Medal of Honor: To Be the Taliban or Not

Medal of Honor is back and looks better then ever. EA is bringing the franchise to modern day Afghan. With an all new single player this game is definitely going to be bashing skulls with CoD: Black Ops. The multiplayer is being designed by Dice and the weapon customization looks like it is going to surpass Battlefield Bad Company 2′s.

It is all most the end on 2010 and no year can end with out at least one video game controversy. Last year Activsion took a beat down with the "No Russian". This year EA is sending Medal of Honor to the batting plate. All I can say is play ball.

During the finally days of summer the Medal of Honor beta for the PS3 and PC arrived. The multiplayer features to faction: the Tier 1 Ops (main characters of the game) and the infamous Taliban. I bet you can guess what the controversy is. The game will randomly put you on one to the two teams. Each team is give a set of weapons to choose for depending on their faction.

I first heard about this from Destruction.com. Hamza Aziz wrote wrote an article about the game letting you play as "Al Qaeda" and the game personally affected him because his family was from Afghan. It was later released that it was the Taliban that you could play as not Al Qaeda. My reaction to the playable Taliban in Medal of Honor was "Oh great. Fox News is going to have a field day with this." And of course I was right. In early August Fox News brought a mother who's son died in the war. Karen Meredith said "War is not a game, period". Uh, duh. I think even Sarah Palin could figure that out. Karen went on "The fact that they've already done games about World War 2 … that's far removed from our current history, people aren't dying in World War 2 any more." Looks like someone has a little case of Double Stander Fever.

The game later was under fire from the UK Defense Secretary. Liam Fox made the uneducated statement "It's hard to believe any citizen of our country would wish to buy such a thoroughly un-British game" Un-British . Really. Ever heard of Modern Warfare . He continued to say "to show their support for our armed forces and ban this tasteless product." Isn't banning the game kind of extreme. Canada tried taking a whack at it. "Canadian forces, our allies, aid workers and innocent Afghans are being shot at and sometimes killed by the Taliban. This is reality. I find it wrong to have anyone, children in particular, playing the role of the Taliban," said Peter MacKay. And on Sep 1 New Zealand entered the "debate" as well. "Terrorist acts have caused the deaths of several New Zealanders" said New Zealand's Minister of Research, Science and Technology "his game undermines the values of our nation, and the dedicated service of our men and women in uniform.Hundreds of New Zealand servicemen and women have put their lives on the line in Afghanistan to combat terrorism, and this month Lieutenant Tim O'Donnell died in action over there." Now the game is anti New Zealand. Wow.

Reading all of this I have realized that not one of these politicians or the "gold star mom" has even read the Medal of Honor blog let only be to the website. I've also noticed the when it come to video game people are able to make statements about the subject with ever even playing Pac Man.

I'm I the only one that remembers the game.. um. I think it was called Call of Duty: 4 Modern Warfare. Yes that was the name. It feature the Tali.. oh sorry. The group that looked like the Taliban, sounded like the Taliban, and were in the same region but weren't the Taliban. I think they were called OpFor.

The truth is that multiplayer has no storyline. It no different then Team Red vs Team Blue. Hamza is really the only one the really did his research. All the others are just making up lies for some idiotic reason. Fox needs to play Call of Duty 4 before he starts calling something un-British.

Also I think we should be going after Al Qaeda. Don't they have Osama Bin Laden. Didn't they do the 9/11 attack. The Taliban is really a secondary objective. It seems to me that today people can't keep their eyes on the prize.

Also both EA and Activsion do a lot of research when doing the game. They call in Military Advisers and people who have actual been in the war. So there is noway their games are "disrespectful" If you what to win this war you have to get into your enemies' state of mind. And if you what the truth about the war you have to look at it from both your point of view and you enemies. As for me, I'm getting ready for Halo Reach.

I'm getting the game. The single player look greats and multiplayer looks like BFBC2's resurrection

I won't be playing the game because it's not coming to Wii. And even if it did come to Wii, I wouldn't be playing the multiplayer. But, if I were to play this game's multiplayer mode in some way, shape, or form, I definitely wouldn't play on the Taliban side.

I understand the Red Team VS Blue Team dynamic. I know that's all it is. I know there isn't any campaign mode in which you undertake story-based missions to kill American soldiers. But it's the principle of the thing. Let me be the Americans, or I'm not playing.

TL;DR, sorry.

But I don't see the problem with being the Taliban. The gameplay is the same as that of the United States soldier.

What EA should do is create two versions of the game. One with singleplayer and one with both

It doesn't matter Imo. Its a game. If I kill a U.S soldier (which I can do in almost any online game) it won't mean that I killed one for real.

Agreed

The Nazi's were far more ruthless and created far greater amounts of suffering for the world... and people don't seem to have anything against games that let you play as Nazi soldiers. Oh wait... that's in the past, that makes it less relevant... I see now. How foolish of me... :roll:

I don't see anything wrong with trying to depict an ongoing event in video game form. It allows the public to see BOTH sides of the conflict and not limited, in a very biased fashion, to one side over the other. I find it disturbing how people think that seeing both sides is BAD.

I don't feel comfortable playing as the Taliban in MoH. What sort of message does it send to kids who play the game (I'm sure there will be many, either from their parents ignoring the M rating and buying it for them, or the kids playing on their dad's/uncle's/older brother's profile)? Our children should be taught to support our troops and that the enemy should be killed, not our troops. Kids are impressionable. I have a cousin who's serving in Afghanistan, and what would that be like if I play as the Taliban, shooting US troops, and my cousin gets killed the next day?

Seems to me that maybe EA/DICE either wanted to intentionally cause controversy or they forgot that they're in a nice, safe office designing a game. Either way, no valid purpose is served allowing you to play as the Taliban.

I'm speaking as a patriot, and I fully believe that we should crush the Taliban and achieve absolute victory in Afghanistan. I will play only the part of the game that reflects those objectives.

Everyone knows that your side is good and the other side is bad.

The only reason Im getting the game is because the Taliban is in it.

The Nazi's were far more ruthless and created far greater amounts of suffering for the world... and people don't seem to have anything against games that let you play as Nazi soldiers. Oh wait... that's in the past, that makes it less relevant... I see now. How foolish of me... :roll:foxhound_fox

I wouldn't play as Nazis either. I wouldn't play as anybody shooting at American soldiers. However, there's truth in your sarcasm. A conflict that ended 60 years ago is less relevant than a conflict that is raging in the present day. That's what the word "relevant" means, more or less.

I don't see anything wrong with trying to depict an ongoing event in video game form. It allows the public to see BOTH sides of the conflict and not limited, in a very biased fashion, to one side over the other. I find it disturbing how people think that seeing both sides is BAD.

I hope you're not trying to suggest that the Taliban actually has its own legitimate points. The Taliban is pure evil.

you kill us troops in mw2 too remember shepherd's troops

I hope you're not trying to suggest that the Taliban actually has its own legitimate points. The Taliban is pure evil.

Metal_Mario99

What, pray tell, do you think the Taliban is right about? Really, I'd love to hear.

I hope you're not trying to suggest that the Taliban actually has its own legitimate points. The Taliban is pure evil.

Metal_Mario99

What you just said is wrong. I'm not saying what the Taliban is doing is right but if you were looking at their view point then what they are doing is right. They have reasons for doing it, not just to kill for fun but for religious and polotical matter

I posit that the US has not been completely "in the right" with regard to their interference with Middle Eastern governments over the last 60 years. We (the US) have overthrown democratically elected governments and implanted dictators (Iran), supported dictators (Iraq), and more. Most of the time either to prevent them from nationalizing their oil resources so we can get them cheaper, or to fight a proxy war with the Soviets. The world is not black and white, no matter how much you may wish it to be so.

[QUOTE="Metal_Mario99"]

I hope you're not trying to suggest that the Taliban actually has its own legitimate points. The Taliban is pure evil.

shadow13702

What you just said is wrong. I'm not saying what the Taliban is doing is right but if you were looking at their view point then what they are doing is right. They have reasons for doing it, not just to kill for fun but for religious and polotical matter

no one is evil,its all about point of view,in reality there nothing more than brainwashed zealots

[QUOTE="shadow13702"]

[QUOTE="Metal_Mario99"]

I hope you're not trying to suggest that the Taliban actually has its own legitimate points. The Taliban is pure evil.

Vader993

What you just said is wrong. I'm not saying what the Taliban is doing is right but if you were looking at their view point then what they are doing is right. They have reasons for doing it, not just to kill for fun but for religious and polotical matter

no one is evil,its all about point of view,in reality there nothing more than brainwashed zealots

This is what happens when you watch the news or listen to the press to much :P Just because Bush or someone says the Taliban is evil it doesn't mean they are. Learn to think for yourself

I posit that the US has not been completely "in the right" with regard to their interference with Middle Eastern governments over the last 60 years. We (the US) have overthrown democratically elected governments and implanted dictators (Iran), supported dictators (Iraq), and more. Most of the time either to prevent them from nationalizing their oil resources so we can get them cheaper, or to fight a proxy war with the Soviets. The world is not black and white, no matter how much you may wish it to be so.

reason58

You still haven't told me what you think the Taliban is right about.

The world is not just one big blob of hazy, nihilistic gray, no matter how much you may wish it to be. Some matters dwell in gray areas, yes, but there is good and there is evil in this world. Not everything is subjective, not everything is relative, and not everything is debatable.

That's really all I want to say on the subject, but if you insist on keeping this going.......

[QUOTE="Vader993"]

[QUOTE="shadow13702"]

What you just said is wrong. I'm not saying what the Taliban is doing is right but if you were looking at their view point then what they are doing is right. They have reasons for doing it, not just to kill for fun but for religious and polotical matter

shadow13702

no one is evil,its all about point of view,in reality there nothing more than brainwashed zealots

This is what happens when you watch the news or listen to the press to much :P Just because Bush or someone says the Taliban is evil it doesn't mean they are. Learn to think for yourself

And in what way do you believe the Taliban isn't evil? I'm still waiting to hear that from you nihilistic "moral relativists".

I plan on getting this game and i want the taliban in the multi player or else American soldiers killing each other would seem stupid to me. Also war may not be a game but this is a game not war. Anyways its a stupid topic if u dont like it dont buy it dosent matter to me.

Learn to think for yourselfshadow13702

I also find this little nuggest of "wisdom" quite amusing. I am thinking for myself, friend. But, just because I disagree with you and your upside-down view of the Taliban, that must mean I'm a sheep, right? I've arrived at a conclusion that's different from yours, so I must be part of a herd mentality.

[QUOTE="shadow13702"]

[QUOTE="Vader993"]

no one is evil,its all about point of view,in reality there nothing more than brainwashed zealots

Metal_Mario99

This is what happens when you watch the news or listen to the press to much :P Just because Bush or someone says the Taliban is evil it doesn't mean they are. Learn to think for yourself

And in what way do you believe the Taliban isn't evil? I'm still waiting to hear that from you nihilistic "moral relativists".

Your really ignorant. I already said I don't belive in what they are doing it but they have a reason for doing it. The U.S kills people, how come they aren't evil? They drop 2 nukes on Japan isn't that evil as well?

[QUOTE="Vader993"]

[QUOTE="shadow13702"]

What you just said is wrong. I'm not saying what the Taliban is doing is right but if you were looking at their view point then what they are doing is right. They have reasons for doing it, not just to kill for fun but for religious and polotical matter

shadow13702

no one is evil,its all about point of view,in reality there nothing more than brainwashed zealots

This is what happens when you watch the news or listen to the press to much :P Just because Bush or someone says the Taliban is evil it doesn't mean they are. Learn to think for yourself

what i don't watch the news, i just told you my honest views

[QUOTE="Metal_Mario99"]

[QUOTE="shadow13702"]

This is what happens when you watch the news or listen to the press to much :P Just because Bush or someone says the Taliban is evil it doesn't mean they are. Learn to think for yourself

shadow13702

And in what way do you believe the Taliban isn't evil? I'm still waiting to hear that from you nihilistic "moral relativists".

Your really ignorant. I already said I don't belive in what they are doing it but they have a reason for doing it. The U.S kills people, how come they aren't evil? They drop 2 nukes on Japan isn't that evil as well?

Nuking Japan not only put an end to WWII, but it also saved millions of lives on both the American and Japanese sides. A land invasion of Japan would have been hell on the civilian population across the country, as well as on both armies. (Just look at how Russia turned Berlin into a parking lot when they got there.)

So no. Nuking Japan wasn't evil. It was unfortunate, but necessary.

The Taliban, on the other hand, isn't concerned with ending any wars or saving any lives.

[QUOTE="shadow13702"]

[QUOTE="Vader993"]

no one is evil,its all about point of view,in reality there nothing more than brainwashed zealots

Vader993

This is what happens when you watch the news or listen to the press to much :P Just because Bush or someone says the Taliban is evil it doesn't mean they are. Learn to think for yourself

what i don't watch the news, i just told you my honest views

I wasn't talking about you I was agreeing with you lol

So no. Nuking Japan wasn't evil. It was unfortunate, but necessary.

The Taliban, on the other hand, isn't concerned with ending any wars or saving any lives.

Metal_Mario99

[QUOTE="shadow13702"]

[QUOTE="Metal_Mario99"]

And in what way do you believe the Taliban isn't evil? I'm still waiting to hear that from you nihilistic "moral relativists".

Metal_Mario99

Your really ignorant. I already said I don't belive in what they are doing it but they have a reason for doing it. The U.S kills people, how come they aren't evil? They drop 2 nukes on Japan isn't that evil as well?

Nuking Japan not only put an end to WWII, but it also saved millions of lives on both the American and Japanese sides. A land invasion of Japan would have been hell on the civilian population across the country, as well as on both armies. (Just look at how Russia turned Berlin into a parking lot when they got there.)

So no. Nuking Japan wasn't evil. It was unfortunate, but necessary.

The Taliban, on the other hand, isn't concerned with ending any wars or saving any lives.

There are other ways they could have ended (btw this is getting off topic for the conversation). Do you know why the Taliban fight against the U.S?

And here's some reading on the Taliban for you:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taliban

this exactly want ea wants

publicity,so their game can sell,we just took the bait

And here's some reading on the Taliban for you:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taliban

Metal_Mario99

I'll take that as a no. If you don't know both sides of something you shouldn't be jugding something.

[QUOTE="Metal_Mario99"]

So no. Nuking Japan wasn't evil. It was unfortunate, but necessary.

The Taliban, on the other hand, isn't concerned with ending any wars or saving any lives.

reason58

The Taliban telling the US to stop interfering in Middle Eastern government is like Hitler telling the US to stop interfering in European government. Read the article at the link I just posted. You might learn something.

this exactly want ea wants

publicity,so their game can sell,we just took the bait

Vader993

Finally hit my 1k post vader :P need another to get as much as you xD

[QUOTE="Metal_Mario99"]

And here's some reading on the Taliban for you:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taliban

shadow13702

I'll take that as a no. If you don't know both sides of something you shouldn't be jugding something.

So, you're not going to try and educate yourself any further?

[QUOTE="Metal_Mario99"]

[QUOTE="shadow13702"]

Your really ignorant. I already said I don't belive in what they are doing it but they have a reason for doing it. The U.S kills people, how come they aren't evil? They drop 2 nukes on Japan isn't that evil as well?

shadow13702

Nuking Japan not only put an end to WWII, but it also saved millions of lives on both the American and Japanese sides. A land invasion of Japan would have been hell on the civilian population across the country, as well as on both armies. (Just look at how Russia turned Berlin into a parking lot when they got there.)

So no. Nuking Japan wasn't evil. It was unfortunate, but necessary.

The Taliban, on the other hand, isn't concerned with ending any wars or saving any lives.

There are other ways they could have ended

Suggestions?

[QUOTE="reason58"][QUOTE="Metal_Mario99"]

So no. Nuking Japan wasn't evil. It was unfortunate, but necessary.

The Taliban, on the other hand, isn't concerned with ending any wars or saving any lives.

Metal_Mario99

The Taliban telling the US to stop interfering in Middle Eastern government is like Hitler telling the US to stop interfering in European government. Read the article at the link I just posted. You might learn something.

And why should the U.S interfer with the Middle east? (other than Palestine ofc). You kept stating that the Taliban is evil but if the U.S didn't do anything there wouldn't be a problem at all. And Btw wouldn't it save more life than it cause if we ignore the middle east? If nuking Japan was nesscary then shouldn't ignoring it be nesscary as well?

(Btw I live in the U.S so hope this doesn't make me sound anti patriot)

(Btw I live in the U.S so hope this doesn't make me sound anti patriot)

shadow13702

[QUOTE="shadow13702"]

(Btw I live in the U.S so hope this doesn't make me sound anti patriot)

reason58

Except when Obama is in charge. Then you're racist.

[QUOTE="Vader993"]

this exactly want ea wants

publicity,so their game can sell,we just took the bait

shadow13702

Finally hit my 1k post vader :P need another to get as much as you xD

nothing special man,my posts are small and vague

And why should the U.S interfer with the Middle east? (other than Palestine ofc). You kept stating that the Taliban is evil but if the U.S didn't do anything there wouldn't be a problem at all. And Btw wouldn't it save more life than it cause if we ignore the middle east? If nuking Japan was nesscary then shouldn't ignoring it be nesscary as well?shadow13702

Oh, yeah, of course. If America would just learn to mind its own business, the Middle East would be at peace and all Muslims would love the West. :roll:

Personally, I'm all for ignoring the Middle East, but not because I think America is doing anything immoral there. I'm for ignoring the Middle East because we always get stabbed in the back whenever we try to do something good for them. Already, in the schools we built for Iraqi children, those children are already being taught to embrace Islamic fundamentalism and anti-Western sentiment. So I say to hell with them. We should let them all burn.

[QUOTE="reason58"][QUOTE="shadow13702"]

(Btw I live in the U.S so hope this doesn't make me sound anti patriot)

Metal_Mario99

Except when Obama is in charge. Then you're racist.

xD I know many people that voted for him for that same reason. Most of the people who voted proably doesn't even have a real reason for supporting him

Double standards: they're here and they're not going anywhere.

i have it on pre-order and played the beta
i don't see a problem playing as the taliban
no one says anything when you play a made up middle eastern faction on COD
but when it actually says TALIBAN everyone freaks out
there is a simple answer to all of this
DON'T LIKE IT, DON'T BUY OR PLAY THE GAME!!!