Return to Castle Wolfenstein: Tides of War

"The Best FPS since Halo"

In 1992 id Software released a little known title, “Wolfenstein 3D”. This was the birth of the first person shooter, one of the most popular and best selling genres in the gaming world. Now, more than ten years later, id Software has returned to its roots by releasing “Return to Castle Wolfenstein”, that has now landed on the consoles. Not just a mere port of the PC version, this is a full-blooded re-release, and thanks to the careful craftsmanship of id Software, this is quite simply one of the best games of the year.

“Wolfenstein” is a pureblooded shooter. Its gameplay never exceeds the gamer’s caveman nature of run-and-gun techniques; it really doesn’t matter if it’s been done countless times before by id Software, it’s still a blast. While there are those that won’t appreciate the campaign mode, I found it to be a class-act in good old fashioned Nazi killing, just like the exaggerated stories your grandpa told you as a child. It’s nothing ground-breaking, granted, but with this much action, who cares?

The campaign mode also supports two-player co-op through the entire game. While it may be a bit rough around the edges, with some minor glitches and jerky animations, it’s still a rip-roaring good time. The fact also, that id Software took the extra time to add co-op into the Xbox version, only makes it all the more appealing. However, where “Wolfenstein” truly reigns supreme is on Xbox Live. Forget “Mech Assault” or any other Xbox Live title available, there is no online game for Xbox that matches Wolfenstein. Up to 16 players are pitted against one another in various deathmatch modes, from “Objective” to “Stopwatch” on a variety of maps. A variety of classes is offered to players: Engineers can repair destroyed stationary guns and defuse bombs, Medics can heal wounded soldiers, Lieutenants can call in air strikes to level enemy defenses, and soldiers supply the firepower, and lots of it.

The multiplayer levels are fantastic, especially the “Beach Invasion” drawn from the Invasion of Normandy. Not to mention this is the first Xbox Live game I’ve played where others actually cared to strategize with me, making it all the more enjoyable. The strong single player mode, two-player co-op support, and hands down the best online play in years makes “Return to Castle Wolfenstein: Tides or War” one of the best and most complete first person shooter packages ever.

Graphics- 9.0
Gameplay- 9.5
Sound- 9.5
Overall- 9.5

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 07/04/03, Updated 07/04/03