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Wolfenstein: The New Order

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Wolfenstein: The New Order
Item: Wolfenstein: The New Order
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2014

GenresAdventure, Action, Shooter, Puzzle and Logic, Drama, Single Player, First Person Perspective

AvailableMay 19, 2014

PlatformPlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC

DeveloperMachineGames

Overview

Wolfenstein: The New Order is an action-adventure shooter game played from a first-person perspective. It is the semi-sequel to 2009's Wolfenstein, however utilizes very little from the game and drops any direct references to veil or supernatural. To progress through the story, the player battle enemies throughout levels. The game utilizes a health system in which players' health is divided into separate sections that regenerate; if an entire section is lost, the player must use a health pack to replenish the missing health. In combat, a cover system can be used as assistance against enemies. The player have the ability to lean around, over, and under cover, which can be used as a tactical advantage during shootouts and stealth levels. The game gives the player a wide variety of weapon options—they can be found on the ground, retrieved from dead enemies, or removed from their stationary position and carried around.

Elsewhere

8.2

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

72%

Mixed (50-79)

24%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The opinions of the critics regarding the story of Wolfenstein: The New Order are generally positive. Many critics praise the game for its well-crafted alternate history setting, immersive storytelling, and fleshed-out characters. ActionTrip describes the story as dark and depressing, effectively highlighting the horrors of Nazi atrocities and motivating the player to save the world. EGM commends the story for its depth and layers, although mentioning that there are some elements that don't fit well with the rest of the narrative. Game Informer finds the story engaging and fresh, with varied environments and a colorful resistance group. Softpedia appreciates the bold premise and the presence of interesting allies and great villains. DarkStation describes the story as immersive and impactful, with surprises and jaw-dropping realities throughout. However, there are also some negative opinions regarding the story of Wolfenstein: The New Order. Gaming Age criticizes the plot for having inconsistent and illogical elements, although they do praise some well-written moments and the addition of a secret Hebrew society. VideoGamer criticizes the tonal inconsistency of the story, mentioning that it tries to be emotionally hard-hitting but includes elements like robot dogs and out-of-nowhere girlfriends, describing the narrative as awful. The Escapist feels unsatisfied with the amount of attention devoted to the Nazi-controlled 1960s and mentions a lack of atmosphere building. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the story of Wolfenstein: The New Order is well-crafted and immersive, effectively blending history and fantasy. The alternate history setting is praised for its impact and the way it adds to the immersion. The characters are generally considered to be fleshed out and interesting, with some critics specifically mentioning the depth and layers to the character development. While there are some criticisms regarding tonal inconsistencies and elements that don't fit well with the narrative, the majority of critics find the story engaging, fresh, and emotionally impactful. The game successfully explores the "What if?" scenario of the Nazis winning World War II, creating a compelling and thought-provoking storyline.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics mostly praise Wolfenstein: The New Order for its immersive alternate history, fleshed-out characters, and impactful storytelling highlighting Nazi atrocities. Some critics note inconsistencies and tonal issues in the plot, but overall, the game successfully blends history and fantasy, offering a fresh and emotionally engaging experience.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

71%

Mixed (50-79)

29%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

Overall, the critics have mostly positive opinions regarding the gameplay of Wolfenstein: The New Order. The game is praised for its variety of playstyles and approaches, with many reviewers highlighting the ability to choose between stealth, tactical, assault, and demolition styles. The dual-wielding mechanic is also highly praised, adding a strategic element to combat and making the shooting feel fantastic. The perk system is well-designed and encourages players to experiment with different playstyles, adding replay value to the game. The ability to unlock different abilities and perks based on playstyle is also mentioned as a positive aspect of the gameplay. Reviewers like ActionTrip, Machinima, and ZTGD specifically mention the advanced technology and variety of weapons with secondary fire modes, which adds depth to the gameplay. The game's mechanics are described as polished and satisfying, with well-tuned controls and an intuitive cover system, as mentioned by GameCritics. However, there are some negative aspects mentioned by the critics. The AI is criticized by several reviewers, with Game Informer and Softpedia specifically mentioning that the AI is not very smart. The signaling and enemy AI could be improved, according to Softpedia. Changing weapons can also be frustrating, as mentioned by DarkStation. Some encounters are described as very difficult, disrupting the pace of the game, according to DarkStation. GameTrailers mentions that the mix of old and new gameplay elements can feel awkward and make it tough to fully enjoy the game's action. Slant Magazine also points out that some options are not equally viable, especially in the boss-heavy latter half of the game. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Wolfenstein: The New Order offers a solid and satisfying gameplay experience. The game provides a good balance between stealth and action, with well-designed levels and a variety of playstyles to choose from. The perk system and skill tree add depth and replay value to the gameplay, encouraging players to experiment with different approaches. The shooting mechanics are praised for their responsiveness and satisfaction, with the ability to dual-wield weapons adding a strategic element. However, there are some areas for improvement, such as the AI and signaling, as well as the difficulty balance in certain encounters. Despite these flaws, the overall sentiment is positive, with the gameplay being described as polished, engaging, and enjoyable by the majority of critics.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics mostly praise Wolfenstein: The New Order for its diverse playstyles, dual-wielding mechanics, and well-designed perk system. The game offers a satisfying mix of stealth and action with advanced technology and varied weapons. However, some critics mention issues with AI intelligence, weapon switching, difficulty spikes, and awkward gameplay elements. Overall, the game provides a solid and enjoyable experience with room for improvement in certain areas.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

55%

Mixed (50-79)

45%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Wolfenstein: The New Order are generally positive. Many critics praised the game's visuals, with comments such as "absolutely stellar" (EGM) and "superb" (DarkStation). The game is described as having realistic cutscenes, detailed environments, and impressive character models (EGM, Official Xbox Magazine UK, Gameplanet). The level designs are also highly praised, with critics noting the attention to detail and the variety of gameplay (Gaming Age, DarkStation). The alternate-history setting is also highlighted as a positive aspect, with critics mentioning the well-designed alternate universe and the striking visuals of castles, outposts, and futuristic bases (Hooked Gamers, Gameplanet). However, there are some criticisms regarding the graphics and visual design of the game. Some critics mention occasional issues such as resolution problems, ragdoll physics, texture pop-ins, and aliasing (Machinima, Softpedia, Slant Magazine). The textures on the PS4 version are specifically mentioned as not being optimized and looking goofy at times (Slant Magazine). Additionally, some critics feel that the game falls short of next-gen graphical potential (Digital Spy, Guardian). Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Wolfenstein: The New Order has impressive graphics and visual design. The game is praised for its detailed environments, realistic cutscenes, and well-designed character models. The level designs and attention to detail are also highly regarded. While there are some minor issues mentioned by a few critics, they do not significantly detract from the overall positive reception of the game's graphics. The game is generally considered visually appealing and visually immersive, creating a believable and engaging world for players to explore.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics praise Wolfenstein: The New Order for its stunning graphics, realistic cutscenes, and detailed environments. Despite some minor criticisms like resolution problems and texture issues, the game's visuals are generally considered impressive and immersive, enhancing the overall gameplay experience.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

67%

Mixed (50-79)

33%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The majority of the critics praised the sound design and music of Wolfenstein: The New Order, considering it to be a standout aspect of the game. EGM, Gameplanet, and NZGamer all commended the voice acting, with EGM specifically mentioning the stellar performances from the entire cast that lent credibility to the game's narrative elements. Hooked Gamers also highlighted the great voice acting and character animations. This consistent praise for the voice acting indicates that the game successfully brought its characters to life through strong performances. In terms of music, Softpedia mentioned that the soundtrack delivered a 1950s and 1960s style, which likely contributed to the immersive experience and enhanced the game's alternate history setting, as noted by GameCritics. Gameplanet further emphasized that the soundtrack complemented the gothic mechanical setting without wearing the player down. Digital Spy also acknowledged the game's music, describing it as over-the-top and fitting for the action and violence present in the game. While the overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive, there were a few minor criticisms regarding the sound design and music. Softpedia mentioned that some enemy banter can become repetitive, which may have slightly detracted from the overall experience. PlayStation LifeStyle noted that voices during combat could sometimes be drowned out by the sounds of battle, potentially impacting the player's ability to fully appreciate the voice acting in intense gameplay moments. In conclusion, the sound design and music of Wolfenstein: The New Order received high praise from the majority of critics. The voice acting was consistently commended for its stellar performances and contribution to the game's narrative elements. The soundtrack was lauded for its ability to immerse players in the alternate history setting and complement the gothic mechanical atmosphere. While there were minor criticisms regarding repetitive enemy banter and voices getting drowned out during combat, these issues did not significantly impact the overall positive reception of the sound design and music.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics rave about Wolfenstein: The New Order's stellar voice acting and immersive soundtrack, praising how they bring the game's characters to life and enhance its alternate history setting. Despite minor criticisms like repetitive enemy banter, the overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive, with the sound design and music receiving high acclaim for their contributions to the game's atmosphere and narrative.

Voice Acting

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

90%

Mixed (50-79)

10%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in Wolfenstein: The New Order has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from the majority of critics. EGM praises the entire cast, led by Brian Bloom as B.J., for delivering stellar performances that lend credibility to the game's narrative elements. Hooked Gamers also commends the voice acting, along with the character animations. DarkStation adds that the characters feel incredibly real, with memorable antagonists and allies, and that the cut-scenes draw the player in and make them a part of the experience. These positive remarks highlight the effectiveness of the voice acting in bringing the game's characters to life and immersing players in the story. While the majority of critics have praised the voice acting in Wolfenstein: The New Order, there are a few who provide more limited feedback. Softpedia simply states that the voice acting is solid, without going into further detail. Destructoid mentions that the voice actor for Captain Blazkowicz exhibits genuine surprise and sets the tone for the game, but no additional information is provided. While these comments do not offer much insight into the quality of the voice acting, they do not necessarily indicate any significant negatives either. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the voice acting in Wolfenstein: The New Order is very good. Critical Hit highlights that the voice actors deliver their roles with the right amount of bravado and gravitas, while GameCritics praises the depth given to the characters, particularly the protagonist and the second lead. NZGamer describes the voice acting as top-notch and adding depth to the characters, while PlayStation LifeStyle notes that the cast is surprisingly well-developed and deep for a shooter. The Toronto Sun also emphasizes that the characters in the game are well-voiced and have their own motivations and personalities. These positive assessments from multiple critics further reinforce the overall consensus that the voice acting in Wolfenstein: The New Order is a standout aspect of the game.

TL;DR

voice acting

Critics rave about the stellar voice acting in Wolfenstein: The New Order, with praise for the cast's performances bringing the game's characters to life and immersing players in the story. While some feedback is more limited, the overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the depth, realism, and immersion the voice acting adds to the game.

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

56%

Mixed (50-79)

44%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of technical performance, the critics had mostly positive opinions for both the Xbox One and PlayStation 4 platforms. EGM and Machinima, who played the game on Xbox One, praised the absence of glitches and considered Wolfenstein: The New Order to be one of the best-looking games on the new generation of consoles. On the PlayStation 4 side, Critical Hit, Digital Spy, NZGamer, PlayStation LifeStyle, Playstation Official Magazine UK, and Slant Magazine all mentioned that the game ran smoothly with no significant issues. Critical Hit specifically highlighted the game's consistent 60 frames per second performance, while Digital Spy and NZGamer noted the absence of slowdowns and stable technical performance. However, there were a few negative aspects mentioned by some critics for both platforms. Machinima pointed out some issues with resolution and ragdoll physics on Xbox One, although they did not consider them to be major problems. On the PlayStation 4, PlayStation LifeStyle mentioned glitches with enemy AI and audio imbalances, while games(TM) described the game as "a little rough around the edges both technically and visually." These criticisms suggest that there were some minor technical flaws present on both platforms, but they did not significantly impact the overall gameplay experience. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Wolfenstein: The New Order had good technical performance and stability on both the Xbox One and PlayStation 4 platforms. The game ran smoothly, with no major glitches or slowdowns reported. The positive comments from EGM, Critical Hit, Digital Spy, NZGamer, Playstation Official Magazine UK, and Slant Magazine support this consensus. While there were some minor issues mentioned by Machinima, PlayStation LifeStyle, and games(TM), they were not considered significant enough to overshadow the game's overall technical performance.

TL;DR

technical performance

Critics praised the technical performance of Wolfenstein: The New Order on both Xbox One and PlayStation 4, highlighting smooth gameplay and impressive visuals. Some minor issues like resolution problems and AI glitches were mentioned, but overall, the game ran well with no major setbacks.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

33%

Mixed (50-79)

67%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions of the critics regarding the replay value of Wolfenstein: The New Order are generally positive. Many critics highlight the game's collectibles, unlockable modes, and alternate timelines as factors that contribute to its replayability. EGM mentions that the game encourages multiple playthroughs with its collectibles and unlockable modes, offering a different experience each time. MondoXbox also notes the option to replay the campaign or individual chapters, as well as the collectibles and bonus modes that can be unlocked by solving puzzles. Official Xbox Magazine UK praises the game for offering two timelines and different exploration skills based on player decisions, which encourages replayability. However, there are some critics who express concerns or limitations regarding the replay value of the game. Destructoid mentions that while there are collectibles and additional modes to unlock, the game can feel repetitive at times. Slant Magazine points out that the choice to create two alternative timelines feels artificial and draws attention to frustrating parts of the game. NZGamer mentions that while there are different perks and play styles to try, the presence of collectibles can detract from the immersive experience. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Wolfenstein: The New Order offers a decent amount of replay value. The game's collectibles, unlockable modes, alternate timelines, and different approaches all contribute to its replayability. Critics like EGM, MondoXbox, and Official Xbox Magazine UK highlight these positive aspects. However, there are concerns raised by critics such as Destructoid and Slant Magazine regarding repetition and artificiality. Despite these concerns, the majority of critics acknowledge the game's replay value and consider it to be a strong aspect of the overall experience.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics generally praise Wolfenstein: The New Order for its replay value, citing collectibles, unlockable modes, and alternate timelines as key factors. Positive aspects include multiple playthrough options and different experiences each time. Some critics express concerns about repetition and artificiality, but overall, the majority agree that the game offers a decent amount of replay value.

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive (80-100)

78%

Mixed (50-79)

22%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The overall verdict of Wolfenstein: The New Order is overwhelmingly positive, with the majority of critics praising the game for its strong story, immersive gameplay, and impactful characters. ActionTrip commends the game for being a serious spin on the Wolfenstein franchise with mature themes, while still maintaining its humor. EGM states that the game rejuvenates the classic franchise and lives up to the Wolfenstein name, with a strong story, brilliant level design, and copious replayability. Official Xbox Magazine UK highlights the bigger, more thoughtful story, impressive gameplay, and good replay value of the game, while addressing problematic themes and avoiding predictable tropes. While the game received high praise, there were some criticisms raised by a few critics. GameCritics highly recommends the game as one of the finest first-person shooters and the best iteration of the Wolfenstein franchise. However, Digital Spy points out that the game is not perfect but applauds its silly plot and over-the-top action. VideoGamer mentions that the overall experience of the game is described as disjointed and jarring, with criticism directed towards the boss fights. Despite these minor negatives, the general consensus is that Wolfenstein: The New Order is a fantastic game that successfully combines different play styles and mechanics, offering a familiar but fresh FPS experience (GameFront). Overall, the critics' opinions indicate that Wolfenstein: The New Order is a highly enjoyable game that successfully revitalizes the franchise. The game is praised for its strong storytelling (Gaming Age), immersive gameplay (DarkStation), and memorable alternate universe storyline (NZGamer). The positive consensus among the critics suggests that the game is a must-play for fans of the series (EGM) and a resounding success that ranks among the best single-player examples (Guardian). While some critics mention minor flaws and missed opportunities for innovation (Game Informer), the overall sentiment is that Wolfenstein: The New Order is a triumph that reinvents the classic franchise with enough influence and touch to make it feel relevant (games(TM)).

TL;DR

Critics overwhelmingly praise Wolfenstein: The New Order for its strong story, immersive gameplay, and impactful characters. While some minor criticisms exist, the game is hailed for revitalizing the franchise with mature themes, brilliant level design, and copious replayability. Overall, it's considered a must-play that successfully reinvents the classic series with a fresh and relevant experience.

MONSTER

Reviews

157 reviews found

100

GameCritics

PlayStation 4

Jul 23, 2014