Medal of Honor: Batailles du Pacifique

World War II has been extensively portrayed in video games, often focusing on the grand European theater-Normandy landings, the Battle of Stalingrad, the Ardennes offensive, and the storming of Berlin. However, "Medal of Honor: Pacific Assault" takes a different approach, shifting the action to the other side of the world, where familiar landscapes give way to palm trees, and enemies don't attack from trenches but from dense jungle ambushes.

We step into the boots of Thomas Conlin, a U. S. Marine who rises from a fresh recruit to a battle-hardened soldier. The story begins in 1941 when Conlin enlists, and soon-without warning or comprehension of what's happening-witnesses the attack on Pearl Harbor. This sequence is one of the most powerful moments in the game, delivering a blockbuster-like spectacle of chaos, explosions, and the sheer helplessness of the American fleet against the onslaught of Japanese aircraft. The campaign then moves through the Pacific theater, featuring island battles, hidden jungle ambushes, and fierce fights over every inch of the front. The climax is an epic confrontation against overwhelming waves of Japanese forces, attacking relentlessly from all sides.

Gameplay-wise, the game stays true to the familiar "Medal of Honor" mechanics. One of the most memorable missions takes place aboard a warship-the USS "West Virginia". Severely damaged, the ship requires the player to assist in rescuing wounded sailors and preventing it from sinking, creating a tense and immersive experience. Later, players man heavy artillery in an all-out counterattack. Another standout mission takes place in the skies-piloting an aircraft, players are tasked with engaging enemy ships in open waters. The flight mechanics add a refreshing twist to the traditional FPS gameplay.

Graphically, the game is impressive for its time. It marks a step forward from previous entries, with improved lighting, smoother animations, and more dynamic explosions, debris, and detailed character models.

"Medal of Honor: Pacific Assault" offers a fresh perspective on World War II, featuring memorable missions, including intense aerial combat. It stands as a solid wartime adventure with a strong cinematic feel and an immersive historical setting.

7 out of 10.

All in all, Pacific Assault was one of the best Medal of Honor games I've ever played and perhaps, one of the most realistic of its time.

The game could allow you to use the M1 rifle with a bayonet (very deadly too!) and for historical accuracy, I have no complaints save for the fact that the ship the player was in at the first level was actually badly damaged during the Pearh Harbour attack.

PA also contrasts differently to its predecessors. You can order your squad mates to advance, provide cover fire, retreat and rally up. Good thing you don't die automatically too (since there's more wounded than dead in war). Though I admit, fighting in jungles most of the time was a bit of a drag despite being set in the Pacific Theatre.

The dialogue is also fairly alright, your character, Tom Colin with his squad mates nearly all the time (since boot camp actually)and they sure do stand out quite well. Unfortunately, they're the only marines you'd survive with usually.

All in all, PA is a recommended game to play though in the harder levels, you just can't finish it!