The realm of military shooters has been a dominant presence in the gaming industry ever since the groundbreaking arrival of Call of Duty. However, even before the advent of this colossal game, the Medal of Honor series had already established its foothold. Set primarily during World War 2, these games encompass various theaters of the conflict, including Europe, Asia, and Africa.
These games exhibit varying degrees of excellence, from representing the pinnacle of the genre at the time to being lackluster and unimaginative. For those keen on revisiting the series for its historical significance or nostalgic value, the following games serve as a compass, directing them towards the finest offerings of the series.
8 Medal Of Honor: Rising Sun
Metacritic Score: 68
Prior to Rising Sun, most Medal of Honor games had centered on Europe. However, this 2003 shooter predominantly unfolded in Japan, offering players a refreshing change of scenery.
The game commences with the infamous attack on Pearl Harbor, matching the grandeur and intensity of the Omaha Beach mission from Frontline and Allied Assault. While the campaign may not be as captivating as the later mentioned games, the local multiplayer provides ample entertainment.
7 Medal Of Honor: Heroes 2
Metacritic Score: 73
- Release: November 13th, 2007
- Platforms: PSP, Nintendo Wii
- Developers: EA Los Angeles (PSP), EA Canada (Nintendo Wii)
Surprisingly, this game was released on the Nintendo Wii and PSP, two vastly different systems in terms of FPS game controls. Neither console boasted a standout entry in the genre, although the Wii did have some decent rail shooters that utilized the Wiimote to emulate a light-gun peripheral.
Considering this, Medal Of Honor: Heroes 2 manages to serve as a perfectly adequate shooter for both platforms. It may not leave a lasting impression, but it offers a decent way to pass the time. Additionally, the multiplayer features on the PSP were extensive for that period.
6 Medal Of Honor: Airborne
Metacritic Score: 73
What Medal of Honor Airborne lacks in refinement, it more than compensates for in originality. The maps are more expansive than those in typical first-person shooters, allowing players the freedom to parachute down to almost any location within the level.
Long before the emergence of the Battle Royale genre, this game adopted a similar format for its multiplayer matches. Unfortunately, it failed to garner the same level of polish and awe that other early PS3 and Xbox 360 shooters did, causing it to fade into obscurity early in that generation.
5 Medal Of Honor (Reboot)
Metacritic Score: 74
In the early 2010s, the series, like many other IPs, underwent a reboot. This game transported the action to modern-day Afghanistan. While it drew more inspiration from Call of Duty than the classic Medal of Honor, it still aimed to pay solemn homage to those who served on the frontlines.
The single-player campaign may not be groundbreaking, but the multiplayer aspect was a pleasant surprise. It delivers a weightier feel than Call of Duty, with more expansive maps that foster compelling long-range firefights between teams.
4 Medal Of Honor: Frontline
Metacritic Score: 88
Stylistically, Medal of Honor: Frontline aligns with its two predecessors. However, the increased capabilities of the new generation allowed the developers to craft larger levels teeming with more enemies and allies by the player's side.
While there was still plenty of stealth maneuvering, many levels unfolded in expansive settings, at times guiding players through entire cities being ravaged by war. The original release lacked multiplayer, yet this shortcoming did not diminish the overall package, given the lengthy, challenging, and diverse campaign.
3 Medal Of Honor: Allied Assault
Metacritic Score: 91
- Release Date: January 22nd, 2002
- Platforms: Windows, Mac
- Developer: 2015, Inc.
While console players were immersed in Frontline, PC enthusiasts were engrossed in Allied Assault. Designed and directed by Vince Zampella and Jason West, who would later create the Call of Duty series, Allied Assault exhibits numerous elements that paved the way for the future series, including an opening mission devoid of combat, which effectively builds tension for the impending harrowing missions. The online multiplayer also received high acclaim, and two expansion packs further enriched the game.
2 Medal Of Honor
Metacritic Score: 92
The inaugural entry in the franchise offered a distinctive FPS experience for its time, endowing the PS1 with a notable contribution to the genre. Rather than the bombastic setpieces commonly associated with the genre, Medal of Honor focuses on covert infiltration into enemy territory.
The meticulously designed missions often mask the technical constraints imposed by the console. The AI opponents posed a considerable challenge, reacting to gunshots based on their location and even returning grenades to the player. Consequently, players were constantly kept on edge.
1 Medal Of Honor: Underground
Metacritic Score: 92
While Medal of Honor places players in the shoes of American serviceman James Patterson, Underground follows a member of the French Resistance. The narrative takes full advantage of the more intimate mission design, featuring additional stealth missions.
Despite its release around the advent of the PS2, the impending graphical and technological leap did little to diminish the splendor of Medal of Honor: Underground. However, the Game Boy Advance version of the game presented a pixelated mess, bearing no resemblance to its PS1 counterpart.