Activision Wolfenstein Game Reviews

Wolfenstein makes a comeback after eight long years and we still play ‘BJ’ Blazkowicz. This time a supernatural theme clouds the game giving it a very sci-fi, fantasy look which may not strike a chord with gamers today. Initially Wolfenstein seems like a linear World War II shooter but within few minutes the whole perspective changes.

We start off on a Nazi warship where BJ discovers the ‘Thule Medallion’ that gives him special abilities. He discovers that the Nazi’s Paranormal Division is up to no good (again) in a German-occupied city of Isenstadt where they have discovered the path to an alternate dimension called ‘The Veil’ which has the power of the Black Sun. If this power is harnessed properly, it can provide unprecedented source of energy to the Third Reich. BJ’s gotta stop them, yet again, and all by himself.

The approach is fairly non-linear because of open-world characteristics of the game. We have the option to visit various regions of Isenstadt which has many enemy checkpoints, sewers, black-markets and objectives along the way. Choose the sewers or rooftops to avoid the encounters with Nazi patrols or choose to use the veil to expose hidden ladders or doors which can provides a strategic advantage in battle.

Missions will make you traverse the same paths over and over again because objectives are generally scattered at edges of the map. The missions involve investigating different areas throughout the city and outside it for hints and cues that lead up to the finale. The levels vary from top-secret underground bases to highly fortified zeppelins floating high up in the air. Game offers multiple paths to a destination and there will always be a way to flank the unsuspecting enemy.

The medallion affects game play heavily as it wields four different powers that are acquired during the course of the game. With the click of a button, the entire look of the game transforms into a post apocalyptic environment with a heavy green tint to it. The four powers offer abilities like a shield from enemy fire; slowing down time; power to increase the damage of weapons and the last power which can increase your speed.

These are acquired during the course of the game and can be upgraded to make way for additional functionality and same applies for every other weapon in the game. Normal weapons include your usual assault rifles like MF40/43, Kar98 but weapons that stand out are the particle cannon, tesla gun and flamethrower and they each offer a different Nazi-killing experience.

While compared to its competition, it does not really live up to their standards but it undoubtedly spares no effort in delivering an all-round mindless fun ride which involves lots of shooting, lots of blowing stuff up and lots of dead Nazis and something about an alternate dimension thing that you practically stop caring about towards the end because you are having so much fun destroying everything around you. So, Wolfenstein can take time to get into but once you get into it, there is no turning back. It is definitely worth a try.

Pros

• Some freaky weaponry and special abilities at the player’s disposal.
• Gorgeous visuals which make the city of Isenstadt look believable.
• Haven for destruction, since Nazis liked to keep a lot of exploding barrels and wooden boxes.
• Cheats unlocked after finishing the game giving all upgrades present in the game.

Cons

• At 8 hours long, the campaign leaves a lot to be desired.
• AI could use some fine tuning.
• Upgrading options solely dependent on Gold collection. New players might completely ignore the option affecting the end result and end up missing out on what really Wolfenstein has to offer

Ratings

Platforms : Xbox 360,Playstation 3, Windows PC
Publisher : Activision
Developer : Raven Software, id Software, Pi Studios, Endrant Studios
Score : 7/10