14 DAY TRIAL // There are certainly a lot of shooters out there, many of them having appeared with the advent of 3D graphics and current- or last-generation consoles, which allowed them to portray events that were easy to imagine by players.
But one franchise that draws its roots in the DOS era is Wolfenstein, which is currently handled by id Software, the famous shooter developer. The company has kept its series dormant for quite some time, but it has now released the new and improved Wolfenstein on current-generation platforms, including the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC.
Even though it isn't a straightforward next-generation release, as it is based on a heavily modified version of the id Tech 4 engine, the game promises to bring back Nazi killing and spice it up with occult elements and the same fast-paced action that made all of its predecessors extremely popular. I recently had the chance to spend some time with the game so here is my one hour with Wolfenstein:
13:00 Finally I get the chance to play this title, which effectively starts the season of blockbuster releases. It's been a dry summer in terms of games, so any new and interesting one is great, no matter what.
13:07 The first few cut scenes show just what you need to know. You once again reprise the role of special agent B.J. Blazkowicz, the premiere weapon of the United States against Nazi and any other major threat during World War II. He is sent to prevent Nazi Germany's occult department from getting their hands on some special weapons in a small town located in the country. Luckily the resistance there is strong and will help you in your endeavors.
13:15 You immediately get on a train to reach the town, but don't think that leisure and comfort will await you, as somebody tipped off the Germans and they aren't happy with foreign visitors. Immediately you get a gun and start gunning down the enemy soldiers alongside various members of the resistance.
13:21 Before you make your escape from the train station you must plant a bomb on a special train that carries top secret cargo for the army. Lo and behold when the bomb goes off that you detonated some sort of special energy, which is now tearing up the station and making you float from time to time.
13:27 Amidst the chaos and floating Nazis you make it out alive and are immediately greeted by another member of the resistance who introduces you to some Black Market merchants who act as weapons and ammo suppliers throughout the game. They can also upgrade your weapons depending on how much money you find throughout the various levels.
13:36 After a leisurely stroll through the town, coupled with a bit of Nazi soldier dodging, I arrive at one of the headquarters of the Resistance. There I am briefed in regard to an important digsite located a small distance from the town, where General Zetta will be making an appearance. Even though it seems to be suicide, BJ has no fear, so it's off to the mines.
13:43 It is here that I meet a young Russian boy who has been brought here by the Nazis to decipher some magical ruins. He says that I must hurry and prevent the General and his acolytes from getting their hands on the big amount of energy located in the underground. More Nazis to kill for me!
13:51 After shortly dispatching the groups of soldiers, I get my hands on a special amulet that, according to the young Russian, allows me to enter a new dimension and see things differently. I have to admit that using it definitely adds a new type of feel to the game and might be the tipping point for many gamers as to whether or not they'll keep playing.
14:00 My one hour is up, and, as far as I believe, Wolfestein is making a pretty good impression. It isn't groundbreaking in terms of graphics, but what it does, it does well. Also the amulet adds a few interesting mechanics to what would have been a bland shooter.
Overall, Wolfenstein is keeping its promises. Look forward to the full review next week.