Players increase proficiency with individual weapons just by using them. A weapon meter on the bottom right corner of the screen shows progress, and each time it fills, players get rewarded with specialized upgrades that were actually used by WWII soldiers who decided to hack their own guns. Upgrades include faster reloading, bigger clips or less muzzle rise when using certain machine guns. These bonuses are permanent and automatically applied to weapons from the loadout screen or when picked up off the battlefield. Switching guns is often necessary, since ammunition becomes scarce. Not every downed enemy will leave a gun behind, so there's added emphasis on bullet conservation.

Unfortunately, the game does have a few nuisances. First, there's no way to skip the briefings when replaying a mission. Secondly, there's no way to go into a prime position for a steadier shot when using the sniper rifle. Although the game's use of peeking over and around cover works quite well, it seems very odd that a game like Medal of Honor would overlook a sniper's standard position; luckily, aim is precise in a kneeling position. Lastly, NPC's can pull off moves like jumping through windows to dodge grenades and get the surprise drop on the enemy, while the player is stuck taking the long way around.

Airborne's multiplayer is also a bit disappointing with only has three modes. The first is a traditional team deathmatch, where Axis and Allies all start on the ground and fight it out, while the second is the same except with the inclusion of the air drop feature. Lastly, the objective mode lets Allied players drop onto Axis players and both battle for three control points. We enjoyed all three, and the airdrop feature adds a great deal of excitement, but it's still just two-thirds deathmatch. It would have been great to have some cooperative scenarios or a co-op campaign. Also, there are no LAN options. Users must register and log onto EA's online service for multiplayer action.

The graphics look wonderful, especially the animations, which include soldiers falling in accordance to where the bullet hits them. Airborne's orchestral soundtrack is also very moving, as per the Medal of Honor tradition.

Despite these issues, Medal of Honor Airborne succeeds in bringing variety back to WWII shooters with truly dynamic gameplay and technological sophistication. Gamers looking for something different or for another WWII fix should play it immediately.