New Zealand Latest Stop for MOH Bashing Tour

Expect sales of Electronic Arts’ Medal of Honor to do a little better in New Zealand after that country’s Defense Minister Wayne Mapp (pictured) joined his UK counterpart in condemning the title.

Mapp, who is also New Zealand’s Minister of Research, Science and Technology, spoke out against the game because, presumably, of its multiplayer component, where gamers will have the ability to fight as Taliban forces.

In comments carried by GamePlanet, Mapp stated that, “Terrorist acts have caused the deaths of several New Zealanders.” He continued, “This game undermines the values of our nation, and the dedicated service of our men and women in uniform.”

Mapp added that “hundreds” of New Zealanders have fought terrorism in Afghanistan, before bringing up the recent death of Lieutenant Timothy O'Donnell, New Zealand’s first serviceman to die in that theatre of combat. The 28-year old O'Donnell was killed when his three-vehicle patrol was attacked by RPGs in Bamyan Province earlier this month.

Mapp’s comments are eerily similar to those made last week by UK Defense Secretary Liam Fox, who called Medal of Honor “disgusting” and said that retailers should not sell the game.