Return to Castle Wolfenstein: Enemy Territory

"Free. Free? FREE!!! Great Free Game."

Return to Castle Wolfenstein: Enemy Territory is one of the greatest first person shooters I have ever played. It is a Expansion for the original RTCW, that was released as a separate, free game. I have never played the original RTCW, so I really can't compare it to the game it was originally supposed to be an expansion for. This online experience will keep you coming back for more all the time. It has everything you could ask for, and a little bit more.

GRAPHICS - 9/10
The graphics in this game are very good, even on low settings. I think all this game requires is a 16MB video card, which makes it accessible to anyone who has bought a computer in the last 5 years.

All of the models look great, considering this game uses a derivative of id's Quake 3 engine. All the maps are rendered beautifully as well. the effects and explosions all look very good. The flamethrower shoots the realest fire ever in a video game.

SOUND - 10/10
The sounds are exquisite. Everything sounds like it's supposed to. From people walking in the snow, to silenced pistol and rifle fire. It's all there and it's all realistic. You love the sound of your first Insta-Gib as well. :)

CONTROLS - 10/10
Basic WASD FPS set-up. Controls are a little jerky at times, but other than that they are spot on. Once you get the hang of them you'll be killing, building, and sniping in no time.

GAMEPLAY - 10/10
This is what it's all about. The GAMEPLAY! It's what makes this game stand on the top tiers of First Person Shooters.

The main reason this game is so addicting is that it's never the same game twice. There are two different aspects that make this possible. XP and Classes.

You start a match by picking sides and a class. You can switch classes at anytime during the match. You can be a Medic, Soldier, Engineer, Covert Ops or Field Ops. Each class has different abilities. As a Medic, you can heal or revive fallen teammates. As a Engineer, you can construct buildings and repair vehicles.

XP is essentially experience points (like in any RPG.) As you play the game, you gain XP for killing enemies and completing objectives. XP will unlock new abilities. Lv 4 Light Weapons will net you Akimbo Pistols, while Lv 4 Engineer gives you a protective flak jacket. You have to learn to use these abilities as a team, if you want to survive.

The ability to download player created maps helps out the replay value tremendously. The best map for the game, Desert Temple is player created.

OVERALL - 9/10
This game is a truly fun and engrossing experience with TONS of replay value. The variety of classes, maps, and objectives will keep you playing for hours. Oh Yeah, and it's FREE! ...and worth every penny. :)

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 10/20/04