Since its debut back in the late 90's on the PlayStation, the Medal of Honor series has come a long way in terms of design and authenticity. Originally conceived as a typical FPS with the help of Steven Spielberg, the game turned out to be a welcome surprise and soon spawned a genre that now seems to be overflowing with fine efforts like Call of Duty and Brothers In Arms. The latest Medal of Honor game, however, Rising Sun, took a step backwards in terms of design and playability. Hell, the GameCube version ran so slow it became practically unplayable. Fortunately, the memory of that game is wiped away with the return of the series in European Assault. It hasn't changed the formula entirely, but then again, it didn't need to. It just needed a rebound, and this is it.

The game puts you in the shoes of William Holt, a serviceman for the Americans who is working externally out at Britain's Office of Strategic Services (think of them as an early version of the Central Intelligence Agency). The duties of the OSS are to perform undercover operations to help turn the tide. This could mean something as small as, say, taking out fuel tankers or a particular German general. But as simple as these missions may seem in the long term picture of war, they are vital in the overturning of victory, so your role must be played out carefully and to the point.

Each level in the game contains a primary objective as well as a few secondary objectives, highlighted by a mini radar on the corner of the screen. The primary objective is bright yellow, while the secondary ones are blue. Also indicated are such things as where the enemies' main stronghold may be, as well as aerial attackers and members of your squad, who assist you in completing your operations. This system may be drawn out a little too simply, but it's a great help as you work your way across the game's vast levels.

The level design in European Assault is outstanding, sprawling across several dank, harrowing battlefields and strongholds, filled to the hilt with enemies that will pop out of everywhere to finish you off (be sure to keep some Medipacks handy) EA continues to fill these games with great detail that are true to the era, complete with quality lighting, strong animation (with only the slightest of hiccups), and a steady frame rate. Little effects also come into play that can wow the gamer at times, including some heavy explosions that really rock the screen and give you the feeling of war. No real complaints here.

The sound department is also loyal to the theme at hand. As the game begins, you're treated to an opening cinema that tells the tale that you're about to live through, complete with background details from a real soldier who explains how hellish this war has become. During your journey, you'll deal with soldiers and fellow officers who have identities and voices all their own, all done nicely with the help of EA's voiceover team. Throw in some great war-themed music and some excellent sound effects (the rifles included in the game sound just like the real thing, complete with timing sounds and reloading), and you've got quite a visceral experience.

As for the gameplay, I mostly liked it, although there is one minor thing I'll get to in a minute. The game consists mostly of your typical first-person controls, with the ability to look around and aim rather easily and switch weapons on the fly, from a number of guns (including a typical hand pistol) and some grenades. You can also take control of some mounted guns and weapons for better effect, although you leave yourself open to attack. When not on a mounted weapon, with a press of the L trigger, you can "zoom" in for more precise aiming, and you can also lean around objects to get a better shot at the enemy. Watch out, though. The AI is a lot more intelligent. Some soldiers will spring a trap on you, while others will charge, gun blazing. Fortunately, your squad, a team of soldiers assigned to help you, have equally good AI and will back you up. This brings us to the one complaint. The squad interaction isn't as solid as it should be. Sure, they're helpful, but you never really feel like you're guiding or letting them make decisions. They seem like drones following you around.

Unfortunately, this game doesn't feature online play. It's a shame, especially since I thought EA was really embracing the idea of online for all their games. A game like Medal of Honor, I think, would really benefit from online play, as you could form your own clans (or rather "platoons") for battles and actually earn medals in a ranking system. Oh, well, wishful thinking for the forthcoming PS3 Airborne game.

If you're sick of war games on the market, European Assault more than likely won't change your mind and should probably be passed over. However, first-person shooter fans and those who can't get enough Medal of Honor will definitely want to pick it up, as it has enough bold designs and graceful gameplay to keep you fighting the good fight. The lack of online multiplayer is an issue, but not enough to keep you away from the brooding experience it provides. I can't wait to see what's next for this series. Hopefully, I won't have to wait long.