Return to Castle Wolfenstein: Tides of War

"Online is Everything!"

A very long awaited Xbox title finally hits us. Castle Wolfenstein is back and it delivers all the goodies you've been dying for since Halo. Complete with Online, Co-Operative, and one hectic Campaign mode, Wolfenstein proves that sequels, can in fact, be good.

Graphics –
Nothing really amazing here folks. The graphics have been done before, and have done a much nicer job as well. Though, the graphics aren't bad, its the level detail that grabs the gamer's eyes. The levels are HUGE, and the multiplayer levels are at least 2-3 times bigger (about half the size of the average Halo level). The cutscenes are again, pretty fair as well. Nothing to get excited about, or point fingers at, Wolfenstein's graphics are fairly nice.

Overall Score - 8/10.

Sound –
The sound too is pretty average as well. You will hear the 'average' gun shots, moans of zombies, cars go past, and a mediocre (at best) voiceovers. No real feel in this category or even to the speach. However, sometimes you might be surprised at certain points in the levels by the voice actors, like when you enter the crypt. The feel comes back, but leaves you again very quick, and fails to grab the attention of the gamers as well.

Overall Score - 6/10.

Controls –
The controls are not bad one bit. Using the same control scheme such as Halo, or NightFire, the controls will have you looking with one analog stick and moving with the other. Weapon select will be used with the A and B buttons and even include a small space where you see which guns you select. Firing with the right trigger/jumping with the left, and also calling for medics/ammo (in multi) with the d-pad, the control scheme is pretty good and very easy to learn in a curve rate of about 15 minutes or less.

Overall Score - 8/10.

Gameplay –
Where the game truly shines. You start the game as (B.J.) a member of the Allied Forces during World War 2 (1940s) hunting down your foes with your ally (Agent One). The game starts off to a slow pace, but will eventually having you screaming as zombies come at you from different directions. This game closely reminds me of the movie - The Mummy, if you'd want to put it that way. True fun and excitement, for the 'survival horror' and 'First-Person Shooter' fan. The game also includes the Co-Operative mode to play with a friend (if you get scared). And if that isn't enough, Wolfenstein also features the game that came before it - Wolfenstein 3D to last you a very long time.

But the best part of the game, is the Online Multiplayer. Up to 16 players can play in over 10 different maps. Some of the game modes include - Stopwatch (to achieve a goal under a certain time with your foes trying to stop you), Elimination (or last team standing), and Objective (or control different flag points in the game). Online is really fun and will last you a good deal. Heck, the first thing you might even do when you get this game is play the online mode because its so fun and a reliever. However, online isn't really on the dot. You will always meet annoying people who betray and kill their own teammates, and very laggy servers. However, it isn't I.D.'s fault. Just a reminder - Only play with dedicaded servers (or servers with very fast connections and which require fast connections), this will probably kick out DSL users (bad luck guys). The only thing I miss about this game is vehicles like jeeps and tanks which would fit perfectly in the large levels like Assault.

Overall Score - 9/10.

The Ups and Downs (A Follow-up) –

On the up side I liked:
+Amazing Multiplayer and Online experience
+Very easy to learn controls
+Wolfenstein 3D
+Downloadable content

On the down side I disliked:
-Average (at best) graphics
-The sound turns out to be very plain
-Where are the vehicles for my multiplayer?

To buy or not to buy:
I would give it a rental if I'm a guy that likes to 'play it safe'. If I have a few bones to spare, sure I'd get it. The number one question right now is ''Is this the best Live game?''. I won't lie, this is a very good Live game which will last you a very long time. The campaign will also be very fun to play and the original Wolfenstein 3D will make your purchase one of the best of 2003!

Final Reviewed Score: 8/10 - Good!

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 07/19/03, Updated 07/19/03