Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus Preview - E3 2017
We get some hands-on time with the upcoming shooter sequel
There have been a couple of major FPS tropes when it comes to stereotypical baddies to gun down - zombies and Nazis. Bethesda’s latest entry into the creepy alternate history of a Nazi-occupied America will feature plenty of the latter - but who knows, perhaps it’ll contain some as the former as well. While the idea of running and gunning whilst taking out S.S. troops certainly isn’t uncharted terrain, my action-packed demo of Wolfenstein II at this year’s E3 was anything but conventional - and I mean that in the best way possible.
My demo began as I emerged in a dimly lit, gloomy military complex of some kind, struggling to gather myself. Those who’ve followed the story of the previous entry in the series will soon recognize that we’re picking up essentially where we left off as B.J Blazkowicz, or “Terror Billy” as he’s known by the Reich - Nazi slaying extraordinaire. Problem with this is, B.J. is ailing considerably as a result of a major run-in that followed the conclusion of the last game, and so we are confined to rolling around in a wheelchair. As you’d expect, this hinders him quite a bit, as he moves slower and more sluggishly, is given a small portion of health, and is confined to the use of firing with merely one hand. It’s a clever little mechanic that works as both a subtle narrative element and more importantly, adds a unique feeling of vulnerability to the gameplay. I apprehensively wheeled my way through smoky corridors, spraying bullets with my SMG with the accuracy roughly analogous to Rambo on a bad day. But considering I had just awoken from a long coma and had no working legs, I’d say I was holding my own. It may have been because I was confined to a wheelchair, but the burden of holding my weapon and precision required in landing shots felt gritty and realistic.
While I absorbed dangerous amounts of damage from a number of Nazi’s emerging from around corners and from various crates, I often found myself retreating back and snagging what health and ammo I could find. Little by little, I inched my way forward, instantly clutching the trigger at the mere sight of a silhouette or of echoing shouts nearby. I soon noticed some areas containing prods on either side which I found was capable of cooking some Nazis by flipping switches and powering electric currents. This made for a couple amusing ambushes in which I was able to avoid direct confrontation. Though it also led to a couple embarrassing moments in which I failed to turn off the current, and recklessly rolled onward only to get swiftly zapped to death. Whoops. Strangely, to my recollection I died by this foolishness twice while only getting gunned down once by Nazis, though I’m not sure if that’s something to be proud of or not.
This already thrilling trip got even crazier when I conveniently came across a series of conveyor belts, which didn’t take me long to realize (though probably longer than it should have) that these were to be my means of transportation. Making my way up the conveyor belts, my feelings of a crippled Rambo had shifted to a badass Nazi-killing version of James Bond (Goldeneye anyone?). I had little time to enjoy the ride though - eventually finding myself on the wrong side of the ambush as an enemy reversed the belt, sending me flying off my wheelchair and scrambling to take him and his comrades out. My health was hanging by a thread at this point, but I was able to grab some armor that may have saved my life. I basked in the welcomed return to a stationary floor and was able to mow down some more bad guys after scrambling back to cover and absorbing a few more hits.
Just when it looked as though I might have a chance to make it out, we fade to a grim scene in which a couple of colorful villains loom over me. We’re now confined and only able to gaze around helplessly as we find ourselves belittled and laughed at by a crazy Nazi leader known as Frau Engel, with a rather “plus sized” assistant. The obese woman is also heckled and degraded by the screeching Frau for her weight. We’ve clearly been confronted by one of the primary antagonists here, which is further established following a dark scene involving the commander “dealing with” a leader of the resistance movement through violent means.
Sadly, just as the story seems to be picking up, this is where our demo comes to an abrupt end. Going into this one with a rather casual understanding of the Wolfenstein series, and slightly burnt out on FPS games, I can safely say I was left with the desire to play on and see what madness lies ahead for “Terror Billy.” I only got a taste of this alternate history dystopia, along with some unique gameplay elements and tight mechanics that nicely balance vulnerability with badassery. Yet, it would seem to me that Wolfenstein II is shaping up to be an enjoyable off-the-wall FPS with potential to stand out amongst the countless others. You can get a chance to wreak havoc on the regime when the game hits October 27 2017, on PS4, Xbox One, and PC.