I gotta say, it's still thoroughly impressive to me that MachineGames was able to turn a primarily gameplay-first franchise into one where its story and characters are what fans are looking forward to most with each new installment. That's not to say that the gunplay isn't great here too, but it speaks to what a wonderfully written, fully-realised take on the Wolfenstein universe and lore they've crafted here.
I've said it before but I'll say it again: B.J. Blazkowicz is a fantastic character, brought to life and portrayed perfectly by Brian Bloom. He could easily just be a generic soldier, kind of like he has been in entries past, but instead, The New Order gives him a full character arc and motivations, going from fatalistic, despondent war veteran to determined freedom fighter who fights for the future and the family he has found himself in.
It's truly captivating material, enhanced by an excellent group of supporting characters, including love interest Anya, Fergus/Wyatt, and the wonderful Max Hass. Really, there's not a weak link among them, even in the villains, who are all great to root against for several reasons, aside from just being Nazis, of course.
When it comes to gunplay and gameplay in general, The New Order delivers with a tight, well-paced shooter campaign and some excellent set pieces and fire fights, particularly with some spectacular boss battles in the latter half with massive scale.
That said, the weapon wheel can be a little finicky at times, and there are some difficulty imbalances with some of the combat arenas, sometimes pitting you against a room of super-powered enemies with not much in the way of ammunition or armaments initially to get around them.
Also, not to sound like a total wimp or anything but I'm not about that trend where games would insult you for choosing difficulties above normal. I get that it's paying homage and some reverse psychology thing, maybe, but sometimes you just want a laidback experience; there's no need to be called a pussy or anything.
Still, The New Order delivers as a satisfying re-invention of one of gaming's earliest and best FPS franchises.
It's no wonder then that MachineGames have been entrusted to handle an Indiana Jones game, given their keen grasp of character and setting and a penchant for letting you beat the piss out of Nazi scum.
8.5/10
I've said it before but I'll say it again: B.J. Blazkowicz is a fantastic character, brought to life and portrayed perfectly by Brian Bloom. He could easily just be a generic soldier, kind of like he has been in entries past, but instead, The New Order gives him a full character arc and motivations, going from fatalistic, despondent war veteran to determined freedom fighter who fights for the future and the family he has found himself in.
It's truly captivating material, enhanced by an excellent group of supporting characters, including love interest Anya, Fergus/Wyatt, and the wonderful Max Hass. Really, there's not a weak link among them, even in the villains, who are all great to root against for several reasons, aside from just being Nazis, of course.
When it comes to gunplay and gameplay in general, The New Order delivers with a tight, well-paced shooter campaign and some excellent set pieces and fire fights, particularly with some spectacular boss battles in the latter half with massive scale.
That said, the weapon wheel can be a little finicky at times, and there are some difficulty imbalances with some of the combat arenas, sometimes pitting you against a room of super-powered enemies with not much in the way of ammunition or armaments initially to get around them.
Also, not to sound like a total wimp or anything but I'm not about that trend where games would insult you for choosing difficulties above normal. I get that it's paying homage and some reverse psychology thing, maybe, but sometimes you just want a laidback experience; there's no need to be called a pussy or anything.
Still, The New Order delivers as a satisfying re-invention of one of gaming's earliest and best FPS franchises.
It's no wonder then that MachineGames have been entrusted to handle an Indiana Jones game, given their keen grasp of character and setting and a penchant for letting you beat the piss out of Nazi scum.
8.5/10