The bigger enemies take every ounce of ammo to destroy, and when you run out of bullets, you have to rely on your weapons that run on battery power. Powerful enemies that do a ton of damage make battle more intense when used sparingly, but when you face three or more minigun-wielding mech troopers at a time, the fun action gives way to cheap frustration. That plan will go to shit, however, once you engage in The New Order's more tedious encounters. What's more, levels typically have a few branching paths-ventilation systems or side corridors-that make it possible for you to go into a huge gunfight with some sort of plan. You'll rarely feel like you're running through a too-cramped corridor instead, you usually fight in open arena-like zones packed with health packs, armor pick-ups, and usable turrets.
Whether you're carving through a Nazi labor camp, Nazi compound, or Nazi underground lair, most levels give you plenty of room to breathe. The great level design again adds to the enjoyment of each firefight. Though your cover will gradually be chipped away, this system is easy to use and prevents a lot of headache during the game's tougher encounters. There's no awkward snap-to mechanics at play here simply stand behind a wall or crouch behind a barricade, press the dedicated cover button, and use the left thumbstick to peek up or down, or lean to the left or right. Once the bullets start flying, the well-implemented cover system gives some reprieve from the onslaught of enemy fire. The perk system does a great job of enticing you to try out each of the game's weapons and playstyles, as all of the unlockable upgrades are useful. Hoping to do more damage with your silenced pistols? Score a few stealth kills and you're good to go. Want to carry an extra grenade? Kill two Nazi's with a single frag. These passive upgrades, such as increased reload speed or ammo capacity, are unlocked by meeting certain criteria. The gunplay is further enhanced by The New Order's perk system. The plot is explored further in the standalone expansion - you can read our Wolfenstein: The Old Blood review here - but New Order succeeds in depicting a world consumed by fear, providing reason enough for Blazkowicz to join a group of resistance fighters, mount a counter-offensive, and do what he does best. The few civilians that remain follow curfews and do as they're told, lest they face the wrath of Aryan brutality and experimentation. Vast scores of people have been kidnapped to populate labor camps, where they're forced to create supplies and munitions for the Nazi cause. In The New Order's timeline, the Nazis won World War 2 thanks to their uber-advanced technology (by which I mean robot dogs and mechs that shoot laser cannons), forcing the entire world to surrender to their might.
Most importantly, it's damn fun to play.Īs William "B.J." Blazkowicz, you're humanity's last hope against the Nazi War Machine.
This is an oldschool shooter with modern trappings, one that effectively combines B-movie cheesiness with some truly great set-piece moments. Wolfenstein: The New Order makes no pretense about what kind of game it is.
#WOLFENSTEIN THE NEW ORDER PS4 REVIEW FULL#
His buddies round the corner - I sprint at them full speed, an automatic shotgun in each hand, and slide across the floor, peppering their bodies with 12-gauge shells. Doesn't matter he instantly dies, and his chest explodes as though he swallowed a grenade.
Unfortunately, my aim sucks, so I stick him square in the calf.
#WOLFENSTEIN THE NEW ORDER PS4 REVIEW PROFESSIONAL#
He has no idea that I, William J Blazkowicz - professional Nazi killer, at your service - am sneaking up behind him, throwing knife in hand and very bad thoughts in mind.