This could be trouble.

The originator of the FPS as we know it returns with some last gen graphics but stellar game play  – read the review for some helpful gameplay impressions & a final score in our all new Medium Review format!

The Grandfather of all first person shooters, id’s Wolfenstein finally makes an appearance on this generation of consoles looking decidedly last gen, but with lots of what  matters most in a shooter putting this game ( to my mind ) in the top tier of console FPS’s: a great frame rate, great level designs & top-notch control.

You play as the unfortunately named B.J. Blazkowicz, a US government spy working for an agency specializing in investigating & eliminating the Third Reich’s occult & supernatural threats ( possibly not historical ). Set in the charming, mostly destroyed town of Isenstadt , Wolfenstein is a mission based, somewhat free-roaming adventure pitting the resourceful B.J. ( short for Billy Joe, really ) against yet another group of sinister Nazi’s plotting  to destroy/take over things.

The game features “Veil powers”, a nice device which gives the player some variety in how they play. Bestowed by a magical amulet, the extra abilities provide perks like time slowing & extra damage, abilities which can be powered up at your friendly neighborhood black-marketeer.

A nice selection ( but missing a shotgun – ? ) of weapons can also be upgraded & customized to your liking, all depending on your own play style – the machine gun being a nice all-rounder, but there are really no bad choices here. All the weapons feel great, with the aforementioned  top notch control & some great sound effects.

Aside from an excellent frame-rate, the graphics (  as previously mentioned ) are definitely a disappointment, with poorly detailed textures & generally low poly builds, but the the actual art assets are solid & the levels all have a great atmosphere to them.  The level design is the standout here, all of them being fairly unique & well thought out – there simply isn’t a bad one here, they all play great and encourage replays.

All in all Wolfenstein provides a great play experience, it’s a fantastically solid shooter that’s a blast to play – check out the excellent demo & see for yourself.

8.5 out of 10

How did you enjoy the new Medium Review format? It’s in-between our miro-review & our full length review – other sites call this format a “review” – weird.