Wolfenstein is a series of first-person shooter video games that dates back to 1981. Over the years, the series has undergone various changes, and at some point, the franchise lost its way. However, in 2014, Bethesda Softworks released Wolfenstein: The New Order, which revived the series and put it back on the map. In this article, we will explore how Wolfenstein: The New Order revived the Wolfenstein franchise.
A Return to Form
One of the significant ways Wolfenstein: The New Order revived the franchise was by returning to the roots of the series. The game harkens back to the early days of the series, where the emphasis was on fast-paced action, exploration, and over-the-top storytelling. The game’s developers, MachineGames, took the best elements of the series and combined them with modern gameplay mechanics, making the game feel fresh and exciting.
The game is set in an alternate timeline where the Nazis won World War II, and the world is under their control. The protagonist, William “B.J.” Blazkowicz, must fight his way through waves of Nazi soldiers and machines to save the world from their tyranny. The game’s storyline is engaging and well-written, with plenty of twists and turns that keep the player engaged throughout the game.
Compelling Cast of Characters
Another way Wolfenstein: The New Order revived the franchise was by introducing a compelling cast of characters. In previous Wolfenstein games, the focus was mainly on Blazkowicz, with other characters taking a backseat. However, in The New Order, the game’s developers fleshed out the supporting characters, making them more integral to the game’s storyline.
For instance, Caroline Becker, the leader of the resistance group, is a well-written and well-rounded character who brings a level of depth to the game. Other characters, such as Anya Oliwa, Max Hass, and Fergus Reid, also have their own unique personalities, making the game feel more immersive and engaging.
A Fresh Take on Gameplay
Wolfenstein: The New Order revived the franchise by introducing a fresh take on gameplay. The game’s developers took the best elements of previous Wolfenstein games and combined them with modern gameplay mechanics, making the game feel new and exciting.
One of the standout features of the game is the ability to dual-wield weapons. This feature adds a new layer of strategy to the game, as players must decide which weapons to use in different situations. The game also has a stealth mechanic, where players can sneak up on enemies and take them out quietly. This mechanic adds a level of strategy to the game, as players must decide when to engage in stealth and when to go in guns blazing.
A High Level of Polishing
Another way Wolfenstein: The New Order revived the franchise was by having a high level of polish. The game’s graphics are top-notch, and the game runs smoothly on a variety of hardware configurations. The game’s sound design is also exceptional, with excellent voice acting and a memorable soundtrack.
The game’s developers took their time to ensure that the game was as polished as possible before releasing it. This level of attention to detail is evident throughout the game, and it makes for a highly enjoyable and immersive experience.
