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Wolfenstein 3D

90%Game Brain Score
graphics, music
gameplay, atmosphere
90% User Score Based on 56 reviews

Platforms

Mac OSMac OSPCPCWindowsWindowsXbox OneXbox OneXbox Series X|SXbox Series X|SLinuxLinuxXboxXbox
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About

In Wolfenstein 3D, play as agent B.J. Blazkowicz and escape from Castle Wolfenstein during World War II. Fight against Nazis, scientists, and mutants using various weapons in this early 3D first-person shooter. This classic game is known for starting the modern FPS genre and includes the Spear of Destiny expansion.

Genres & Tags
Play Modes

90%
Audience ScoreBased on 56 reviews
graphics6 positive mentions
  • Wolfenstein 3D is a groundbreaking title that invented the first-person shooter genre, influencing countless games that followed.
  • The game offers adrenaline-pumping action, especially on higher difficulty settings, providing a thrilling experience for players.
  • Despite its age, Wolfenstein 3D remains a nostalgic and enjoyable experience for those who appreciate classic gaming.
  • The game suffers from a lack of variety in weapons and enemies, making gameplay repetitive, especially on easier difficulty settings.
  • Many players experience compatibility issues with modern operating systems, making it difficult to run the game without additional software like DOSBox.
  • The ending is anticlimactic and lacks the complexity and excitement that players might expect after completing the game.
  • graphics
    20 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The graphics of the game were groundbreaking for its time, showcasing real-time battles and a rich visual experience with 256-color VGA graphics. However, by modern standards, they are considered outdated and pixelated, which may not appeal to younger players accustomed to high-fidelity visuals. Despite this, many nostalgic players appreciate the game's charm and historical significance, viewing it as a classic worth experiencing regardless of its graphical limitations.

    • “The graphics engine was incredible for the day, featuring real-time battles with a lot of carnage, and the invention of a genre was no small feat.”
    • “Still, when the game was released, this was about as good as 256 color VGA graphics got.”
    • “But don't be turned away from this masterpiece just because of the graphics.”
    • “Graphics - 2/5: what was incredible back in 1992 is pretty lame 11 years later.”
    • “There are pixelated graphics and simple, repetitive sound effects.”
    • “Cartoonish graphics and low-quality sound/music make this title not the best for those who play games because they look detailed.”
  • music
    15 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game's music, composed by Bobby Prince, is generally well-received for its catchy and upbeat 8-bit style, though some players find it repetitive. While the music enhances the overall experience, technical issues may require players to use emulators like DOSBox to access it properly. Despite its limitations, the soundtrack includes memorable pieces, including a notable rendition of the Nazi anthem, contributing to the game's nostalgic charm.

    • “The game's music is great too.”
    • “A total of three weapons, and three primary enemies (with a handful of bosses), 320x200 resolution, 8-bit funky, plunky music.”
    • “(Great rendition of the Nazi anthem and a lot of good mood music, given the limitations.) Originally, the id designers had something more elaborate in mind, and then stripped it all out to make a pure action game.”
    • “The gunshots are pretty boring, and the music (while well composed) is repetitive.”
    • “Other sound effects were already there, just no music.”
    • “Cartoonish graphics and low-quality sound/music make this title not the best for those who play games because they look detailed.”
  • gameplay
    8 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The gameplay is characterized by its simplicity and repetitiveness, primarily involving shooting enemies and collecting items, which some players may find enjoyable due to its historical context. While it offers solid mechanics and includes the complete 'Spear of Destiny' add-on for extended playtime, those who prefer more modern gameplay experiences might not find it appealing. Overall, it receives mixed reviews, with some appreciating its nostalgic value and others noting its lack of depth.

    • “Also, this release includes the complete 'Spear of Destiny' add-on, so you won't be running out of gameplay for a long time.”
    • “The gameplay is very good.”
    • “If you're not into old-school gameplay, then I don't think you'll miss not having this in your collection.”
    • “Control and gameplay - 3/5: there really isn't much to the control other than shooting Nazis, walking around, shooting Nazis, picking up items, and shooting Nazis.”
    • “But considering its historical significance, and mostly solid (if repetitive) gameplay, it gets a 4-star rating from me.”
    • “If you're not into or can't appreciate the old-school gameplay, then I don't think you'll miss having this in your collection.”
  • story
    4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game's story begins with a clear mission to defeat a mad scientist, supported by rich cinematics and a variety of quests, items, and creatures. However, some players feel that the narrative focus diminishes as the gameplay progresses, overshadowed by other elements. Overall, while the storyline has potential, it may not remain the central focus throughout the game.

    • “There was a storyline behind it, rich cinematics, a great deal of items, creatures, and quests. The graphics were of a much higher resolution, and there were three styles of attack for each weapon, depending on how you moved your mouse. It was absolutely miraculous technology.”
    • “Your mission is to take out the mad scientist.”
    • “Then the game truly begins, and all pretenses of this being a story-driven game go straight to heck.”
  • atmosphere
    2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game's atmosphere is enhanced by its simplistic, one-sided sprites, which, despite lacking animation (except for guards), contribute positively to the overall aesthetic.

    • “The sprites, with the exception of guards, are one-sided and don't animate, but they go well with the overall atmosphere.”
    • “The sprites, with the exception of guards, are one-sided and don't animate, which detracts from the overall atmosphere.”

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