Summary
- Release Year: 1981
- Genres: Shooter
- Platforms: Apple II, Atari 8-bit, Commodore C64/128/MAX, DOS
- Developers: Muse Software
- Publishers: Main Street Publishing, Muse Software
Castle Wolfenstein: The Granddaddy of Stealth Games
Released in 1981, Castle Wolfenstein is a pioneering stealth game that laid the groundwork for many of the genre’s conventions. Developed by Muse Software, the game follows the exploits of Allied spy William “B.J.” Blazkowicz as he infiltrates Castle Wolfenstein, a Nazi stronghold, to rescue his fellow agents and steal top-secret war plans.
Gameplay
Castle Wolfenstein is a top-down stealth game in which the player must navigate through a series of maze-like levels, avoiding detection by Nazi guards and officers. The player character is armed with a silenced pistol and a knife, and can also pick up grenades and other weapons throughout the game.
The game’s main objective is to find the secret war plans and escape alive. To do this, the player must first locate the keycard that opens the door to the war plans room. Once the keycard is obtained, the player must then find the escape route and make their way back to the surface.
Castle Wolfenstein is a challenging game that requires patience and stealth. The player must carefully plan their movements and avoid making any unnecessary noise. If the player is detected by a guard, they will be shot on sight.
Historical Context
Castle Wolfenstein was released at a time when the world was still reeling from the horrors of World War II. The game’s setting and subject matter were both controversial and timely. The game’s depiction of Nazi Germany was unflinchingly bleak, and it did not shy away from showing the atrocities that the Nazis committed.
Castle Wolfenstein was also one of the first games to feature a Jewish protagonist. This was a bold move at a time when anti-Semitism was still widespread. The game’s creators have said that they wanted to create a game that would challenge the prevailing stereotypes about Jews.
Legacy
Castle Wolfenstein was a critical and commercial success. It was one of the best-selling games of 1981, and it helped to popularize the stealth genre. The game has been ported to numerous platforms over the years, and it is still enjoyed by gamers today.
Castle Wolfenstein has also been influential in the development of other stealth games. Games such as Metal Gear Solid and Splinter Cell owe a clear debt to Castle Wolfenstein. The game’s legacy is also evident in the fact that the term “Wolfenstein” has become synonymous with the stealth genre.
Review
Castle Wolfenstein is a classic stealth game that still holds up today. Its challenging gameplay, tense atmosphere, and historical significance make it a must-play for fans of the genre.
Score: 9/10
Pros:
- Challenging and rewarding gameplay
- Tense and atmospheric setting
- Historically significant
- Influential on the development of the stealth genre
Cons:
- Graphics are dated by today’s standards
- Can be frustrating at times
Overall, Castle Wolfenstein is a groundbreaking stealth game that deserves its place in the gaming pantheon.
Review Score
9/10
Art
Cover Art
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