Released on October 23, 2000, Medal of Honor: Underground serves as a dramatic and intelligent prequel to the original PlayStation hit. Developed by DreamWorks Interactive and published by Electronic Arts, this title expands upon the foundation laid by its predecessor, offering a more varied and atmospheric experience within the World War II setting. With a Metacritic score of 86.00, it remains a standout technical achievement from the latter years of the original PlayStation era.

A New Perspective on World War II

While the first game focused on Jimmy Patterson, Medal of Hier: Underground shifts the lens to Manon, a young woman who begins her journey as a volunteer with the French Resistance. As the story unfolds, she is eventually recruited by the OSS, placing her in the same operation as Patterson. The narrative takes players through the early, often overlooked stages of World War II, exploring regions that were not central to mainstream American literature of the time.

The game's setting is impressively broad, moving beyond standard battlefields to include diverse locales such as France, North Africa, Italy, Germany, and Greece. Players must navigate these various regions to uncover Nazi plans and, where possible, alter the course of history through a series of high-stakes secret missions.

Gameplay Mechanics and Features

As a first-person shooter, Medal of Honor: Underground balances traditional combat with stealth and infiltration. The gameplay is structured around seven primary missions, each containing three to four levels, totaling over 22 varied stages. While the core loop involves navigating environments to achieve specific goals—such as finding items or reaching key locations—the sequel introduces several significant mechanical upgrades over the original title:

  • Enhanced AI and Interaction: Improved artificial intelligence and increased interaction between non-player characters (NPCs) create a more reactive world.
  • Expanded Combat Variety: Beyond standard gunplay, players encounter specialized battles against tanks and motorcycle sidecars.
  • Dynamic Movement: The inclusion of the ability to ride in a sidecar adds a new layer of vehicular action to the experience.
  • Co-op Elements: The game features co-op play involving non-player characters, enhancing the sense of being part of a resistance movement.
  • Increased Arsenal: A wider array of weapons and tools are available to suit different mission requirements, from heavy firepower to stealthy approaches.

Platform Availability and Legacy

The game was originally a flagship title for the PlayStation. Due to its success, it saw several re-releases, including a European compilation titled Medal of Honor / Medal of Honor: Underground in 2002. It also found a second life on the PlayStation Network for PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Portable (PSP) in 2009.

A notable conversion also exists for the Game Boy Advance, attempting to bring the first-person shooter experience to Nintendo's handheld hardware. While highly regarded for its atmosphere and mission variety, fans of the genre should note that like many shooters of its era, players may occasionally encounter issues with collision detection.

Who Is This Game For?

Medal of Honor: Underground is a must-play for fans of historical shooters and those who appreciate atmospheric storytelling. If you enjoy tactical gameplay that rewards both careful stealth and explosive action, Manon's journey through the European and North African theaters of war offers a deeply engaging experience that honors its cinematic roots.