AMG Review of Medal of Honor [Original Game Soundtrack]

Jason Ankeny
All Music Guide

Much as the Steven Spielberg-produced video game #Medal of Honor spins out of the filmmaker's World War II opus #Saving Private Ryan, so too does the game's soundtrack derive from John Williams' original feature score. And while composer Michael Giacchino successfully captures the suspense and drama one associates with Williams, in many respects this is a richer and more dynamic score than its predecessor, with none of its hamfisted sentimentality or emotional machinations. Giacchino employs familiar classical styles to create a bold, often majestic war score that pulses with energy and tension -- this is music forged from heroism and patriotism, yet it never feels heavy-handed. It may read as a backhanded compliment, but Medal of Honor is arguably the finest video game score ever written.