Wolfenstein: The New Order Review

“Wolfenstein: The New Order” casts you in the role of B.J. Blazkowicz, the quintessential American war hero complete with a perfectly shaped square jaw and can-do attitude.  The game takes place in an alternate `1960′s where the Nazi regime has acquired weaponry beyond our understanding and has managed to not only win World War 2, but conquer the world.  As Blazkowicz you’re trying to reconnect with the Resistance and strike back at the Nazis in anyway you can.

On the surface, the story is very familiar.  There have been other games and stories that have tackled the “what if the Nazis won?” scenario, but “Wolfenstein” applies enough of its own flavor to make the experience unique and engaging.  At times, it can be quite somber and you’ll feel completely griped by the drama playing out in front of you.  And at other times you’re a total badass laying waste to monstrous mecha-nazis while duel-wielding shotguns.  It’s a finely measured amount of camp and drama that reminds me of something like “Inglorious Bastards.”

The story also works because it has a strong group of characters to work off of.  Blazkowicz isn’t entirely a stereotypical American hero.  He’s war weary and beaten down, but he also has a bit of sarcasm and wit that keeps him from being a gloomy avatar.  When he isn’t just mowing down waves of Nazis and robots, the game provides you with quiet moments that allow you to sympathize with him and understand his character.

The game also injects a few other interesting and well-rounded characters for you to interact with in the hub world that you return to after certain missions.  It allows for a nice little break between the action so that you can walk around and interact with other characters.  It’s not something like Mass Effect where you can build relationships and talk to almost anyone, but you do get a few substantial interactions.  You’ll also get a couple of side quests in the hub world and even a hilarious “Wolfenstein 3D” easter egg.  Just look for a bed that says “Nightmare.”

Beyond the story, the gameplay could be described as competent.   “Wolfenstein: The New Order” isn’t reinventing the wheel here, it simply provides you with a decent shooter that has a “twitchy” feel to it.  Meaning you’re spraying bullets all over as you move quickly around an environment.  There’s not a whole lot of strategy needed as there are plenty of health packs and shield pick-ups.  Still, the game can be challenging and it’s easy to die if you’re not paying attention to your surroundings.  The enemy AI is smart enough to flank you and it’s easy to get mowed down by some of the bigger enemy units.

The game also gives you the ability to play through it with some stealth, but I found it more enjoyable just to run through levels blowing Nazis away.  Still, if you want to quietly creep up on foes and stab them to death, you can do that.  Just know that the game eventually forces you into big fire fights even if you prefer the stealth route.

Another element that gives you an edge in battle is the perk system.  As you play through the game you begin to unlock certain perks that enhance the way you play.  If you use grenades a lot you’ll unlock perks that’ll let you take reduced explosive damage.  Or if you’re a fan of heavy weapons, certain perks will make it easier to use them.  The perks are designed to try and enhance the way you play, without making you invincible.

As for replay value, this game has tons of collectibles and secret items, if you’re into that sort of thing.  There’s also a really interesting mechanic that allows you to have diverging timelines.  Early on in the game you’re forced to make a decision and that decision then creates two timelines for you to play through.  However, the timelines aren’t drastically different.  You’ll simply have some different character interactions and in one timeline you’ll be able to pick locks while in the other you’ll cut wires.  So certain doors, safes, and paths will be inaccessible to you in one timeline.  Which means you’ll have to play the second timeline in order to find all the of the collectibles.  It adds some variety to a second play through, but it doesn’t add a whole lot to the story.

On the whole, “Wolfenstein” is a strong game that tells a good story while being fun to play.  It doesn’t break the mold, but it’s polished and well-crafted.  It’s a great addition to the series that should appeal to longtime fans while being fresh enough for players who are new to the series.  If you’ve been dying for a proper return to “Wolfenstein”, this is the game for you.  If you’re looking for something revolutionary, you’ll be left feeling a little disappointed by what “The New Order” has to offer.