The Wolfenstein series is a long-running and iconic franchise in the world of video games. Putting you in the boots of B.J. Blazkowicz, an American soldier fighting against the oppressive Nazi regime in an alternate timeline, Wolfenstein offers a thrilling blend of action, stealth, and alternate history.
With a rich history spanning over four decades, the series has seen numerous entries across various platforms. This guide provides a comprehensive look at the Wolfenstein games in chronological order, highlighting their key features and storylines.
1. Castle Wolfenstein (1981) & Beyond Castle Wolfenstein (1984): The Originals Spark a Legacy
The journey begins with the original Wolfenstein, released in 1981 by Muse Software. This 2.5D maze shooter tasks you with Agent Blazkowicz, a prisoner tasked with escaping from Castle Wolfenstein and retrieving stolen plans. The game’s success spawned a sequel, Beyond Castle Wolfenstein, in 1984, offering a more expansive prison to escape and introducing new weapons.
2. Wolfenstein 3D (1992): The Genre-Defining First-Person Shooter
1992 marked a turning point with the release of Wolfenstein 3D by id Software. This game revolutionized the genre, pioneering true 3D graphics and fast-paced action. Blazkowicz returns to fight the Nazis across a series of bases, taking down enemies with a variety of weapons and facing off against iconic bosses like Deathshead. The game’s success spawned numerous expansion packs and established Wolfenstein as a major force in the FPS world.
3. Return to Castle Wolfenstein (2001): A Modern Reimagining
Wolfenstein remained dormant for a while, but id Software revived the franchise in 2001 with Return to Castle Wolfenstein. This game offered a modern 3D experience with a new storyline set in 1944. Blazkowicz teams up with the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) to infiltrate Castle Wolfenstein and prevent the Nazis from developing a powerful weapon. The game featured a more cinematic approach, intense action sequences, and a focus on stealth alongside combat.
4. Wolfenstein: Enemy Territory (2003): Teamwork Takes Center Stage
In 2003, Wolfenstein took a turn towards multiplayer with Enemy Territory. This free-to-play online game offered objective-based team battles where players choose to fight for the Allies or the Axis. Classes with unique abilities, strategic map design, and a focus on teamwork made Enemy Territory a popular choice for online FPS enthusiasts.
5. Wolfenstein RPG (2008): A Mobile-Exclusive Adventure
In 2008, a mobile spin-off titled Wolfenstein RPG was released for J2ME-enabled phones. This turn-based RPG offered a unique perspective on the Wolfenstein universe, with Blazkowicz navigating missions and engaging in turn-based combat against Nazi soldiers.
6. Wolfenstein (2009): A Reboot for a New Generation
2009 saw Raven Software reboot the Wolfenstein franchise with simply “Wolfenstein.” This fast-paced first-person shooter offered a more modern take on Blazkowicz’s fight against the Nazis in an alternate 1946 where they’ve achieved technological dominance. Intense gunfights, brutal melee takedowns, and a new storyline with memorable characters like Anya Oliwa and Fergus Reid made this reboot a success.
7. Wolfenstein: The New Order (2014): A Darker, Grittier Narrative
MachineGames took the reins of the franchise in 2014 with Wolfenstein: The New Order. This dark and gritty narrative throws Blazkowicz into a dystopian 1960s where the Nazis have conquered the world. The game features a gripping story with themes of resistance, redemption, and fighting against overwhelming odds. Stealth and tactical combat take center stage, alongside intense action sequences.
8. Wolfenstein: The Old Blood (2016): A Prequel to The New Order
Released in 2016, The Old Blood serves as a standalone prequel to The New Order. Set in 1946, it follows Blazkowicz’s mentor, William “B.J.” Blazkowicz Sr. and Agent Kessler as they infiltrate a Nazi prison and attempt to assassinate Deathshead. The Old Blood offers a more linear and character-driven experience compared to The New Order.
FAQs
The Wolfenstein franchise boasts a rich history spanning decades. Whether you’re a seasoned shooter veteran or a curious newcomer, here’s a breakdown of the Wolfenstein games in order, addressing the two main approaches: chronological and release order.
Chronological Order: Delving into Blazkowicz’s Past
Castle Wolfenstein (1981): The original top-down stealth adventure where B.J. Blazkowicz blasts his way through a Nazi castle.
Beyond Castle Wolfenstein (1984): B.J.’s back for another top-down mission to foil Hitler’s plans.
Wolfenstein 3D (1992): The series explodes into 3D! Blazkowicz takes on Mecha-Hitler in a fast-paced, action-packed adventure.
Spear of Destiny (1992): An expansion to Wolfenstein 3D with a new campaign focused on retrieving the Spear of Destiny.
Wolfenstein: The Old Blood (2015): A prequel to the modern reboot, following Blazkowicz and Agent Wesley on a mission before the events of The New Order.
Wolfenstein: The New Order (2014): A dark and mature reboot, Blazkowicz awakens in a dystopian future where the Nazis have conquered the world.
Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus (2017): Blazkowicz leads the resistance against the Nazi regime in a fight for freedom across America.
Wolfenstein: Cyberpilot (2019): A VR spin-off where players take control of a Nazi recruit with hacked cybernetics.
Wolfenstein: Youngblood (2019): Blazkowicz’s daughters, Jess and Soph, take center stage in a co-op focused campaign set after The New Colossus.
Release Order: A Historical Tour of Wolfenstein
Castle Wolfenstein (1981): The birth of the Wolfenstein legend.
Beyond Castle Wolfenstein (1984): The top-down adventure continues.
Wolfenstein 3D (1992): The 3D revolution for the franchise.
Spear of Destiny (1992): An expansion to Wolfenstein 3D.
Return to Castle Wolfenstein (2001): A return to form with a new 3D adventure set in World War II.
Wolfenstein: Enemy Territory (2003): A standalone multiplayer spin-off focused on class-based objectives.
Wolfenstein RPG (2008): A mobile card game with a lighter tone on the Wolfenstein universe.
Wolfenstein (2009): A reboot that didn’t quite stick, set in an alternate 1940s.
Wolfenstein: The New Order (2014): The modern reboot that revitalized the series.
Wolfenstein: The Old Blood (2015): Prequel to The New Order.
Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus (2017): Blazkowicz’s fight continues in America.
Wolfenstein: Cyberpilot (2019): VR spin-off experience.
Wolfenstein: Youngblood (2019): The Blazkowicz daughters take the spotlight.
Which Order Should You Play In?
There’s no right or wrong answer! Here are some pointers:
Chronological Order: Experience Blazkowicz’s story unfold from his early escapades to the modern fight against the Nazis.
Release Order: Play the games as they were originally released to experience the evolution of the series and its gameplay.
No matter which order you choose, get ready for a thrilling ride filled with intense action, memorable characters, and the ever-present fight against tyranny!
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