About
Wolfenstein is a video game franchise originally created by Muse Software. In the game the player assumes the role of B.J. Blazkowicz, a WWII Green Beret Infiltrator who fights against Nazi Powers.
History
The first two titles of the franchise, Castle Wolfenstein and Beyond Castle Wolfenstein, were released on 1981 and 1984 respectively by Muse Software. The titles are a stealth-based action-adventure shooter set in WWII.
The third title, Wolfenstein 3D, was developed by id Software and was released in 1992. It became known as the Godfather of FPS gaming for being the very first First Person Shooter title.
The series was rebooted with the release of the title Return to Castle Wolfenstein, released on November 19, 2001. It was praised by critics for bringing first class Multiplayer content.
The most recent title, Wolfenstein: The New Order is a sequel and a soft reboot of the franchise. It was developed by MachineGames and released on 20th May, 2014. It assumes a Alternative History theme, taking place on 1960 in a dystopian Berlin where the Nazis won WWII and dominated the world.
A standalone expansion pack has been released on 5th May 2015, Wolfenstein: The Old Blood. It’s a remake of the title Return to Castle Wolfenstein, and a prequel to The New Order.
Reception
The Wolfenstein franchise always received a mixed ammount of positive and negative criticism for bringing Nazi reference.
Although the franchise isn’t as inspirational as Doom, Wolfenstein is considered to be the “Godfather of FPS”, for estabilishing the genre and popularizing it in the 90s.
Controversy
Critics panned the franchise for using Nazi reference, such as the Nazi Party symbol, Hitler portraits and Swastikas as the main artistical theme.
Censorship
Wolfenstein 3D received backlash for having the Nazi Party’s anthem “Horst-Wessel-Lied” and Nazi symbols over the levels. It received a censored version for Germany after initial release but the sales was later withdrawn due to national stigma.
Wolfenstein: The New Order received a censored version in Germany on initial release as the public display of Nazi symbols is illegal and is a national stigma in Germany.
Search Interest
External Reference
Urban Dictionary – Wolfenstein
Wikipedia – Wolfenstein
Wolfenstein: The New Order – Official Website
Wolfenstein: The Old Blood – Official Website
Wolfenstein 3D – 20 Years Celebration