Common Sense Media Review
By Common Sense Media
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Very violent WWI shooter is for mature players.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Play
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 5 parent reviews
Based on 12 kid reviews
Kids say the game is generally mild in terms of violence, making it suitable for younger audiences, despite some occasional profanity. Many players appreciate its nostalgic value and engaging gameplay, especially noting its historical missions, while others criticize the graphics and level of intensity, suggesting it's not as compelling as more modern titles.
- mild violence
- suitable for kids
- historical missions
- nostalgic value
- mixed graphics
- engaging gameplay
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's It About?
MEDAL OF HONOR: RISING SUN starts on the fateful morning of Pearl Harbor and follows the U.S. military's conflict with Japan. The game depicts major battles of the Pacific, from the Philippines to Burma, through the eyes -- literally -- of a GI as he matures from rookie grunt to battle-hardened member of special forces. There's also a personal story here: Your brother, a fellow soldier, is taken captive while fighting by your side. Clues along the way hint at his fate -- and point to the game's next installment.
You earn medals that unlock secrets by accurately shooting your enemies.
Is It Any Good?
Archival film from WWII provides some powerful history (and fictionalized "letters from home" give players a sense of the era). The graphics are stunningly rendered: Carefully textured grass and shadows provide cover for stealthy advances. The sound is equally impressive; THX sound tips players off to the slightest of enemy's moves.
There's no blood or gore, but players kill sometimes hundreds of enemy soldiers on each level. A counter at the end of each level tracks how gruesomely you kill (by shooting enemies in the head, torso, legs, etc.). Ultimately, the game ends abruptly after too few missions. You can return for two-person games (against each other or collaboratively); story details disappear in this mode and gameplay gets glitchy.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about war. How do courage and honor relate to brutality and wartime violence? The game might also raise discussion about how fictional depictions of historical events influence understanding of our past.
Game Details
- Platforms : PlayStation 2 , Xbox
- Pricing structure :
- Available online? : Not available online
- Publisher : Electronic Arts
- Release date : December 16, 2003
- Genre : First-Person Shooter
- ESRB rating :
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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