Learn the history behind pivotal moments in WWII from real-world veterans.
Earlier today, developer Respawn Entertainment released a brand new trailer for its highly-anticipated WWII VR shooter Medal of Honor: Above and Beyond. In it, the team offers a behind-the-scenes look at the games “Gallery”, an in-game interview series featuring actual World War II veterans. Those familiar with the long-running franchise will doubt recognize this iconic feature which as been included in past MoH games.
As you continue through the single player campaign, you’ll witness powerful interviews and captivating stories revolving around historic moments in WWII told by the heroes themselves at the locations in which they took place over 75 years ago. Directed by Anthony Giacchino, this small collection of short documentary films features a combination of interviews, first-hand stories from survivors and veterans, jaw-dropping historical footage, and 360-degree video of important locations from throughout the war.
“The goal of Medal of Honor is to be grounded and emotionally authentic. To be as true as we can to the people who actually fought in it and lived in it” said Peter Hirschmann, Game Director of Medal of Honor: Above and Beyond, in an official blog post. “The goal is to tell and show as much truth as possible and let people get the tiniest of glimpses of what it must’ve been like.”
In the blog update, Giacchino details one conversation he had with veteran David Marshall of the 84th Division. He talks about returning with David to the same field where his best friend was struck and killed by an enemy mortar strike.
“In David’s mind that place was always that day of battle” said Giacchino, “and we walked out onto the farm and how beautiful it was, and there was a really great family that lived there…He never in his wildest dreams could have imagined 75 years later, of returning to this spot. It was clear that there was something in their service that was unresolved, and going back there gave them some form of resolution.”
“At the end of the day you should understand and realize that these were real people.”
As previously stated, Medal of Honor’s “Gallery” feature has been apart of the franchise dating all the way back to the original release in 1999. Since then, however, major improvements in VR technology have allowed Respawn to take the historical immersion even further.
“That original vision, experiencing World War II through the eyes of a soldier, this [VR technology] literally allows you to do that,” said Hirschmann. “It’s an amazing tool for transporting people into the stories that we’re telling.”
Medal of Honor: Above and Beyond arrives December 11th on SteamVR and Oculus Rift/Rift S headsets.
Image Credit: Respawn Entertainment