For old school gamers out there, the mention of Wolfenstein 3D would bring only sweet adolescent memories of a bad-ass MS-DOS game that sparked off the FPS (First Person Shooter) genre in video games. Developed by id Software in 1992 (the same developers who would later develop and release Doom, arguably the most popular FPS game ever), the storyline was simple yet addictive and very controversial. You play the protagonist BJ Blazkowicz, an American soldier shooting and blasting your way out of an underground Nazi fortress, taking down attack dogs, guards and bosses like Adolf Hitler himself (in the last level) to escape from Castle Wolfenstein.

Seventeen years and four titles in the same Wolfenstein series later, id Software is releasing Wolfenstein, a new FPS shooter on PC, PS3 and Xbox 360. While id Software has insisted that Wolfenstein is a new game in the series with a storyline that does not correlate to Wolfenstein 3D to appeal to the younger gamers, those familiar with the franchise would definitely look forward to the game on current generation consoles and the PC.

In Wolfenstein, you once again play BJ Blazkowicz, called on once again to thwart Himmler’s SS plan to use and master a new occult source called Black Sun. Again, Wolfenstein is sticking to the tried and tested method of combining FPS with science fiction and supernatural storyline that have been successful in the franchise. So, if you are interested in accurate historical simulations like the Call of Duty franchise or the Medal of Honor franchise, you will definitely be disappointed with this out-of-this-world paranormal FPS shooter where you will end up having supernatural abilities to assist you in taking down Hitler’s massive army. Think of the new Wolfenstein as a cross between actual war simulation games like Call of Duty, survival horror games like Silent Hill and a dash of action and adventure like Indiana Jones.

Id Software and Raven have tried to be non-linear in tackling Wolfenstein, a slight difference from the norm in FPS games. Players can now choose paths to try and avoid enemies, like going down the sewer and sneaking past an armed guard instead of having to take the enemy down. The developers have also incorporated side missions that can earn you money for upgrades. While these add an element of difference from normal FPS shooters, the big picture for Wolfenstein is it still is a linear FPS with war, paranormal and sci-fi undertones.

Wolfenstein also has a multiplayer mode to prolong playability of the game. Based on the model of Quake Wars, players are able to select from three classes; Soldier, medic and engineer with different skills to take on other players in the game. With eight multiplayer maps and three different modes for multiplayer, you will definitely spend hours playing against and with other gamers around the world once you have completed the single player campaign.

In terms of graphical features and advancements, id and Raven have used a modified version of id Tech 4 game engine, an engine that was used for games like Doom 3 and Quake 4. So, though the graphics will definitely not look dated or ugly, it will not be fantastic or out-of-this-world either. Expect small effects and details that will give an “ah!” or an “ooh!” every once in a while but nothing spectacular, unfortunately.

So, if you are a fan of the Wolfenstein franchise, this game and its highly fantastical storyline will definitely appeal to you. It will also appeal to the gamers who enjoy a blend of FPS with a mix of different genres. So, come 18th August for the North American gamers, go get your copy for Wolfenstein!

PS: Wolfenstein 3D cheat codes, hints, tips and walkthroughs will be published here as soon as they become available. So please check back later.