"This. Game. Rocks. Almost a Halo beater..."

Obviously you know what game I'm talking about. Return to Castle Wolfenstein: The Tides of War. Id has done an exceptional job with this game. In earlier games of this series, you took on the 3rd Reich. This one is no exception, with you fighting Himmler's famous SS. The originals perfected the First Person Shooter, and this game is only an advancement.

Gameplay: 10/10
I'm assuming everyone who has read this has played Halo. If you liked Halo's controls, this game's are almost Identical. Wolfenstein uses easy controls, like an easier way to change and cycle through weapons, use your scope or binoculars, et cetera. Easy controls definitely chip in to making a good game. Rarely is there a puzzle you can't figure out, and some more thorough exploring will uncover a way out, or solve a puzzle. Sometime you have to time it just right, or you will have to start over.

This game get's you deeply rooted into it's story, and makes you love certain weapons. Certain people will excel with certain weapons. I happen to love the Silenced Sten, but maybe you would enjoy the Tesla, or the Shotgun. You like games where you get to snipe, and snipe a lot? Wolfenstein has 2 great sniper rifles, and other high-powered weapons.

Story: 10/10
Everyone knows what World War 2 was like, especially in Nazi Germany. This game takes many historical places and facts, such as Himmler's SS and his constant archaelogical digs, and adds a fantasy to them, to make this a great story. Think ''Medal of Honor'' meets ''Resident Evil''. As your story unfolds, you travel to many new places, where their are many new enemies. You play as B.J. Blascowicz, an agent for the OSA, trying to uncover some of Himmler's evil plots and schemes.

It makes you feel like you're an American hero, who will never tire at bringing down the terror of the 3rd Reich. This game if for those who have pride in America, and love the timeless story of our glorious victory with our Allies. Not for the Lite-Gamer.

Sounds/Graphics: 9/10

These graphics aren't the best, nor is the sound, but the quality of the bullets, and the fire, is amazing. The background and water effects are great, but many of the people leave more to be desired. They still have very realistic movements. If it gets to dark, which is sometimes does, just turn up the light on your T.V., and you'll be fine.

The music can be dull, or it can be exciting. But the sound, how they match the voices with the movement of the mandibles, is impeccable, especially for many out-of-cinema scenes. How you can always here the doors closing, or the soldiers speaking, telling you that they are their, is very handy.

Play Time/ Replayibility: 10/10. There is always an extra you missed, or a secret you want to uncover. I enjoyed replaying it just for the weapons you get to use on certain levels, especially the Thompson. There are so many levels, and you can choose from any of the ones you've beaten. It even has Wolfenstein 3D, which also has some good replay value. Let's get off replay, and get onto play time. This game will take a good deal of time to complete. You can fail a lot, but that's good because that means the A.I. isn't stupid.

Final Recommendation: Get this game. Now. It's calling your name. It's not even $50 any more, but was worth at least twice the price. With all of the different weapons, levels, and a deeply rooted story, there is no reason not to get this game. It lacks little, but makes up for that little tiny bit 10 fold.

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 02/24/04