Wolfenstein: The New Order Review
Wolfenstein: The New Order was a pleasant surprise to most gamers. Wolfenstein has a long history tied into the past and present of what defines modern gaming. But there is something about this series, it is like an old friend that gamers want to hang out. What is it about this FPS that is so compelling? The Gamers Lounge is happy to report Wolfenstein: The New Order is an FPS many gamers will enjoy.
There are quite a few selling points for this game, the biggest being the storyline. Who doesn’t like a world where gamers continue to hunt down Nazis? Except in this world, they won WWII and our lone hero may be the only force standing for good. Without spoiling too much, everyone’s favorite protagonist BJ Blazkowicz is back and this time its up to him to finish what he started. This time around there is an interesting story full of meaningful moments. The story serves as an opportunity to flush out what makes this war torn soldier so likable.
The action in the game is fast, firefights are quick and gamers will need to stay on their toes. BJ can dual wield almost all of his weapons. There is a perk system which encourages players to use certain weapons and perform certain kills to unlock bonuses such as faster reloads, more grenades, etc. Headshots are great, but dual wielding can make this difficult. Did I mention our hero has knives and silenced guns? Stealth is an option but it is never forced upon the player. Run and Gun is an easily accessible option but players need to make sure to take down the enemy that can summon reinforcements.
The game looks good, id Tech 5 engine makes the game shine both outside and inside. Enemies and places look good on the PS4. I didn’t notice the game hiccuping much, even when the action picked up. The boss fights were interesting and in some ways unique. They were not overly challenging but I did die a few times.
Other things the game does well is pay homage to the Wolfenstein from the early 90s. There are several fun easter eggs I enjoyed. Take your time, explore the maps and collect some stuff. When was the last time an FPS had a map and gamers weren’t moving from point A to B? New Order has alternate routes and gamers can choose how they want to play and where to go in most levels. The NPCs are interesting and feel just as desperate and tired of the Nazi regime as BJ does. The villains are interesting, and they may not be memorable, but their devious and twisted nature plays out in the cutscenes. It made some parts of the game all the more satisfying. The game is a fresh take on the Nazis and parts of World War II, something FPS games so desperately need.
Overall, I spent about 10 hours in the game. It was enjoyable and the perfect length for an FPS. Gamers will have to make a decision in the game and it will affect what ending and skills they get. This opens the door for another play through, although I do wish there was multiplayer. Do I recommend Wolfenstein: The New Order? Yes, and I think $30 to $40 is the ideal price.