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CRITIK

Wolfenstein: The Old Blood

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Wolfenstein: The Old Blood
Item: Wolfenstein: The Old Blood
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2015

GenresFantasy, Adventure, Action, Shooter, Single Player, First Person Perspective

AvailableMay 5, 2015

PlatformPlayStation 4, PC, Xbox One

DeveloperMachineGames

Overview

Wolfenstein: The Old Blood is a prequel to the critically acclaimed first-person action-adventure shooter, Wolfenstein: The New Order. The adventure, which spans eight chapters and two interconnected stories, features the hallmarks of MachineGames – thrilling action, immersive story and intense first-person combat. As war hero B.J. Blazkowicz, arm yourself with new weapons such as the bolt-action rifle and grenade-launching Kampfpistole as you attempt to thwart the advancing Nazi war machine, and take advantage of duel-wielding pipes that can be used for wall climbing – or for vicious take-downs of never-before-seen Nazi adversaries.

Elsewhere

7.7

Game analysis

Critik Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

37%

Mixed (50-79)

63%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The Story of Wolfenstein: The Old Blood has received a mix of opinions from critics. Some positive aspects highlighted by reviewers include the engaging narrative that explores Nazi occult history and adds depth to the Third Reich, as mentioned by Gaming Nexus. The game features unexpected twists and provides additional context through environmental storytelling, enhancing the overall experience for players. Additionally, critics like ZTGD appreciated the interesting characters and fantastic dialogue, which added humor and depth to the storyline, making it more engaging for the players. On the other hand, several critics expressed negative views regarding the story of Wolfenstein: The Old Blood. IGN and Gameplanet criticized the narrative for being forgettable and lacking memorable moments, indicating a lack of impact and emotional connection with the storyline. Furthermore, critics such as games(TM) and Worth Playing noted that the story took a dip compared to The New Order, lacking the same sense of futility and frustration. The mission to take down a Nazi archaeologist and destroy occult relics was seen as lacking tension and coherence with the main game, diminishing the overall storytelling experience. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the Story of Wolfenstein: The Old Blood leans towards a mixed reception. While some reviewers appreciated the engaging narrative elements, unexpected twists, and well-developed characters, others criticized the story for being forgettable, lacking depth, and failing to create a strong emotional impact on players. The game's focus on action and fast-paced gameplay seemed to overshadow the storytelling aspects for some critics, resulting in a narrative that did not reach the same heights as its predecessor, The New Order. Despite some positive aspects, the general sentiment suggests that the story of Wolfenstein: The Old Blood falls short in delivering a truly compelling and memorable narrative experience for players.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics have mixed opinions on the story of Wolfenstein: The Old Blood. Some praise its engaging narrative exploring Nazi occult history and interesting characters, while others criticize it for being forgettable and lacking emotional impact compared to its predecessor. Overall, the storyline falls short of delivering a truly compelling and memorable experience for players.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

70%

Mixed (50-79)

30%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The gameplay of Wolfenstein: The Old Blood received praise from multiple critics for its fast-paced, satisfying combat encounters, and versatile approach to gameplay. Critics like Game Informer and Eurogamer Poland appreciated the variety of weapons, including new instruments of death, such as the semi-automatic shotgun and rocket pistol, which added depth to the combat experience. The ability to choose between stealthy and aggressive playstyles, as highlighted by Game Informer, allowed players to tackle obstacles in their preferred manner. The gunplay was commended for being excellent, with impactful weapons and the option to dual-wield, as noted by GameWatcher and Cheat Code Central. Additionally, the perk system, as mentioned by ZTGD, encouraged players to experiment with different strategies, enhancing replayability. On the downside, some critics pointed out issues with the gameplay of Wolfenstein: The Old Blood. Digitally Downloaded and Game Revolution noted that the stealth sections could be frustrating due to enemies easily spotting the player, impacting the stealth gameplay experience. Gamestyle mentioned that the initial focus on forced stealth could be off-putting, although the shooting mechanics improved later on. Games(TM) and PC Gamer highlighted that some levels devolved into repetitive combat arenas, potentially leading to a grindy and unenjoyable experience, especially on harder difficulties. Additionally, PC Gamer mentioned that the transition between stealth and violence lacked escalation, affecting the overall pacing of the game. Overall, the consensus among critics indicates that Wolfenstein: The Old Blood offers a mix of intense combat and stealth mechanics, with innovative gameplay moments that showcase creativity within the first-person shooter genre. The game excels in providing a satisfying shooting experience with impactful weapons, diverse playstyles, and challenging AI, as emphasized by Hardcore Gamer and Worth Playing. While some critics pointed out flaws in the stealth mechanics and level design, the majority appreciated the game's fast-paced action, variety of weapons, and the ability to choose between stealth and all-out action. Critics like ZTGD and Game Informer highlighted the excellent gunplay and versatile gameplay mechanics that contribute to a fantastic overall experience. Ultimately, Wolfenstein: The Old Blood succeeds in delivering an engaging and enjoyable gameplay experience for fans of the FPS genre.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics praised Wolfenstein: The Old Blood for its fast-paced combat, versatile gameplay, and variety of weapons like the semi-automatic shotgun and rocket pistol. Players can choose between stealthy and aggressive approaches, with impactful gunplay and a perk system adding depth. However, some critics found issues with frustrating stealth sections, repetitive combat arenas, and pacing problems. Overall, the game offers intense combat and innovative gameplay moments, providing a satisfying shooting experience despite some flaws.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

57%

Mixed (50-79)

43%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Wolfenstein: The Old Blood are generally positive. Many critics praised the game for its impressive visuals, detailed environments, and artistic design. Arcade Sushi appreciated the varied environments and attention to detail that made the world feel believable. Everyeye.it commended the refined graphics that stayed true to the Wolfenstein franchise's authenticity. GameCrate highlighted the exquisitely designed stages, fast frame rate, and 1080p resolution, contributing to a visually pleasing experience. Gaming Nexus noted the impressive artistic design that blended medieval architecture with the starkness of Castle Wolfenstein, creating visually striking vistas reminiscent of Dishonored. On the other hand, some critics pointed out certain negatives regarding the game's graphics. GameWatcher criticized the game for being badly optimized, with issues like texture pop-in, fixed indestructible backgrounds, and technical problems such as lagging cutscenes and crashes. PCWorld mentioned that the second half of the game with Nazi zombies felt less inspired and visually repetitive, impacting the overall visual experience. Pure Xbox noted that while the game started well with visually appealing segments, the levels began to feel familiar and lack variety, affecting the overall visual appeal. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Wolfenstein: The Old Blood offers a visually appealing experience with detailed environments, impressive character models, and attention to artistic design. Critics like USgamer and COGconnected praised the terrific graphics, well-designed environments, and stunning visuals that provided excellent visual appeal. Despite some technical issues and repetitive elements, the game's blend of modern visuals with nostalgic charm, as noted by MondoXbox, and the attention to detail in settings, as highlighted by GamesRadar++, contributed to an immersive and enjoyable visual experience for players. The game's ability to evoke a sense of authenticity, blend retro and modern graphics, and create visually striking vistas resonated positively with critics, making Wolfenstein: The Old Blood a visually engaging title for fans of the franchise.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics generally praise Wolfenstein: The Old Blood for its impressive graphics, detailed environments, and artistic design. Some negatives include optimization issues and repetitive visuals in the later stages. Overall, the game offers a visually appealing experience with attention to detail and stunning visuals, blending retro and modern graphics to create an immersive and enjoyable visual experience for players.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

65%

Mixed (50-79)

35%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The Sound Design and Music of Wolfenstein: The Old Blood received generally positive feedback from the critics. GameCrate appreciated the atmospheric tunes that fit the Wolfenstein mold, while GamesRadar++ highlighted the impactful weapon sounds and atmospheric audio cues that enhanced the gameplay experience. Hardcore Gamer praised the superb voice-acting that added depth and entertainment to the game, and USgamer noted that great voice acting and music contributed to an excellent atmosphere in the game. XGN also commended how the sound design complemented the action-packed gameplay, enhancing the immersive experience of fighting against Nazis and zombies. Additionally, Eurogamer Poland considered the music, voice acting, and sound effects as a definite asset of the project, enhancing the mood and experience of the game. On the other hand, Twinfinite pointed out inconsistencies in the sound design, mentioning issues such as sounds and conversations missing the mark and weapon sounds lacking impact, which detracted from the overall immersion. Push Square noted that the sound effects for the weapons were described as "weedy," indicating a lack of impact compared to other aspects of the audio. Pure Xbox did not specifically mention the music in their review, suggesting that it might not have stood out as a significant aspect of the game's audio design. Overall, the majority of critics praised the voice acting, atmospheric tunes, and impactful sound effects in Wolfenstein: The Old Blood. The consensus among the critics is that the audio elements, including voice performances and sound design, effectively contributed to the immersive experience of the game. While there were some criticisms regarding inconsistencies in the sound design and the lack of emphasis on the music in a few reviews, the overall sentiment leans towards the positive, with the audio being considered a strong point that enhanced the gameplay and atmosphere of the game.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics praised Wolfenstein: The Old Blood's sound design for its atmospheric tunes, impactful weapon sounds, and superb voice acting that enhanced the immersive experience of fighting Nazis and zombies. However, some noted inconsistencies in the sound design, with issues like weedy weapon sounds and lack of emphasis on music. Overall, the audio elements were seen as a strong point that contributed positively to the game's atmosphere and gameplay.

Voice Acting

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

69%

Mixed (50-79)

31%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in Wolfenstein: The Old Blood has received a mix of positive feedback from various critics. Critics like Hardcore Gamer, Impulsegamer, and Eurogamer Poland praise the voice acting for its effectiveness in conveying emotions, immersing players in the game's world, and contributing to an enjoyable and immersive experience. Characters like B.J. and Helga von Schapps are highlighted for delivering standout performances, with actors effectively bringing humanity to their roles, as noted by Softpedia. The gruff-voiced protagonist and new big bad character are also positively mentioned by PlayStation Universe for their contributions to the narrative. On the flip side, there are some criticisms regarding the voice acting in Wolfenstein: The Old Blood. Digital Trends criticizes the protagonist's monologues as overstuffed and detached, detracting from the mood of the action. DarkZero notes that characters aren't given enough room to breathe, leading to voice acting not being a focal point. These critiques suggest that there may be inconsistencies in the delivery of lines and character development, which could impact the overall immersion and engagement for some players. Overall, the consensus among the critics leans towards the positive side in terms of the voice acting in Wolfenstein: The Old Blood. While there are some mixed opinions, with a few critics pointing out flaws such as overwritten monologues and lack of character depth, the majority of reviewers appreciate the voice work for adding depth to the storytelling, enhancing the immersive experience, and complementing the B-movie vibe of the game. The general sentiment is that the voice acting, particularly from key characters like B.J., contributes positively to the overall quality of the game, as highlighted by GameCrate, Push Square, USgamer, COGconnected, and Worth Playing.

TL;DR

voice acting

Critics praise Wolfenstein: The Old Blood's voice acting for its emotional depth and immersive qualities, especially highlighting standout performances by characters like B.J. and Helga von Schapps. However, some critics critique the protagonist's monologues as overstuffed and characters lacking development. Overall, the majority of reviewers appreciate the voice work for enhancing storytelling and adding to the game's immersive experience, despite some mixed opinions on certain aspects.

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

36%

Mixed (50-79)

50%

Negative (0-49)

14%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of positive feedback for the technical performance of Wolfenstein: The Old Blood across different gaming platforms, critics generally praised the stability and smooth gameplay on consoles. Dealspwn noted on the PS4 that the game had no performance issues and did not require any patches, indicating a commendable level of optimization. Similarly, Destructoid mentioned that the game ran smoothly on both consoles with slight enhancements to the engine on the Xbox One. The Washington Post highlighted that the game maintained a solid 60 frames-per-second and 1080p resolution on both consoles, showcasing good technical performance. On the other hand, there were some negative aspects mentioned by critics regarding technical performance on specific gaming platforms. GameWatcher criticized the PC version for technical and optimization problems such as lagging cutscenes, crashes, and checkpoint issues. Gameplanet also highlighted teething issues on PC with visual fidelity and texture pop-in. Multiplayer.it mentioned technical issues like stuttering and frame rate drops on the PC version, indicating room for improvement. Twinfinite further added that the PC version faced challenges with texture streaming, vertical sync issues, and sound synchronization problems, requiring additional effort from players to address these issues. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the technical performance of Wolfenstein: The Old Blood is mixed. While the console versions, particularly on the PS4 and Xbox One, were generally praised for their stable performance and smooth gameplay, the PC version faced more criticism for technical issues and optimization problems. Critics like games(TM) and Everyeye.it highlighted the glitchless and bugless experience on consoles, while GameWatcher and Twinfinite pointed out the technical challenges on PC. Despite some issues on certain platforms, the game's technical performance seems to have been a more positive experience on consoles compared to the PC version, as noted by the majority of critics.

TL;DR

technical performance

Critics praised Wolfenstein: The Old Blood for its stable and smooth gameplay on consoles like PS4 and Xbox One, with solid performance at 60fps and 1080p resolution. However, the PC version faced technical issues like lagging cutscenes, crashes, and texture problems. Overall, console versions fared better in technical performance compared to the PC version, despite some challenges noted by critics.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

20%

Mixed (50-79)

80%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions of the critics regarding the replay value of Wolfenstein: The Old Blood are largely positive, with many highlighting various features that contribute to its replayability. Critics like Arcade Sushi, Dealspwn, and Digital Trends appreciate the inclusion of challenge maps, nightmare stages, and secret areas that offer additional content and encourage players to revisit the game for different experiences. The variety of gameplay modes, collectibles, and multiple difficulty levels mentioned by critics such as Digitally Downloaded and GamesBeat also add to the game's replay value, providing players with options to tailor their gameplay experience to their preferences. On the other hand, some critics express concerns about the game's limitations in terms of replayability. Critics like GamesRadar++ and Polygon note the game's short length and lack of significant branching paths or choices, which may hinder long-term engagement for some players. Additionally, critics such as Everyeye.it and Slant Magazine point out specific issues with certain sections or acts of the game that may not hold up well upon repeated playthroughs, potentially diminishing the overall replay value for those players. Overall, while there are mixed opinions on specific aspects of the replay value of Wolfenstein: The Old Blood, the general consensus among critics leans towards the game offering a decent amount of content and variety to warrant replaying. Critics like Game Informer and Game Revolution acknowledge the game's reliance on nostalgia but also highlight the versatile gameplay choices and enjoyable shooting mechanics that can keep players engaged across multiple playthroughs. The inclusion of challenge modes, collectibles, and bonus levels from Wolfenstein 3D mentioned by critics like GameCrate and MondoXbox further enhance the overall value of the game, making it a worthwhile experience for fans of the series looking for additional content and replayability.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics generally praise Wolfenstein: The Old Blood for its replay value, citing features like challenge maps, nightmare stages, and secret areas that offer varied experiences. Some critics mention concerns about its short length and lack of branching paths, but overall, the game offers enough content with diverse gameplay modes and collectibles to keep players engaged.

Overall Verdict

CRITIK

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Critik Score

Positive (80-100)

51%

Mixed (50-79)

49%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

In analyzing the opinions of the critics regarding Wolfenstein: The Old Blood, several positive aspects stand out. Critics like PCWorld and Impulsegamer praise the game for being a good expansion to the series, offering solid content that is enjoyable for fans of Wolfenstein: The New Order. The game is commended for its engaging gameplay, nostalgic elements, and rewarding gaming experience, as noted by MondoXbox and Gamers' Temple. Additionally, the game is lauded for its fun shooting mechanics, strong gunplay, and immersive visuals, providing a stable and enjoyable shooter experience, as highlighted by games(TM) and Xbox Achievements. On the other hand, some critics point out certain negatives of Wolfenstein: The Old Blood. Pure Xbox notes that the game is held back by repetitive actions and lack of better level design, with a story that lacks progression and becomes mundane over time. PC Gamer mentions that while the gunplay and presentation are strong, the game lacks originality and feels like a step backwards creatively, surviving on the groundwork of its predecessor. Softpedia highlights that while the game delivers a polished gameplay experience, some levels are not interesting, and certain sequences can be confusing. Overall, the consensus among the critics is mixed but generally positive towards Wolfenstein: The Old Blood. While some critics like Riot Pixels and Eurogamer Poland feel that the game falls short of the original's success and lacks innovation, others such as GameTrailers and ZTGD view it as a fantastic follow-up that satisfies fans' hunger for more Wolfenstein content. Despite some shortcomings in narrative depth, character development, and originality, the game is generally recommended for fans of the series and first-person shooter enthusiasts, offering an action-packed and enjoyable experience with solid gameplay mechanics and immersive visuals.

TL;DR

Critics praise Wolfenstein: The Old Blood for its engaging gameplay, nostalgic elements, and rewarding experience, but some note repetitive actions and lack of originality. Overall, the consensus is mixed but generally positive, offering fans of the series an action-packed and enjoyable shooter experience with solid mechanics and immersive visuals.

CRITIK

Reviews

133 reviews found

Gaming Age

PlayStation 4

May 29, 2015