Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Medal of Honor: Allied Assault – Breakthrough builds on the solid foundation of its predecessor by delivering an exciting mix of infantry combat, stealth sections, and vehicular set pieces. As Sergeant John Baker, you’re thrust into eleven meticulously crafted missions that span the deserts of North Africa and the rugged hills of Italy. Each level presents distinct objectives—whether you’re sabotaging enemy supply lines, leading a squad through tight urban alleys, or manning a turret to repel an armored advance—ensuring the pace never lets up.

(HEY YOU!! We hope you enjoy! We try not to run ads. So basically, this is a very expensive hobby running this site. Please consider joining us for updates, forums, and more. Network w/ us to make some cash or friends while retro gaming, and you can win some free retro games for posting. Okay, carry on 👍)

The mission design shines thanks to intelligent enemy AI that adapts to your tactics. Snipers will reposition to overwatch high-traffic corridors, patrols will sweep buildings after hearing a gunshot, and armored units will call for reinforcements if left unchecked. This dynamic response system encourages creative thinking: do you flank, rush, or set up an ambush? Breakthrough’s scenarios reward patience and planning, yet still accommodate run-and-gun players who thrive on nonstop action.

The new “Liberation” multiplayer mode adds a fresh strategic twist: rescuing downed teammates keeps them in the fight, shifting focus from pure frag-count to team coordination and map control. Alongside this, nine new multiplayer maps introduce varied layouts—from narrow canyons perfect for sniper duels to bombed-out villages ideal for close-quarters firefights. Whether you prefer cooperative missions or competitive skirmishes, Breakthrough’s gameplay promises hours of engaging combat.

Graphics

Although Breakthrough launched in the early 2000s, its graphics still hold up thanks to impressive environmental detail and moody lighting. The North African levels glow under a harsh sun, casting realistic shadows across sand dunes and rock formations. Contrast that with the misty mornings of Italian vineyards, where flickering torches illuminate crumbling stone walls and creeping fog adds an extra layer of suspense.

Texture work is particularly noteworthy on vehicles and character models. You can see battle scars on tanks, dents in trucks, and dirt-smeared uniforms that change dynamically as you traverse muddy fields. Explosions and muzzle flashes are sharp and impactful, while smoke trails linger, blocking sightlines and forcing you to adapt on the fly. These subtle visual flourishes enhance immersion, making each firefight feel grounded in a gritty, war-torn reality.

The expansion also refines the original engine’s particle effects and draw distances, ensuring open areas look rich and detailed without performance dips. Water reflections in flooded passages remain crisp, and debris flies convincingly when structures collapse. While it may not compete with modern titles, Breakthrough demonstrates that thoughtful art direction and solid technical design can create enduring visual appeal.

Story

Breakthrough takes a more globe-trotting approach than the initial Allied Assault narrative, casting you as Sgt. John Baker on a mission to destabilize Axis forces in multiple theaters. The campaign threads together historical events—from Operation Torch landings in North Africa to the pivotal Battle of Monte Cassino—with dramatized set-pieces that emphasize heroism and sacrifice. This structure gives the expansion a sense of scale and urgency, as each successful mission paves the way for the next.

Character interactions, though relatively sparse, are well-timed and contribute to the overall atmosphere. Radio chatter between Baker and his superiors conveys both the weight of command and the human cost of war. Occasional moments of quiet—storming a church bell tower at sunset or trudging through a bombed-out village—offer brief respite, allowing you to appreciate the stakes before plunging back into conflict.

While Breakthrough doesn’t reinvent the wheel in terms of storytelling, its focus on varied locales and historically inspired objectives provides a compelling backdrop. You’re not just clearing rooms; you’re part of coordinated Allied offensives that shaped the war’s outcome. For fans of WWII narratives, this expansion weaves together fact and fiction in a way that feels authentic without sacrificing excitement.

Overall Experience

Medal of Honor: Allied Assault – Breakthrough successfully captures the spirit of classic WWII shooters. Its mixture of set-pieces, realistic AI, and varied mission design keeps the campaign fresh from the seas of North Africa to the hills of Italy. In solo play, you’ll find plenty of dramatic moments and strategic challenges that encourage multiple playthroughs to fully master each level’s nuances.

For multiplayer enthusiasts, the nine new maps and Liberation mode breathe new life into the established community. Coordinated rescues and map-specific tactics create a lively, team-focused environment that extends the game’s lifespan well beyond the campaign’s end. Even today, Breakthrough’s maps remain popular for private matches, showcasing the expansion’s lasting appeal.

Requiring the original Allied Assault, Breakthrough is a must-have for owners seeking fresh environments and enhanced gameplay mechanics. It strikes an excellent balance between historical authenticity and pulse-pounding action, making it suitable for both history buffs and first-person shooter fans. Whether you’re reliving classic war scenarios or discovering them for the first time, this expansion offers a satisfying, adrenaline-fueled journey through one of history’s most pivotal conflicts.

Retro Replay Score

7.4/10