Setting/Concept:
You are James Patterson and apparently, (given the mission load you're assigned) the allied forces would be toast without you. Since the game has historical basis, I suppose there really isn't much else for me to mention here, assuming readers have a cursory knowledge of world history.

Graphics:
Character graphics are covered below, mind you. This section only deals with environments and such. The graphics are functional, but nothing spectacular. Areas have nice little touches, but those are generally design related as opposed to graphical delight. Explosions look good, though I noticed earlier that one of the explosive barrels I shot killed surrounding foes but had no explosion animation. Just one of those things that, while minor, sort of makes a game look worse. Railings and such are as close to one dimensional as they can be; we're talking PS1 Tomb Raider quality. The weapons look good, floating there in front of you and all. Clipping galore, though pop up is minor. Really, the only pop up to speak of is stuff a normal person probably wouldn't be able to see anyway (things in the distance, etc). Since the game is first person, that's excusable. Overall, not bad, but you'd expect better. A step up from the other console installments, though a step down from Allied Assault. Understandable, as PC games do generally look better, but many fans of the series have expressed complaints.

Character design:
The character design for the game is great. Sure, you've got a limited number of faces and uniforms (they get recycled in the common FPS fashion), but what you have is good. Characters are where they should be. You have Nazis, waiters, mechanics, officers, cooks, and scientists, all of which show up in places they should be. On your side, soldiers generally look very similar, though there are little touches (the British guy is the only one I noticed with facial hair, one of the Americans has a flag patched on his arm, etc). Lips are pretty well synced, for the most part. Death scenes are pretty varied and generally look like what you'd assume to be natural. You have to see them to understand how good some are, especially the open mouth Nazi. Basically, what you lack in impressive graphics overall, you get back in great character design.

Area design:
The areas are well constructed. You pretty much always have cover of some kind, and it's hard to get lost. As mentioned before, however, they're graphically weak. Some windows blow out, others just display a very ugly bullet hole effect, which often overlap or spill over onto part of the surrounding wall. It's... Bleh. You'd really expect better. This stuff seems to be around the quality of Goldeneye. If you don't consider graphics though, things are generally great. Little touches are everywhere. I'll omit direct references, as such comments would detract a little bit from a new player's experience.

Controls:
Uses a control style like that first used (?) in Turok. You have one stick to walk and one to look. Two buttons to cycle through weapons, one to jump, one to interact with the environment, one to aim, one to strafe right, one to strafe left, and one to fire. Controls seem to be the biggest complaint I've heard about this game. True, it probably will take a level or two for you to be able to really use them effectively.

Gameplay:
This game is stellar or super-lame, depending on what you're expecting. If you're looking for a realistic war simulation experience, you're out of luck. The first level (Omaha Beach) is nearly the only one that has a vaugely realistic feel to it. You start out heading in on a boat with the rest of your squad. An explosion tosses you out of the boat, and you have to swim to shore while many of your comrades are shot to death in the water (pretty good bullet in water effect, by the way). You do some other things, which culminate in you getting through the wire and reaching the wall. A few other levels have a few team elements. You'll have computer controlled allies to interact with a bit, but not often at all. The rest play out like a spy game, pretty much, which is sort of a let down.

Sound:
Sound is good. The music always compliments (or sets) the mood well. One level is decidedly Saving Private Ryan-ish (incredibly so). The music is very soft and sad and such. You'll feel bad killing Nazis in that one, possibly. Voice acting is good, though they go a little overboard with the whole "turn away and voices aren't as loud" thing. They get too soft to hear if you aren't looking right at someone. Sound effects are good.

Overall
Setting/Concept: 7
Graphics: 7
Character Design: 9
Area Design: 8
Controls: 7
Gamplay: 9
Sound: 10

Summary
A rent first title. The game sports only about 20 levels or so, some of which are over pretty quickly. If you're a perfectionist, they even have a code for you (one shot and you're dead), but the average fan will find little to keep them around for a second play through. Not as realistic as you'd probably hope. If that doesn't bother you, round the score up. A fun game, don't get me wrong, but I've got three days left on my rental and I'd be playing Dynasty Warriors 3 right now if not for it being lost.
-Fuma