another medal

A recent interview at Gamespot shows that EA changed the name of their upcoming console only WWII shooter from the previously advertised "Dogs of War" to "European Assault". The reason for the change is unknown, though one can only guess at EA's logic behind replacing an unoriginal title with something more benign, yet equally bland. Also in this interview with military advisor Captain Dale Dye of the US Marine Corps (Ret.), Gamespot announces his likeness will be in the game as an NPC you fight alongside in one of the missions. Anyone familiar with military movies should recognize Capt. Dye, as he has been involved as a military advisor and actor with Platoon, Saving Private Ryan, Band of Brothers, and as recently as Alexander. Video games are nothing new for him either, as he helped develop the original concept of Medal of Honor shortly after working with Steven Spielberg on Saving Private Ryan.

Even if the intent of this article is to simply develop interest in the title, the release date is awfully close and I still don't know why I should be playing European Assault. It's nice to see that Capt. Dye is being honored with such a treatment after his long involvement with the series, but that's hardly a reason. I've played Brothers in Arms, and I know this formula can be improved. Is Medal of Honor destined to be the next Madden, shoveled out yearly with minimal improvements? I find it funny that Captain Dye says that the series has always been about realism. Allied Assault definitely succeeded in capturing the cinematic feel of Saving Private Ryan, and that's what made it so engrossing. But that selling point is wearing a bit thin, and I still consider Call of Duty a finer game than last year's Pacific Assault. Though my peers assuage this is hardly a genre to worry about, I still believe there is both educational and entertainment value left to be obtained.