Review: Wolfenstein

The game is based on a series that features one of the original first-person shooters (Wolfenstein 3D from 1992); the enemies (Nazis) are about as old school as you can get and graphically, the game sometimes looks to be from a previous generation (especially while playing multiplayer).

You play as old-school special agent B.J. Blazkowicz, sent to the fictional city of Isenstadt, Germany, to fight alongside the resistance against the aforementioned Nazis, who are experimenting with occult powers in order to develop super soldiers and gain the advantage over the Allied forces.

Fortunately for you and the Allies, you have acquired a medallion that gives you some of the same powers.

These powers, known as Veil powers, can allow you to find hidden doors and ladders, slow down time, protect you and enhance your weaponry. They are not all immediately available for use, but progressing through the waves of Nazis leads eventually to the supernatural goodies.

The guns are your standard-issue World War II fare. That is, until you begin using the uber-powerful occult weaponry, including a Particle Cannon and a Tesla Gun.

Those, however, are often short on ammo and the old trusty submachine gun and rifle become the go-to combat items. All weapons can be upgraded in black markets scattered about the city.

Being old school, however, isn’t necessarily a bad thing in video games. A company can release the most cutting edge game – featuring all the current generation bells and whistles – but without the fun factor, it will fall flat.

Wolfenstein brings the fun.

First, of course, is killing Nazis. It’s tried and true and always enjoyable.

Then, there’s the whole occult-y aspect. Playing with unusual weapons that vaporize and electrocute and such is entertaining. Using the Veil to transform the environment into an alternate reality is cool.

Then there’s the giant interdimensional bugs. They’re always good for a bit of fun (and death).

These aspects make the game entertaining, at least.

Multiplayer is rudimentary, at best. Modes are Team Deathmatch, Objective and Stopwatch. Classes are Soldier, Engineer and Medic. In the age of Call of Duty and Battlefield, this multiplayer offering falls short.

In the end, Wolfenstein offers a fun time during the dogs days of August, but just whets the appetite for the bigger and badder games coming out later this year.

Platform: Playstation 3, Xbox 360 Rating: Mature Manufacturer: Activision Score: 7.5 “Ja, mein Herr” chilies