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Amid the prevailing trend of video games geared towards ongoing monetization, be it through endless multiplayer, microtransactions, or the dreaded loot boxes, Bethesda stands out. In an era where gaming often serves as a constant revenue stream, they've continued to deliver narrative-driven, single-player experiences. Dishonored: Death of the Outsider, The Evil Within 2, and now, Wolfenstein II.
No "games as a service" action here; no multiplayer, no cosmetic purchases, and no in-game currency to be found. MachineGames' Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus delivers a gripping, scripted, linear adventure with straightforward mechanics and no hooks to keep you engaged. It's a gaming experience reminiscent of days past, beautifully brought to life with 2017 visuals and intense, fast-paced gameplay.
The journey kicks off with our heroic characters fleeing from the now globally dominant Nazi empire. Manhattan lies in ruins, America has been subjugated by the Nazis, and the resistance struggles to stay afloat in this post-apocalyptic world. Following the events of the first game, B.J. Blazkowicz is in dire straits. Extremely dire straits. The Aryan poster boy has been shredded to pieces and barely clings to life when, unbelievably, the Nazis apprehend the resistance. But miraculously, the people onboard the boat are still alive.
After some brief exposition and a brutally intense flashback from B.J.'s childhood that would give Old Yeller a run for its money, the wheelchair-bound protagonist is captured by a psychotic Nazi general and her henchmen. I'll spare you the details, but suffice it to say, the game takes you on a chaotic escape, providing you with a slick new suit of ancient power armor. B.J. and his band of rebels manage to escape to their U-Boat, which serves as their base of operations. Now, they're on a mission to take the fight to the U.S.A. and link up with the pockets of resistance that still battle on occupied territory.
Delving into the characters and story from this point onward would do a disservice to the single-player experience this game offers. With its intense focus on a solo adventure, this review will avoid divulging too much, preserving the emotional impact of the story. However, if you've played the first game, you have an idea of what to expect in this department. The characters are enjoyable, the voice acting is top-notch, and while they may be fantastical, they manage to remain relatable and likable, even the bad guys. Especially the bad guys. Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus is a fun, fluid, exceptionally pretty shooter.
The gameplay itself remains relatively straightforward yet expertly designed. Your primary activity will be mowing down hordes of Nazis, including regular grunts, robotic monstrosities, and even flame-spewing mecha-dogs. Similar to the first game, B.J. can dual-wield various small arms, such as pistols, sub-machine guns, assault rifles, and the trusty Kraftwerk laser. You'll also wield triple-barrelled shotguns, rocket launchers, grenade launchers, and a colossal laser that turns enemies into molten goo.
For a game that revolves around combat for 98% of its duration, the mechanics must be on point. Fortunately, the combat in Wolfenstein II is immensely enjoyable, with diverse weapons that have a distinct feel and function. The enemy reactions are over-the-top, and the battles are incredibly satisfying. The hatchet makes a comeback, offering an exhilarating way to deal with enemies. Relentlessly taking down Nazis never gets old.
Weapons can be upgraded throughout the game with different types of ammunition, scopes, magazines, and firing capabilities, among other options. B.J. also has a set of perks unlocked Elder Scrolls-style by completing various goals. For instance, killing a certain number of enemies with hatchet throws allows you to carry more hatchets, while surviving fire damage becomes more manageable after defeating a specific number of fire-wielding foes. The fun part about these perks is that you can attain them in the order you desire by replaying chapters, ensuring you obtain the ones you want before the game's conclusion.
Visually, the game is a sight to behold. Although the classic PlayStation 4 version may not match the fidelity of the PC or Pro versions, Wolfenstein II looks stunning even on standard hardware. The lighting is captivating, transitioning from the crimson-lit depths of a U-Boat to the sun-drenched, tree-lined streets of a small town Amerika. Character animations, particularly the death throes of flaming Nazi thugs or exploding Panzerhunds, are well-executed, creating a fluid and immersive experience. While the game maintains a rapid framerate, there are occasional minor frame drops, but overall, the visuals are clean, sharp, and beautifully rendered, showcasing top-notch art direction and set-pieces.
Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus offers a fun, seamless, exceptionally attractive shooter with a compelling story that tackles unfortunately relevant themes. The combat is exhilarating, and the weapons deliver a real sense of kinetic power. If you have an itch for some good old-fashioned Nazi face-blasting, it's challenging to find a better game right now to satisfy that craving. Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus is a visually striking, fluid shooter with an engaging story and characters, providing the satisfaction of Nazi-killing action.
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