Medal of Honor: Frontline

The Medal of Honor games have always been fantastic, utilising brilliant graphics which an atmospheric soundtrack. With the advance in technology from the PS1 to PS2, the overall franchise was given a facelift. Levels became bigger, graphics became more detailed, the sound effects became more realistic and the music became more grandiose.

This time around, the story picks up in Normandy, on D-Day, and we follow Lt. Jimmy Patterson, embarking through the bloody battlefield, infiltrating German ranks and helping the Allies make their advance on the Nazis.

The game features two types of play. The normal shoot-'em-up style we're used to, and espionage. The espionage levels work very well, using I.D. papers and uniforms to fool enemy guards, and the shooting levels are slick and dynamic. Most importantly, even though the game can only be completed by 'getting to the end', there is different ways of reaching the end. It is down to the player whether to go in all guns blazing, or take a more careful approach.

Unfortunately, the game does have a couple of glitches, but none that have an effect of gameplay, and noticeable if you go looking for them. Also, repetitiveness does kick in after the second play. There is no multiplayer either sadly, however, GameCube and Xbox versions do feature split screen option. Another missing treat could have been the option of taking on the Nazi war machine in a co-operative mode.

Flaws and drawbacks aside, Frontline is still a brilliant game. The sheer level of realism, coupled with overall enjoyment make it not only a fantastic addition to the series, but the leader in the franchise. Or to summarise, it's a very enjoyable history lesson.