Medal of Honor: Airborne

Medal of Honor: Airborne brings a distinct gameplay innovation to the series, putting the player in the boots of a paratrooper from the 82nd Airborne Division, with every mission literally beginning with a parachute jump over the battlefield. The player chooses the landing spot and the direction to head toward the objective, which affects where the mission starts, which enemies are encountered first, and what route through the battlefield is ultimately taken, giving the game noticeably more freedom than the series' earlier, strictly linear entries. The campaign takes the player through key airborne operations of World War II, from the invasion of Sicily through the liberation of the Netherlands to the final battles in Germany.

The weapon system was enriched with gradual weapon upgrades during play, where frequent use of a particular rifle or submachine gun unlocks better sights, magazines, or other modifications, encouraging players to stick with a favorite piece of gear throughout the campaign. The game ran on Unreal Engine 3, which gave it a very solid visual coat for its time, with nice lighting effects and partially destructible environments, though the level design remained fairly compact and enclosed despite the freedom offered by the jump. The audio side maintained the series' high standard, with quality battlefield sound and cinematic orchestral music underscoring the dramatic moments of the jumps and the subsequent battles for villages and bridges.

Airborne received a more mixed reception from critics and players than earlier entries; the fresh idea of the optional jump was praised, but the somewhat shorter and less tightly constructed campaign was criticized compared to previous titles in the series. Historically, Airborne is interesting as one of the last major single-player titles of the classic Medal of Honor era before the series stepped away for several years and later returned in the form of a reboot focused on more modern conflicts. Today, the game is best appreciated by players looking for an alternative perspective on wartime operations through the eyes of a lone paratrooper dropping into the unknown.

Why play it: For players seeking an alternative perspective on wartime operations through the eyes of a lone paratrooper, even though the campaign is shorter and less tightly constructed than previous entries in the series.