Medal of Honor
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Medal of No-Online confirmed for Australia, refund available
At least it's good to know we didn't get all angried up for nothing: the online multiplayer functionality has, as rumored last week, been removed from the Australian release of Medal of Honor 2: Heroes. This omission clearly happened late in development, as the manual continues to describe online play. EA had no explanation for the excision of online play, leading us to conjecture that the cause is very personally embarrassing. Maybe someone on staff accidentally saved over the multiplayer code with a copy of some Mr. Belvedere fanfiction, for example.IGN speculated that EA's Australian branch opted not to operate the local servers that would be necessary for online play. That sounds more plausible and less interesting than the Mr. Belvedere thing. If you bought Heroes 2 expecting online, and are now outraged at the incompleteness of your game, you can return it to EA for a full refund.%Gallery-6588%
Rumor: Aussie Medal of Honor: Heroes 2 missing online functionality
There's a vicious rumor currently circulating on a number of message boards that the Australian version of Medal of Honor: Heroes 2 is shipping without online functionality of any description. Forum users at various sites, including Aussie-Nintendo, PALGN, and NeoGAF, have all complained that the in-game menus completely lack an option to play online, while the game's box in Australia has neither the Nintendo Wi-Fi logo, or a mention of the title's much-vaunted 32-player online mode, which is available in other regions.Just to further confuse matters, the game manual that shipped with the title in Australia reportedly does dedicate a whole page to the online mode. Frankly, we're confused, not to mention a little bit worried for our fellow Wii owners down under. At the time of writing, EA has yet to respond to our request for clarification.[Thanks, Peter!]
Bundle of Honor: Heroes 2
We already think Medal of Honor: Heroes 2 is pretty great. The online play is a rare treat for a Wii game, and the simplified, light-gun-style Arcade Mode is an absolutely brilliant way to turn a first-person shooter into a casual, short-session game. But what it really needed to be a truly exceptional game was an excellently huge box.Luckily, EA has addressed this deficit for the game's Japanese release. Like every other game designed for the Zapper, Medal of Honor: Heroes 2 will come bundled with the peripheral in an enviably copious package when it's released on February 14th. This will also be released in a boring small-box edition with no Zapper. We're sure the game shop owners drowning in traded-in Zappers don't mind.
Medal of Honor: Heroes 2 marches in with new screens
The World War II genre may be glutted (and a little played out) by now, but when a game looks this good and has as much to offer as Medal of Honor: Heroes 2, we're not going to complain too stridently. In other words, we'll take what we can get. Heroes 2 is set for this month, and EA released three more screenshots to whet our appetites while we wait, which you can find both above, and in our gallery below.%Gallery-6588%
The good stuff in Medal of Honor: Heroes 2
Sure, the Wii is slowly, but surely, building a library of online-compatible titles that are worth playing, but only one looks like it's going to be a title with the kind of replay value we're looking for. That game is Medal of Honor: Heroes 2 (otherwise known as Matt C's game of the millenium). Well, while we aren't ready and willing to hand over our first born for the game, we will say it is looking good so far.What say you?
Matt C.'s new hype train: Medal of Honor: Heroes 2
Now that Zack & Wiki has been released into the wild, IGN's Matt Casamassina needs something new to hype, and we're all sorts of behind this latest choice: Medal of Honor: Heroes 2. In a recent blog entry, he reports that the controls are out of this world. In fact, he says the WWII title "beats the pants off Metroid Prime 3 in the FPS control department. This is the new Wii benchmark, period." That's a bold statement, but it seems to jibe with what we've seen and heard so far about the game ... and hey, we get bonus incredible multiplayer to boot. Put us down in the excited column on this one.In the same post, he drops possible hints of an Elebits sequel. Exciting![Via Joystiq]
Joystiq goes hands-on with Medal of Honor: Heroes 2
Our friend and compatriot Andrew Yoon recently got his hands on the much-desired Medal of Honor: Heroes 2, and we bubble over with jealousy after reading his impressions. It looks like EA is trying very, very hard to avoid letting us down (maybe they're listening!) with this shooter; from all signs, Heroes 2 looks to be a rich, deep FPS title with enough features to please even the pickiest of gamers. You can use the Zapper or not, you can choose between a light-gun style Arcade mode and traditional campaign mode, and best of all, everything seems to control like a dream. Heroes 2 appears to be taking a page from Retro's book with Metroid Prime 3, and the controls just feel right with the Wiimote -- which is exactly what we should be able to expect from all future shooters on the console.It's safe to say that between the above and the friend-code-free online multiplayer, we're stoked for this release. Even the negatives -- simple objectives, uncomplicated enemy AI -- can't get us down. Bring on the soldier boys!%Gallery-6588%
Joystiq hands-on: Medal of Honor Heroes 2
For impressions of the PSP version of the game, check out PSP Fanboy.The Medal of Honor Heroes series is an intriguing one. Opting to avoid "next gen systems," the franchise has stuck to the decidedly non-HD pastures of Wii and PSP. Both platforms have struggled to find many great FPS games, due to the control challenges inherent to each system. However, Heroes 2 triumphs over these shortcomings by tailoring the experience to the unique control schemes of these systems.One of the biggest problems with Wii FPS games was the size of the bounding box, which made it difficult to look freely in a FPS environment (example: Red Steel). However, Metroid Prime 3's "Advanced" control scheme gave players mouse-like precision by significantly reducing the size of the bounding box. Medal of Honor Heroes 2 expands even further upon this idea, by giving players the option of fully customizing the sensitivity of the game. This allows players to play with precision that matches Nintendo's best efforts.%Gallery-8246%
Fire up Medal of Honor: Heroes 2
While what we're really interested in with Medal of Honor: Heroes 2 is that whole 32-player online multiplayer deal, we're happy to soak up any and all scraps on the WWII title -- and that includes these latest screenshots.So let's count the reasons we love this next Medal of Honor. First, if it all works out, EA will be giving us a real chance at online multiplayer in a shooter. Second, the arcade mode sounds nothing short of awesome for anyone who likes on-rails shooters, and it offers a different experience than the more free-form campaign mode -- it's almost like getting two games for the price of one! And finally, even if we aren't the biggest fans of war-based games, it's nice to get something a little different every now and then, especially when it shows this much promise. Don't let us down, EA! Even dedicated Nintendo fans need a little variety. It is, after all, the spice of life.%Gallery-6588%[Via press release]
PSP Fanboy hands-on: Medal of Honor Heroes 2
Will Medal of Honor Heroes 2 become the best FPS on PSP? To be honest, that's not a very difficult task to accomplish. The system has struggled to get a decent FPS game on it, as many developers have long forgotten how to make a game of that genre without a second analog stick. Developers are slowly learning, and as Medal of Honor Heroes 2 proves, they may have finally nailed it on the head.The original Medal of Honor Heroes was an impressive technological showcase for the PSP platform, and its sequel is no different. The graphics are noticeably better than the original's, although there's still some way to go before this looks as good as a PS2 game. The controls also feel tighter, letting you easily move around the environment and fight enemies. Using the analog stick for movement and the face buttons for aiming is fairly traditional PSP FPS fare. However, the aim-assist has been reduced, making for a better, skill-based game. Using L to zoom in and fine-tune your aim works well. Even better, running up to a barricade, taking cover, and then peeking out to take a shot. The controls are intuitive, and easy to pick up.A majority of the complaints for the PSP original involved the slow pace of the game, and unimpressive AI. Well, you still move at a snail's pace [Update: There is a run functionality that we didn't discover. It's there, though.], but there's a lot more action on screen this time around. Enemies still don't have advanced attack patterns, but they come in good waves, ensuring the action never slows down. With far improved graphics, tighter controls, and better presentation, Heroes 2 is a much better game. While we didn't get a chance to play it, the 32 player online multiplayer is still the franchise's biggest selling point -- something we'd love to get our hands-on soon.%Gallery-7932%
Joystiq hands-on: Medal of Honor: Airborne
Forget about Hour of Victory and put Medal of Honor: Airborne on your list if you're eager to get back to some WWII gaming. It'll help bandage the wound left by Call of Duty when they decided to go all Modern Warfare on us.What sets it apart from the other entries in the Medal of Honor series is the Airborne factor that really changes the way you approach each new campaign. You parachute into each level from a C-47 transport plane, and can choose exactly where you'll land on the map, if you're halfway decent at steering your 'chute. This changes the gameplay over the previous game dramatically, because you can play each map differently every time you drop in.%Gallery-4806%
Medal of Honor: Airborne delayed for PS3
Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, everyone, but it seems those of you waiting for your Medal of Honor: Airborne fix are going to have to wait a bit longer than owners of other consoles. In another cheap move by EA (who we believe more and more to be lazy developers who don't even try to optimize their games for each system ... why won't their sports games be at 60fps on the PS3, but will on the 360? We know the system can handle it, so the fault clearly lies within the developer house), PS3 owners get to wait an extra couple of months. Due out by the end of August initially, MoH:A has been pushed to a November release. A time where they will have to deal with much more important titles as competition. While no clear reason for this delay was explained, we're pretty sure we know why. We highlighted it above. The PS3 is harder to develop for, so the port from 360 to PS3 is giving them troubling results. Instead of optimizing performance for the PS3 itself, they're trying to debug a faulty, most likely less-impressive, port. We could be wrong. Maybe we get extra content. Tell us your thoughts![via Joystiq]
Medal of Honor: Airborne PS3 delayed until November
Though originally though to be released August 28 across all three platforms -- Xbox 360, PC and PlayStation 3 -- Medal of Honor: Airborne won't be landing on Sony's console until months later. Gamespot noticed a brief addendum on the bottom of yesterday's press release announcing Michael Giacchino as the game's composer that stated the PS3 version would arrive in November. A previous trailer for the game, embedded after the break, gave the release date August 28 and implied that it was identical across all three platforms. No reason was cited for the delay. The game appears to still be on track for an August 28 release in North America (August 24 in Europe) for Xbox 360 and PC owners.
Medal of Honor Heroes gets sequel, according to EB
The retail release calendar has accidentally revealed a new title yet again. This time, it's a sequel to one of the better FPS games on the system, Medal of Honor Heroes. The aptly titled Medal of Honor Heroes 2 listing on EB Games contains no other information, but we think it's safe to assume that the sequel will feature the same massive online battles that the original had.[Via IGN]
Medal of Honor: Airborne video -- unique WWII FPS?
What would make a WWII shooter better than all the rest? How about the ability to parachute into the field of battle wherever you wanted? Only on the newest generation of consoles could this be possible and Medal of Honor: Airborne knows it. Due out at the end of August, the title sports a nice twist -- land anywhere, giving you an infinite number of ways to play any given mission. It sounds special, but will it play out any differently than other games after the initial landing?[via CVG]
Because you need to know more about Medal of Honor
Curious about Medal of Honor: Vanguard and just how it's going to play on the Wii? You know we're here for you! After the jump you'll find a video that not only shows off some of the gameplay footage, but gives you a little rundown on how to pull off the maneuvers with the Wii remote. Now if only we could magic some online play in there! Unfortunately, our powers are limited.And as a small bit of trivia that is completely worthless to you, this very blogger shares the root of her name with one of the weapons in the game.
Deal of the Day: Medal of Honor only $20
You've played the brief, but fun Medal of Honor demo, right? Well, if five minutes of gameplay just isn't enough for you, you'll want to check out this sweet deal at Target. You can get this WWII FPS for only $20. Other stores still have it listed for $40, so this might be the cheapest way to enjoy Medal of Honor's insane 32-player multiplayer modes.[Thanks, Preacher747!]
Medal of Honor: Heroes downloadable demo
We told you new demos were coming soon. Who knew they'd come out this soon? EA's critically acclaimed FPS is now available for you to try out.1. Download the demo ZIP file.2. Extract the contents of the ZIP file.3. Connect your PSP to your computer using a USB cable.4. Go to the PSP/GAME folder.5. Copy ULED90008 folder into directory. Check out our new demos site:demos.pspfanboy.com
Alive and gaming in Baghdad
"We can't go outside, so I prefer to keep inside and keep myself alive."The words are from Wisam, a gamer living in Baghdad. Wisam is a rarity, and listening to his story on Iraq blog / vlog Alive In Baghdad explains why. Wisam, a recent graduate of the Baghdad University English Department, explains that he spends upwards of $200 on electricity each month -- partly from a local generator that runs 4 p.m. until midnight and partly from the fuel he buys for his personal generator. That's a hefty sumWisam said he learned his English from games such as Metal Gear Solid and Final Fantasy. MTV News' Stephen Totilo has a thorough piece on Wisam and the crew of Alive in Baghdad. Among the game-related topics discussed, Wisam talked about the decline in interest for war shooters like Medal of Honor and Call of Duty. "We hate the attacking, the gunfire in games," Wisam told MTV News. "We started to hate it."In a sad note, Wisam described how Grand Theft Auto is much like Baghdad right now. Omar Abdullah, who interviewed Wisam for Alive in Baghdad, concurred, telling MTV News that "it was very, very similar to Baghdad. We were like, 'Oh my God. These are the same actions that happen in Baghdad.' There are some places that are divided. For each place, there is a gang ruling that place. You can go down the street and drive any car. If you want to jump on a motorcycle, you can do it."With all the news that circulates about Baghdad, include tonight's U.S. Presidential address, it's thought-provoking to see a often missed perspective on the region.
Medal of Honor Vanguard announced for Wii, PS2
Just announced Medal of Honor Vanguard looks to replace Airborne in Wii and PlayStation 2's early 2007 lineups. Rest assured, Vanguard is not a poorly disguised rehash; that's not to say it will offer much beyond WWII shooter standards -- unless you're a sucker for motion controls (on Wii, not PS2).It appears that there will be some loose correlation between the Vanguard and Airborne plotlines, as both games focus on characters in the 82nd Airborne Division and share common mission locales, like Sicily. The "Vanguard" name implies players will be engaging in operations at the very front of the frontline (even behind enemy lines). It's unclear when EA decided to nix development of Airborne for Wii and PS2 and go for a wholly different tie-in -- perhaps it was the top-secret plan all along. In any event, it's for the best, as Wii and PS2 versions of Airborne wouldn't hold up against their Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC counterparts. Here's to hoping Vanguard gets the deserved attention it needs, earning its place as co-heir to the Medal of Honor franchise.
