Army and Air Force Exchange Service if they would now allow the sale of the title on military bases. A representative for GameStop referred us to the AAFES, refusing to give comment and suggesting that we should check if the the military retailer's "position had changed." A representative from the AAFES told us that the service is "aware of reported changes to the latest Medal of Honor game" and that "the organization has been, and continues to be, engaged in a thorough review to fully understand the extent of the modifications." EA's Jeff Brown noted that the publisher isn't directly asking to "rescind the ban on the game," but did send the AAFES a letter last month "clarifying some facts about Medal of Honor." It seems there's still a possibility that this October's release will be available on military bases after all.
Medal of Honor multiplayer beta client available for download
On Monday, PC players looking to get a taste of Medal of Honor's multiplayer component can participate in an open multiplayer beta. Anxious would-be soldiers can download the client in advance over at Big Download. Preparation is, like, the first thing they teach you in the military, folks. The beta includes Sector Control on Kunar Base and Combat Mission on Shahikot Mountains -- both of which we recently sampled at an EA event. The beta concludes on October 7. For more details, hit up the official site here. Download: Medal of Honor Multiplayer Beta Client at Big Download (1.6 GB)
Medal of Honor devs rename 'Taliban' to 'Opposing Force' in multiplayer mode
In a reaction to outcry from friends and families of fallen soldiers, Medal of Honor developer Danger Close and publisher EA have decided to rename the multiplayer faction in their game from "Taliban" to "Opposing Force." Executive producer Greg Goodrich announced as much on the MOH blog this morning, explaining the alteration by saying, "We are making this change for the men and women serving in the military and for the families of those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice -- this franchise will never willfully disrespect, intentionally or otherwise, your memory and service." This isn't the first such predicament Medal of Honor has faced in its development -- early last month it was revealed that GameStop stores within Army and Air Force bases wouldn't carry the game, with GameStop's internal memo naming the playable Taliban as its reasoning. Unfortunately, we're not sure we see a solution here -- considering combatant casualties in any war are "opposing forces," won't considerably more people be offended this way?
Medal of Honor really wants you to know about Tier 1
These Tier 1 guys, they sure know how to ... umm ... remind us that Medal of Honor is a modern war game -- you know, in the sense that they're tough looking and are clearly armed to the teeth. Heck, amidst all the danger they're in, they don't even shed tear one!
EA claims Medal of Honor has broken franchise pre-order record
Electronic Arts announced this morning that its massively marketed Medal of Honor reboot, launching October 12, has had the highest number of "pre-sells," as it calls them, "in the franchise's 11-year history." Considering the franchise's shaky history for the past eight years, and the absence of bonus goodies like Battlefield 3 beta access, that achievement is kinda like winning the Tour de France on a Harley. No actual pre-sell figures were shared by EA. We'll get our first retail reports from the UK charts next month, followed by a much clearer picture from the NPD report in November. Our blessings go out to all the games getting involved in that brutal month's retail warfare. %Gallery-102439%
Medal of Honor score created by Iron Man composer Ramin Djawadi
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 had a sweeping series of arrangements created by famed composer Hans Zimmer. Earlier today, EA announced that its upcoming military shooter, Medal of Honor, will have a score composed by another Hollywood maestro. Ramin Djawadi, whose musical work has appeared in Iron Man, Prison Break and Clash of the Titans -- the remake, that is -- is the mind behind the game's musical accompaniment. Djawadi explained in this press release announcement that "the music is designed to dynamically ebb and flow, complementing the big action sequences with thundering electric guitar and bass, and the quiet stealth with haunting strings and hymns." He adds, "it is like a Hollywood action movie score on steroids." So, it's going to be incomprehensibly strong, irrationally angry and covered in weird, plump, ever-shifting veins? We'll be honest -- we're more than a little frightened.
Medal of Honor PC beta starts October 4
Medal of Honor will launch a PC beta for its Call of Duty-esque multiplayer component on October 4. The two modes available in the open beta are Sector Control, a territory-grabbing game type, and Combat Mission. The beta will turn back into an IED pumpkin on October 7. The beta also appears to be part of a PR campaign in light of the military's sensitivity to subject matter in the game. EA Games Label Frank Gibeau states, "We also hope that by offering the Multiplayer Open Beta, we can clear up any misunderstanding about the patriotism and respect that are the foundation of this game. The Medal of Honor franchise has always shown extraordinary reverence for American and Allied soldiers -- this game is no exception." %Gallery-103178%
Medal of Honor multiplayer preview: A DICE-y compromise
If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, then Medal of Honor wants to have Modern Warfare 2's babies. It's evident in the entire makeup of the multiplayer package -- from the progression system to the Killstreak-like Support Actions right down to the run-and-gun, lone wolf style of play. But, it has that patented DICE touch, which gives it just enough character to stand on its own two feet. %Gallery-103178%
Medal of Honor preview: Three missions, three pairs of boots
During a recent EA press event, I played through three missions of Medal of Honor. The successive missions were taken from the middle of the game and were representative of the full game's transitional pacing. You don't play as one individual over the course of the late-2001–2002 campaign, but rather you switch between three different branches of the U.S. military: the Army Rangers, Air Force and the Tier 1 Operators. My session was supervised by EA product manager Kevin O'Leary. He looked the part, sporting a Tier 1 Operator-level beard of his own and watched as I made my way through the first mission: "Belly of the Beast." %Gallery-102439%
Battlefield Heroes become adorable Tier 1 Operators with Medal of Honor outfits
Playing military dress up doesn't get any cuter than Battlefield Heroes. Of course, we never expected to see the beard-clad, rough and tough Tier 1 Operators from Medal of Honor show up in EA's free-to-play FPS, but here they are. Outfits for Tier 1 Elites and Specialists are already available, with Operatives and Captains becoming available in "early October." At that time, Battlefield Heroes will also be adding a new map in "Alpine Assault," liberally peppered with the cadre of new weapons (six total). Head past the break for a video of the new content in action.
Medal of Honor gameplay trailer fuels the war machine
We've really got to give it to EA for these Medal of Honor Experience videos -- there's no quick cuts or flashy editing, just pure, unadulterated gameplay. It's as close as you can get without actually holding the controller in your hand. In this latest edition, titled "High Value Target," you get a look at the game's Combat Mission multiplayer mode, which has the two teams either attacking or defending a series of objectives. In this case, it appears that the player's side is trying to escort tanks through a destroyed airfield, making for some pretty impressive visual spectacle. Of course, this video is missing one thing we experienced a lot in the multiplayer beta a while back -- all that time we spent waiting to respawn while dead. Sure, you could end up being as good as this guy, and sure, watching the action is more fun than watching a countdown timer. But next time, EA, maybe throw in at least one respawn and show the complete game. Whaddaya say?
Medal of Honor must sell 'at least three million copies' for sequel consideration
EA's upcoming Medal of Honor is a risky proposition for the company. Unlike Activision's Modern Warfare series, Danger Close's game is based upon a real-life conflict. With battles ongoing in the Middle East, MOH has rightfully attracted its fair share of controversy -- some are eager to say that the game is simply going too far. The military advisors EA has hired have the difficult job of "selling authenticity and realism" while making sure "it didn't go too far." Originally titled Medal of Honor: Anaconda, the game's pitch was essentially "Black Hawk Down for Afghanistan." It would be based on a failed operation called Anaconda, where a Navy SEAL was dragged to his death by Al Qaeda fighters. One consultant told the New York TImes that the original concept "hit a little too close to home" and would "put a sour taste in our brothers' mouths." Medal of Honor has evolved over its development, with a new found focus on "telling the soldier's story." One designer told the NYT that, differing from Infinity Ward's approach to the genre, "we want the player to feel, not like they're in a movie, but like they're in Afghanistan." Funding such an ambitious goal is certainly not cheap, with executive producer Greg Goodrich telling the newspaper that "if the game doesn't sell at least three million copies, I'm not going to be able to do another one." Certainly, the stakes are high for EA, attempting to capitalize on the success of its competitor's flagship franchise. But will Medal of Honor's approach resonate with gamers? We'll find out in one month's time.
Source: Military-based GameStop stores will not carry Medal of Honor
EA's upcoming Medal of Honor reboot has attracted some controversy due to the inclusion of Taliban fighters in the game's multiplayer mode. A source has informed Joystiq that, in response to the backlash, GameStop stores in Army and Air Force bases will not stock the game. According to the notice sent to employees, "GameStop has agreed out of respect for our past and present Men and Women in uniform we will not carry Medal of Honor in any of our AAFES based stores." The notice specifically mentions playable Taliban fighters as cause for the pullback. The affected stores will have "all marketing material pulled" and will no longer take reservations for the game. While the move showcases GameStop's sensitivity to the hot-topic issue, stores are nonetheless encouraged to direct buyers to a non-military store. "Customers who enter our AAFES stores and wish to reserve Medal of Honor can and should be directed to the nearest GameStop location off base," the note explains. The full statement can be read after the break.
Medal of Honor trailer previews Helicopters vs. Town cage fight
The latest trailer for EA's Medal of Honor reboot focuses on a segment from the single-player campaign -- one which pits a pair of heavily armored attack helicopters against a village of hostiles. Who will emerge victorious? The results may -- who are we kidding? The helicopters, of course.
Former SAS op Chris Ryan handling Medal of Honor prequel novel
EA has tapped British author Chris Ryan to write a prequel novel to Medal of Honor, which will use in-game missions as the basis for "an authentic and respectful account of an elite soldier fighting in Afghanistan." Ryan is the author two bestselling novels, in addition to The One That Got Away, a narrative account of his time as a Special Forces operative on the Bravo Two Zero patrol in Iraq. Presumably he'll use both his combat experience and storytelling prowess to do the game franchise right. Hopefully his first line will be better than the one we came up with: "They loaded their guns carefully, knowing that soon, they'd be shooting a lot of people." The creatively named Medal of Honor: The Book will be offered as a bonus with preorders of the game from UK retailer HMV, but we're not sure if it will be available for sale elsewhere -- we've contacted EA for comment and will update if we hear more. We sure hope it sees print in the US, if only to find out what a former British operative thinks of the Medal of Honor, a uniquely American military decoration.
Medal of Honor multiplayer trailer is eerily familiar
Half of the development of the upcoming Medal of Honor reboot -- multiplayer, specifically -- is being handled by Battlefield: Bad Company 2 developer DICE. The latest trailer, featuring the game's multiplayer component, highlights that division more than ever. Specifically, the clip directly mimics Bad Company 2's marketing campaign. In fairness, it's mighty effective advertising, even while standing in stark contrast to our own experience in the game's multiplayer beta. Hit the break to see for yourself.
