This preview was originally published on Gaming Horizon, GameBump's predecessor. Its format does not match our own but we support its content. It was written by Jarrett Conaway.

Just when you thought World War II was long over, EA extends our tour of duty with the latest installent to the Medal of Honor franchise, European Assault. Players step into the boots of Lt. William Holt on a mission that will cover France, N. Africa, Russia, and ultimately the historic Battle of the Bulge in Northen Europe. This time players are accompanied by a squad of three A.I. soilders that can be stategically deployed to complete missions using the L2 button. Some levels will actually require you to rescue members of your squad, or complete objectives to gain new squad members. Level maps start in the tradition style of the series and gradually become open battlefields with various mission tasks to be completed within the map.

The game's controls have also gained a few new upgrades. Players can now use their D-pad to peak around corners and over objects allowing for more stealthy combat. Jumping has also been added. Gone are the days of dying and having to restart the level. With the new "revive" feature players can continue where they died, until their revive count is depleted.

Perhaps the most thrilling new feature is Adrenaline Mode. Now when Holt executes commendable combat skills such as headshots and combo kills, his adrenaline increases. When the bar maxes out players gain a number of enhancements including one hit kills. Players also enter a bullet time style mode where Holt speeds up and all of the enemies slow down.

Seeing as the MOH series was originally an interactive version of "Saving Private Ryan", EA has continued to bring the cinematic feeling to the game. Director and screenwriter John Milus, of Conan the Barbarian fame, is writing the story for the single player mode.

European Assault also comes equipped with split-screen multiplayer deathmatch mode.



After getting my hands dirty in the trenchs of N. Africa, I must say I'm ready to re-enlist. The gameplay is of the high standard to be expected of the series and it looks wonderful. With an arsenal of qualilty additions to the series, players will gladly return to kill more fascist scum. MOH: European Assault ships on D-Day 2005. That's June 6, for all of you gamers that slept in AP history.