Wolfenstein: The New Order

Wolfenstein: The New Order is a first-person shooter video game developed by MachineGames and published by Bethesda Softworks. It was released on May 20, 2014, for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, and Xbox One. The game is a part of the Wolfenstein series and serves as a reboot to the franchise.

Gameplay

Wolfenstein: The New Order is set in an alternate history 1960s Europe, where the Nazis have won World War II. Players control William "B.J." Blazkowicz, an American war hero who awakens from a 14-year coma to find the world under Nazi control. The gameplay combines first-person shooter mechanics with stealth elements, allowing players to approach situations in multiple ways.

The game features a variety of weapons, including both conventional firearms and more advanced, fictional technology. Players can dual-wield certain weapons and use a cover system to protect themselves during firefights. The game also includes a health system that requires players to find health packs and armor to stay alive.

Plot

The story begins with Blazkowicz and his comrades launching an assault on a Nazi compound. During the mission, Blazkowicz sustains a head injury and falls into a coma. He awakens in a Polish asylum in 1960, only to find that the Nazis have won the war and now rule the world with an iron fist. Blazkowicz joins a resistance group and sets out to overthrow the Nazi regime.

Throughout the game, Blazkowicz encounters various characters, including Anya Oliwa, a nurse who helps him recover, and General Wilhelm "Deathshead" Strasse, the main antagonist. The plot explores themes of resistance, sacrifice, and the impact of war on individuals and society.

Development

Wolfenstein: The New Order was developed by MachineGames, a studio founded by former members of Starbreeze Studios. The game uses the id Tech 5 engine, which was also used in Rage. The development team aimed to create a game that honored the legacy of the original Wolfenstein 3D while introducing modern gameplay mechanics and storytelling techniques.

Reception

The game received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised its engaging story, well-designed levels, and satisfying combat mechanics. Some criticism was directed at its linear level design and occasional technical issues. Despite these criticisms, Wolfenstein: The New Order was considered a successful reboot of the franchise and helped to revitalize interest in the series.

Sequel

A sequel, titled Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus, was released in 2017. It continues the story of Blazkowicz and the resistance's fight against the Nazi regime.