Wolfenstein (PS3)

“Wolfenstein 3D was the first shooter I ever played and it holds a deep place in my heart. It not only made me interested in video games outside of platformers, it also inspired me to look at the history of World War II. This new installment in...”

“Wolfenstein 3D was the first shooter I ever played and it holds a deep place in my heart. It not only made me interested in video games outside of platformers, it also inspired me to look at the history of World War II.

This new installment in the Wolfenstein series is a lot different from the previous games. For starters, you're not breaking out of a prison cell or out of a castle. Instead, you're in the middle of the war, helping resistance soldiers with their quest. When I first read the previews, the game seemed to be as if it were an open world, sort of like Far Cry 2. However, the reality is that while the game is pretty open, there's a lot of load times in between areas. One part of a map is the west side of town, the other is the east side. This was a bit disappointing since it is very possible to make a town that's very open world with today's gaming hardware. This is one of the let downs of the game, as in even the earliest of Wolfenstein games, the maps are really well thought out. The maps in the new Wolfenstein, while aren't terrible, just aren't as creative as you'd expect coming from the masters at id Software and Raven. One of the more disappointing things is the tribute to the secret areas by pressing your action button against walls. There are secret areas, but they're just not as fun to find since it's not a wall just pulling back to reveal a special area.

While the maps aren't as impressive, the story is very well thought out and fits perfect in this occult shooter. The architects have uncovered crystals that possess power from a Sun dimension, and now the Nazis have their hands on them. So this time, as B.J., you are on your way to uncover the secrets of these crystals and try to take down the occult once again. This story line is truly faithful to the Wolfenstein series.

One thing I've always been a fan of in these games are the weapons. They're a blend of actual WWII weapons, while mixing in a few 'what if' super weapons. The new gun, the particle gun (which instantly vaporizes enemies into dust) is one weapon that is incredible to use. Now, the weapon does feel a little cheap the first time you use it, but after you discover how limited the ammo is, it feels pretty well balanced for the game. You also sport a veil, a device that holds your power crystals for slowing time or seeing things in another dimension. All of the weapons, including the veil and the grenades, can be upgraded using gold that you find throughout the game. The upgrade system is pretty impressive. It doesn't just allow you to unlock everything you want. You have to find secret tomes and intel throughout the maps to unlock features for your upgrades. While this system is pretty fun to use, the weapons are a bit limited compared to other shooters. However, I don't think Wolfenstein was designed to be more than a typical Doom-style shooter with an actual story to back it.

The graphics are a bit dated, but they're not bad at all. It's the Doom 3 engine. The engine still looks really good, has great lighting, and still impresses. It's not going to blow anyone away like Crysis or Killzone 2, but it does it's job at providing a smooth and sweet looking Nazi shooter. The frame rates stay smooth throughout all of the action, even during switches between one dimension to another. I was pretty impressed with the sound quality. The running waterfalls when falling near your character on a surround sound system really sounds life-like. The gun sounds are most impressive, as they each hold a booming sound instead of the typical light sound most shooters give.

Now, the multi player is where the game is a little messed up. The game is less inspiring in this area, and it really doesn't feel like they put much though into it. The maps aren't horrible but the whole system just feels a little cheap. When you come from games like Return to Castle Wolfenstein and Enemy Territory: Wolfenstein, you expect that excellent experience to carry over. The game is a typical deathmatch style game with a few objective maps, however, they just don't feel as strong as the aged 'Return to'. It's still fun in some ways but don't expect this to take the place of many better multi player shooters out there. There's at least a ranking system, which is always better than nothing.

If you're just looking for a relaxing shooter with classic gameplay (and then some), this is the game for you. If you're not into single player adventures, I'd wait until a price drop or at least until they patch up the multi player. But for those who don't care and just want a classic Wolfenstein Nazi hunting game to go through, this game will keep you busy.”

“i easy to please, give me zombies an a gun to shoot.... this game dosent even give me that. top this with bad graphics, rip off controls (not the worst thing), terriable story, unlikeable characters and even crap powers that are what is ment to...”

“i easy to please, give me zombies an a gun to shoot.... this game dosent even give me that. top this with bad graphics, rip off controls (not the worst thing), terriable story, unlikeable characters and even crap powers that are what is ment to make the game "different". bring all this together an you have this game, and wasted money and time. meh! ”

“I absolutely loved Wolfenstein. There’s not a lot I can say really. I played the original Wolfenstein 3D back in the early 90’s and have played nearly every Wolfenstein since. I am going through the game for a second time now on I’M UBER! ”

“I absolutely loved Wolfenstein. There’s not a lot I can say really. I played the original Wolfenstein 3D back in the early 90’s and have played nearly every Wolfenstein since.

I am going through the game for a second time now on I’M UBER!
”