'Wolfenstein' video game review

Mixing the old with the new, the occult WWII shooter series returns

By Paul Semel

Posted August 24, 2009

Special to Metromix

Developer: Raven Software (“Quake 4”)/id Software (“Quake”)
Publisher: Activision
Available On: Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PC.
Reviewed On: Xbox 360
 
Seventeen years after “Wolfenstein 3D” all but invented the first-person shooter genre (and the World War II first-person shooter subgenre, and the sci-fi World War II first-person shooter sub-subgenre…), William “B.J.” Blazkowicz is back in action with this all-new installment. But while these genres might have been co-opted by such games as “Halo,” “Call of Duty” and “Resistance,” respectfully, “Wolfenstein” shows there’s still some fun to be had killin’ sci-fi Nazis like an inglorious basterd.
 
At its core, “Wolfenstein” is a fairly straight-forward, fairly predictable World War II first-person shooter. But things quickly get more interesting when you find a medallion that taps into The Veil—a space between our dimension and a parallel one—which allows you to slow time, find hidden passageways and see in the dark.
 
Unfortunately, the Nazis have also figured out how to tap into The Veil’s unique power, and are using it to create some rather odd weapons. Though since no one thought to lock these weapons up, they’ve now fallen into the wrong hands: yours.
 
These sci-fi/occult elements, however, aren't enough to keep “Wolfenstein” from being just another sci-fi World War II first-person shooter. If anything, the game seems a little dated for not including some things other games in these genres, subgenres and sub-subgenres have added over the years, such as the ability to duck for cover. The levels are also fairly straightforward, while some battles can be rather slow, especially compared to the frantic firefights we’ve encountered lately.
 
There’s even a sandbox element of sorts at work here, as your base of operations is an open, explorable German town. But with little to do here—save for finding collectibles, gold and visiting the black market, where you can use said gold to upgrade your weapons and medallion powers—it doesn’t add much to the experience.
 
Similarly, the game’s multiplayer modes, though solid, are also rather pedestrian, though the inclusion of a “Call of Duty”/“Gears of War 2”-style leveling up system and added equipment you can buy does make it more interesting than most game’s online modes.
 
Ultimately, for all its old school-ness, “Wolfenstein” is a solid shooter that lives up to both its name and heritage. The controls are tight and accurate, some of the occult weapons are giggle-inducing in their killin’ power, and the entire affair has a big budget action movie feel.
 
One tip: The original “Wolfenstein 3D” was recently re-released on the Xbox Live Arcade and PlayStation Store for only $5, and is well worth picking up. Not just because it still holds up (albeit more nostalgically than anything else), but also because beating it will give you extra money to spend on black market upgrades in “Wolfenstein.”
 
Bottom Line: Though flawed, this is still a solid entry in this pioneering and influential sci-fi shooter series.