Let’s skip the customary introductions, shall we? We all know that the majority of first-person shooters owe a lot – if not everything – to Wolfenstein, and you don’t really need telling again. What you need to know is that this new version is every bit the kind of next-gen FPS that you’d expect from a title with such a rich history.
The storyline is an interesting enough affair, as it sees you as the series erstwhile hero B.J. Blazkowicz, who happens upon a mysterious medallion which saves him – and I dare say a few thousand others – from certain death in the opening sequence. B.J’s investigations into the medallion lead him into a world where the Nazis are attempting to win World War II by harnessing the power of the occult. It is pure fantasy of course, and that has given the developers a licence to go crazy. First up, you’re given the ability to harness the medallions powers. Tapping the d-pad’s various directions brings about different effects, with the most used being the “Veil.” This instantly allows you to see enemies in the dark, view hidden doors and pinpoint weak spots on larger enemies. On top of that, other-wordly alien forms can be viewed when using Veil, and shooting them causes an explosion that will stun or kill nearly all enemies. This is essential when dealing with an opponent who has a similar power that allows him to block your standard shots. Other abilities include being able to slow down time, deflect bullets and projectiles, and enhance your firepower to shield-breaking levels. Each of these can only be used for a limited time, and you’ll find yourself looking for energy pools with which to recharge the medallion frequently.
As if that wasn’t enough, the weaponry on offer in Wolfenstein is impressive. Everything from a crowbar to a particle cannon (which vapourises enemies on contact) is available, and a few more weapons are even more deadly than that. Most weapons can be upgraded via the black market too, making them a seemingly unstoppable force. However, just when you think you’ve got your hands on a weapon that will effectively make you invincible, the developer throws another enemy which is either immune to it, or clever enough to make you think about trying a different approach. This is very much to the game’s credit, and is something for which the development team are to be commended.
Graphically, Wolfenstein is no slouch, either. Kills are satisfying, with the Nazis tumbling in the kind of way that you’d expect. A shot to the leg brings them to their knees, whilst a shot to the leg whilst the guy is running at you causes him to fall forwards. This adds to the realism no end and if you find the description of such events to be overly brutal, you should probably be looking at playing something else, since the amount of blood and general gore contained within Wolfenstein means that the game more than warrants its 18 rating. It isn’t gratuitous – let’s get that clear – since the game only portrays what you’d expect to happen. After all, if someone gets shot in real life, they don’t refrain from bleeding just in case someone with a weak stomach for such things is nearby, do they?
Generally, Wolfenstein oozes class. From the top-notch graphics to the by-the-hand method of gameplay that never really allows you to get lost, but does reward you with a real feeling of progression, everything seems to check out. There are some issues with slowdown at points that occur more frequently than I’d have liked to have seen – but it isn’t something that kills the experience. As far as I see it, the only real problem with Wolfenstein is that we’ve seen it all before.
Yes, we’re dabbling in the paranormal this time around and yes, we have the ability to use a magical medallion to help us in our conquest with some spiffy screen effects, but the noticeable problem is that the greater part of the game consists of the standard WWII shooter fare that we’ve seen far, far, far too much of over the last two years. Despite this, Wolfenstein is clearly a rewarding shooter that will while away a good ten-plus hours or so of your time in campaign mode, and more if you take it online to play in the standard FPS-style events.
The final question is – as it always is – a matter of quality. Does Wolfenstein have what it takes to stand out in a crowd that is getting ever bigger, seemingly by the week? The answer is a resounding “yes.” Wolfenstein is a cracking game that – whilst being far from perfect – is genuinely entertaining and atmospheric enough to be set aside from the lazy FPS fare that ends up in the bargain bins after a fortnight. I thoroughly enjoyed my time with the game, and you can’t really ask for much more than that.
