The term “reboot” has itself been overhauled in the past few years. Separated from its original meaning under “helpful suggestions for faulty PC’s”, it has become a buzzword for how to fix every big franchise that’s gone wayward or run out of steam. Nowadays if you’re sitting on a once popular series, whether it be television, movie or video game, that has gone stale, but hasn’t completely lost its money making potential, you get a second spin of the wheel. Back to the drawing board you go, perhaps for an origins story of some kind. Let’s see, what are the kids into these days? Even the term itself has become somewhat stale. To hear of a new project with the word reboot attached to it is just as likely to elicit a sigh as it is a gasp.
One such project is Medal of Honor. Due for release “Fall 2010” according to the official preview trailer, the once classic franchise has gone on a slight tangent. After 12 games and two expansion packs set in good ol’ WWII, EA Los Angeles have decided to put down what remains of the whipping rod, and step away from the desiccated remains of a horse that died a long time ago.
You may be wondering why there are no numbers or subtitles attached to the Medal of Honor bit. This is probably because developers Dice couldn’t get away with tagging “Modern Warfare” on there for fear of complete copy right infringement.
The invitation for comparison is blatantly obvious. According to the official website, the new game will allow players to fight the war on terror in modern day Afghanistan. They will take control of numerous forms of high tech weaponry and vehicles. The single player campaign shall form a “seamless experience”, split up between the clandestine “Tier 1 Operators” and the explosive firepower of “the Big Military perspective”. Hmm, so kind of like Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2 then.
Forgive me for my, by now obvious, scepticism concerning the originality and prospects of the new Medal of Honor. I would normally be the first to heap praise upon EA’s award winning franchise, having loved the original when it was released in 1999. Developed by EA Los Angeles, known back then as Dreamworks Studios, the game heralded the beginning of gaming’s love affair with World War II.
From the very first game, I sat and watched as the series moved from strength to strength (Allied Assault and Frontline winning universal acclaim on PC’s and consoles), lost its way (Rising Sun and Pacific Assault) and then ran straight into the ground (see European Assault and its incredibly ill informed adrenaline meter). I so wanted EA’s last console instalment, Airborne, to be great. I played the first level and watched my remaining faith die in front of my eyes.
But enough pessimism. Let’s talk potential. EA and Dice want us to believe that Medal of Honor (Afghanistan Assault?) could be a game changer. They want us to believe that they can take on Call of Duty at their own game and come out on top. Infinity Ward did just that when 22 staff members broke away from EA to develop the original Call of Duty.
EA has been described as many things, but plucky under dog has never been one of them. That is, until now. The big question is, what if this underdog comes through?
If the new MOH is a success, it could fully establish a corner of the market that’s already been flirted with in the likes of Spec Ops, Metal Gear Solid 4 and Modern Warfare. All these titles have seen the protagonist fighting against terrorist cells and have entrenched themselves within the issues of economic and ideological conflict. In simplest terms, they allow the players experience in these games to reflect the real conflicts that are being fought today. This means that we could see the floodgates open for a glut of games focused upon the current war on terrorism. The real world and our real fears addressed through the medium of videogames, and the therapeutic nature of shooting computer generated Taliban in the face.
As satirical cartoons and comedic impersonations have shown as in generations past, if we cannot learn to laugh at those who seek to inflict harm upon us, then we will let them win. The medium of computer games could allow people in this part of the world to address their fears by engaging them in an alternative manner, and thus get on with their everyday lives. Or not. The truth is, that the Second World War and the war on terror are two very different conflicts. Ostensibly, the issues being fought over in the former are much more clean cut. More importantly though, the latter conflict is still on-going and therefore more difficult to package than your average shooter.
One thing is for certain though – Medal of Honor made us all fall in love with WWII shooters. If any franchise has the power to get us hooked on something in such a big way again, it’s this one.
One such project is Medal of Honor. Due for release “Fall 2010” according to the official preview trailer, the once classic franchise has gone on a slight tangent. After 12 games and two expansion packs set in good ol’ WWII, EA Los Angeles have decided to put down what remains of the whipping rod, and step away from the desiccated remains of a horse that died a long time ago.
The invitation for comparison is blatantly obvious. According to the official website, the new game will allow players to fight the war on terror in modern day Afghanistan. They will take control of numerous forms of high tech weaponry and vehicles. The single player campaign shall form a “seamless experience”, split up between the clandestine “Tier 1 Operators” and the explosive firepower of “the Big Military perspective”. Hmm, so kind of like Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2 then.
Forgive me for my, by now obvious, scepticism concerning the originality and prospects of the new Medal of Honor. I would normally be the first to heap praise upon EA’s award winning franchise, having loved the original when it was released in 1999. Developed by EA Los Angeles, known back then as Dreamworks Studios, the game heralded the beginning of gaming’s love affair with World War II.
From the very first game, I sat and watched as the series moved from strength to strength (Allied Assault and Frontline winning universal acclaim on PC’s and consoles), lost its way (Rising Sun and Pacific Assault) and then ran straight into the ground (see European Assault and its incredibly ill informed adrenaline meter). I so wanted EA’s last console instalment, Airborne, to be great. I played the first level and watched my remaining faith die in front of my eyes.
But enough pessimism. Let’s talk potential. EA and Dice want us to believe that Medal of Honor (Afghanistan Assault?) could be a game changer. They want us to believe that they can take on Call of Duty at their own game and come out on top. Infinity Ward did just that when 22 staff members broke away from EA to develop the original Call of Duty.
EA has been described as many things, but plucky under dog has never been one of them. That is, until now. The big question is, what if this underdog comes through?
If the new MOH is a success, it could fully establish a corner of the market that’s already been flirted with in the likes of Spec Ops, Metal Gear Solid 4 and Modern Warfare. All these titles have seen the protagonist fighting against terrorist cells and have entrenched themselves within the issues of economic and ideological conflict. In simplest terms, they allow the players experience in these games to reflect the real conflicts that are being fought today. This means that we could see the floodgates open for a glut of games focused upon the current war on terrorism. The real world and our real fears addressed through the medium of videogames, and the therapeutic nature of shooting computer generated Taliban in the face.
As satirical cartoons and comedic impersonations have shown as in generations past, if we cannot learn to laugh at those who seek to inflict harm upon us, then we will let them win. The medium of computer games could allow people in this part of the world to address their fears by engaging them in an alternative manner, and thus get on with their everyday lives. Or not. The truth is, that the Second World War and the war on terror are two very different conflicts. Ostensibly, the issues being fought over in the former are much more clean cut. More importantly though, the latter conflict is still on-going and therefore more difficult to package than your average shooter.
One thing is for certain though – Medal of Honor made us all fall in love with WWII shooters. If any franchise has the power to get us hooked on something in such a big way again, it’s this one.
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