The much anticipated Return to Castle Wolfenstein: Tides of War finally hit the console market. Many mouths have been salivating over this game for years now and the loyal now have their prize. I fondly remember the original Wolfenstein 3D game from way back in the day. Back then it was easier to please me when it came to video games, now its a hell of a lot harder. Along with everyone else I was very excited about the release of RTCW, so much so I was looking around for games to return so I could pick it up before my paycheck hit my account. I can only imagine how I would be feeling at this moment if I had paid for this game.

Disclaimer:
Here at Snackbar we give our honest opinion about the games we play review. This game is so high profile that you may think we are on crack (can you guess if I liked it yet?). Know that we have four members that play and review games, and this one just happened to land in my lap to review, so you get my side of the story.

By the way, I fucking hated this game. Allow me to explain.

When talking about the graphics in RTCW the word "underachieving" comes to mind. With powerhouse ID behind the development of the game you would think that presentation would be held to the highest standards. While the game looks great, I just don't see the Xbox pushed any; hell the Xbox seemed pretty bored while running the game. The environments were on par with any average game, not the high profile game that ID brings to the table. The tombs, cities and everything else was mediocre with pixelization showing up on gates and walls from up close. The game ran at a smooth frame rate, and then again I'm sure it was not pushed at all by rendering the environments. Fog in the crypts looked like terrible; I mean I almost lost it. I have seen some great fog rendered on games, but this was just sad. I mean what the fuck is going on. By this time in the game I am thinking to myself, "This cant be the right game". Some of you will be thinking the same. The guns look great; however your little "boot" attack had my jaw dropped to the floor. When looking at your co-op friend kick nothing happens to his character, as in the kick is not a real animation! There are many things you can break and smash around the level, but the breaking itself just didn't look right…something is very wrong here. The cut scenes look good and character models in them are on par with some of the best. When you find yourself looking at your teammate in co-op mode you will think there is connection lag taking place. We are talking major frame issues, it looks sad, and only adds to the stack of issues this "High Profile" game has.

The games sound was great with the exception of one thing. Gunshots! Coincidently you will be hearing mo re gunshots then anything else in the game. The shots themselves sound muted and dull. The ambient sounds are good; then again I didn't notice them or not notice them, which is not a bad thing. Voice-overs are crisp and at a good volume and the enemy conversations are good as well. Note that this is an FPS, so sound is not the foremost priority.

RTCW's control is solid. Taking notes from the Halo handbook, the movement/look/fire mechanics are all instinctual. The frame rate is very solid with a "not too fast, but not too slow" feel. The game helps you out via the use of icons, which I thought was pretty cool. You will know whether or not you can bash something by the icon represented on the screen, this will eliminate you trying to smash everything in sight looking for that secret room that Wolfenstein is famous for. The implementation of a quick turn would be nice, then again that would require the extra step that ID seemed determined to avoid.

The game's challenge was decent with the default difficulty settings in place. Most anyone can just pick up and start plugging some bad guys full of lead, however to be a real man you must play on the hardest mode. The harder modes are a total bitch. You will have a hard time getting that head shot and the enemy will run and hide behind crap whenever possible. You will be fired upon from all angles and sometimes you won't find out from where until you respawn about three times.

We did not get a chance to play the Live version of the game. I hear what sets this game apart from the others is the multiplayer. I don't want to bank on a game being cool because the multiplayer version is fresh; I want to be able to enjoy the single player missions, especially for a game like Wolfenstein. To be honest I was let down tremendously. I knew this wouldn't be Halo, but I was expecting so much more. I wanted a good FPS game (which it is) but I was also expecting something above par and it wasn't delivered. I feel ID let the ball drop right on my foot. I was so happy to bring the game home than so pissed when I played it. The game has so many small issues that drive me crazy. I'll give the online game play a try or two, but single player and co-op are terrible to the eyes in all ways possible.

I am pretty upset right now. When asked if I like the game and I say no people freak out. I suggest they look at the game itself and ask themselves if this is what they wanted. I know deep down you are disappointed as well. In my opinion I say don't even fucking bother with this game. It is total crap with too many small issues to look past.

I will now go into my room where I will not be playing RTCW, only sitting and waiting for Halo 2.

May 12, 2003 | 9 comments
Mike Carabajal