The story is EA’s attempt to capture the emotions and experiences of the US soldiers who were at war in Afghanistan (or one of those countries which sound similar).  The plot follows the experiences of three US soldiers who have been deployed to Afghanistan to eliminate the terrorist threat. Overall, it’s an interesting experience which enjoys some great and heartfelt moments, however considering that it’s so short, the story leaves no lasting impressions.

Following the approach to give the ‘authentic’ feel of war, Medal of Honor’s gameplay is made up of typical spec-op mission scenarios. Players will find themselves having to save ‘friendlies’, take out enemy strongholds, go on sneaking missions, and provide cover using sniper-rifles. These varying missions do add up to one single player campaign which is solid, enjoyable and fresh. Some missions will also include a ride on quad bikes, manning of turrets as well as piloting a helicopter. Medal of Honor truly feels like you’re at war.

For those who want to get more out of the campaign mode, there is Tier 1 mode. In this mode players will play through the campaign levels on an increased difficulty as well as against the clock. Each stage has a par completion time and time can be shaved off by grabbing headshots, melee kills and skill shots. It is a cool and semi-entertaining addition to the game but beside a gold trophy and bragging rights, it won’t keep you glued for too long.

Visually, Medal of Honor is an incredible looking game. Its good looks can firstly be noticed in the environments. Each level is filled with great lighting effects, detailed landscapes as well as excellent textures. They may load slowly at times but it doesn’t ruin the experience at all. Character models and animations have are also superb with some great attention being paid to facial expressions.

The highly anticipated multiplayer of Medal of Honor crams 24 players into a single map. There are five game modes on offer which range from a death match equivalent, capturing and holding points, blowing up or defending objectives and planting bombs. The game modes are pretty much the standard line-up and don’t offer anything new to the player. That being said, the game still manages to make for an entertaining multiplayer experience with its Battlefield-like gameplay mixed with the pace of Modern Warfare 2.  Players will be limited by the fact that there are only three classes to choose from, whose weapon arsenal does not have much to offer. The multiplayer is far from a bad experience but it’s nothing different. The concept works well but the multiplayer is plagued with a fair amount lag at times, that hampers the experience. Rest assured though. It will keep you entertained till Black Ops arrives.

Modern shooter veterans were hopeful with Medal of Honor and for some; their hopes may have been crushed. The single player offers a decent story; superb visuals and very immersive gameplay which we only wished could have lasted longer. While the multiplayer is not revolutionary it does have its entertaining moments and is definitely worth a try (once again, just don’t expect the revolutionary). If you enjoy a good modern shooter and are looking to pass the time before Black Ops, then give Medal of Honor a shot, you won’t be let down.