Wolfenstein (computer game)

from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Wolfenstein
Wolfenstein 2009 logo.png
Studio Raven Software ,
id Software ,
Pi Studios ,
Endrant Studios
Publisher Activision
Erstveröffent-
lichung		 North AmericaNorth AmericaAugust 18, 2009 August 19, 2009 August 21, 2009
AustraliaAustralia
EuropeEurope
platform Windows , Xbox 360 , PlayStation 3
Game engine id Tech 4 (modified)
genre Ego shooter
Game mode Single player , multiplayer
control Keyboard & Mouse (PC)
system advantages
preconditions
medium DVD-ROM , Blu-ray Disc
language German
copy protection SecuROM
Age rating
USK from 18
PEGI from 18
information No distribution in Germany. Uncut version indexed (List B), confiscated and confiscated by June 2019

Wolfenstein is a computer game and the official successor to Return to Castle Wolfenstein . The first person shooter was developed by Raven Software and produced by id Software . The game is distributed by Activision . It was released on August 18, 2009 in the USA and on August 21, 2009 in Europe. The successor Wolfenstein: The New Order was released on May 20, 2014 and Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus , developed by Machine Games, followed on October 27, 2017 .

action

The plot of the game is set in the fictional German metropolis Isenstadt. In 1944, American soldier BJ Blazkowicz is supposed to eliminate a high-ranking Nazi general. The US ranger not only has to fight the German soldiers, but also has to stand against monsters, demons and occult priests. In Isenstadt dark rituals are carried out by SS members of the Thule Society and the Germans want to destroy their enemies with the help of a demonic force, the so-called "veil" (veil). BJ has a magical amulet with which he can also use magical powers.

The plot of the German version differs a little from the original.

predecessor

Wolfenstein is another part of the series in which the player controls BJ Blazkowicz. The previous parts were:

Therefore, the plot sometimes refers to these predecessors:

  • The boss opponent Hans Grosse and his sister Gretel Grosse already appeared in Wolfenstein 3D.
  • In a building in Isenstadt, where you can find a black market trader, among other things , one of the resistance fighters present expresses his appreciation for Agent Blazkowicz's past adventures and wonders what price the spear of fate that Blazkowicz was looking for in Spear of Destiny would bring in these days would.
  • There are several references to Return to Castle Wolfenstein: In the course of the game, the player meets resistance fighters from the Kreisau district . The Tesla Gun known from its predecessor is again a weapon in the game. The character Wilhelm Strasse alias "the skull" is in Return to Castle Wolfenstein the leader of the oversoldat project.

Level

In the game you not only move through the levels on a fixed path, but also have the opportunity to explore the fictional city of Isenstadt on your own. After each completed mission you get access to another area of ​​the city.

The player explores the city in the role of BJ Blazkowicz; he is u. a. in a burial site, an underground research station, a canning factory and a hospital. He also goes to a castle and a large farm. Sometimes Wolfenstein also plays in the parallel dimension, where the final fight against Hans Grosse takes place. The last level takes place on a zeppelin.

In each level there are hidden goodies like gold and secret documents that allow the player to dive deeper into the world. The former also serves to improve his weapons. After the work is done, the player receives more "upgrades", which he can purchase for money from the arms dealers hidden in almost every level - for example a recoil damper for more accuracy or additional containers for a larger supply of ammunition.

weapons

  • MP 40 (submachine gun)
  • MP 43 (machine carabiner)
  • K98 (rifle)
  • flamethrower
  • Panzerschreck (rocket launcher)
  • Teslagewehr (fictional weapon) [electrifies opponents]
  • Particle cannon (fictional weapon) [dismantles opponents]
  • Corpse fist 44 (fictional weapon) [Dissolves opponents, but leaves behind bones]

As in many first-person shooters, the player can aim with (most) weapons over the rear sight and the front sight ("iron sight").

technology

As a graphics engine that was id Tech 4 used which already for the first-person shooter Doom 3 (2004) by id Software was used. The games Quake 4 (2005; developer: Raven Software), Prey (2006; developer: Human Head Studios) and Enemy Territory: Quake Wars (2007; developer: Splash Damage) were developed on the basis of id Tech 4. The version of the engine used in Wolfenstein, however, has been heavily modified and expanded with new functions.

The use of id Tech 4 was already criticized in advance. The engine is considered out of date. In addition, id Software already uses the new version id Tech 5 for the game Rage .

German version

The German version of the game was approved by the USK from the age of 18. It lacks all unconstitutional symbols such as swastikas , victory grunts, etc. The representation of violence has been drastically reduced. So there is no way to specifically cut off body parts from opponents. Gunshot wounds can now only be seen briefly and disappear after a few seconds.

In addition, any reference to the Third Reich was completely removed. Blazkowicz does not fight against Nazis, but, as in the German version of Return to Castle Wolfenstein, against the sect of wolves. Ranks have fictitious names. Thus the rank of the alpha wolf corresponds to that of a general. Other ranks are e.g. B. Omega wolves. There are also less noticeable changes. For example, in the intro video, the German battleship Tirpitz becomes the "Tripitz".

On September 22, 2009 it was announced that Activision is recalling all German versions of Wolfenstein. The trade press suspected a forgotten swastika in the localized version as the reason.

The seizure was lifted on June 11, 2019. Currently only one resolution has been formally revoked, so it is still indexed on List B.

Age ratings, indexing and confiscation of the original version

The original version was rated Mature (17+) by the ESRB in the USA . The Pan European Game Information awarded the rating 18+ .

It was first indexed on List B by the BPjM in September 2009 and confiscated and confiscated on January 19, 2010 by the Detmold District Court for violating Sections 86a and 131 of the Criminal Code (file number 3 Gs 99/10). This version is therefore subject to a distribution ban in Germany and may no longer be sold. The Customs is empowered imported versions of Wolfenstein collect.

Reviews

The game received good ( PC Games : 85%) to moderate ratings ( GameStar : 69%). Spieletipps.de rated Wolfenstein with 75%, 4Players with 71% and Eurogamer with 7 out of 10 points. The rather weak AI, the no longer up-to-date technology of the id Tech 4 and the level design were criticized. The implementation of the Open World was also rated negatively. The unusual setting and the varied gameplay were praised. The Metascore is between 74 and 71, at GameRankings.com the average rating is 74 (PC) and 73 (Xbox 360 / PS3).

Web links

Individual evidence

  1. ↑ vgreleases.com
  2. ↑ schnittberichte.com
  3. ↑ pcgames.de
  4. ↑ gamestar.de
  5. ↑ Gerald Wurm: Wolfenstein (2009) - seizure according to §131 StGB canceled (Schnittberichte.com). Accessed December 1, 2019 .
  6. ^ Bob: Indexings / Seizures October 2009. (No longer available online.) In: schnittberichte.com . October 30, 2009, archived from the original on April 9, 2010 ; Retrieved April 9, 2010 .
  7. ^ Detmold District Court: Decision: AG Detmold: Confiscation of the PC game "Wolfenstein, Australian Version". January 19, 2010, accessed September 20, 2011 .