Return to Castle Wolfenstein
Activision http://www.activision.com
As predicted a few editions ago, the multi-platform release of Return to Castle Wolfenstein has been a smash hit.

Despite having played it when the PC version was released, I still found enough new twists in the revamped console ports to keep me on the couch for hours at a time.

The story is obviously similar but the prequel mission on the XBox version sets the scene for B.J. Blazkowicz’s incarceration (the starting point of the PC version).

It also does a good job of explaining the supernatural storyline of the game by putting the player in the middle of an archaeological dig led by the Nazi hag Helga.

It is slightly reminiscent of Indiana Jones with gun-toting Nazis and mad Arabs but without the friendly female accomplice. B.J. does not go it alone however and is teamed up with a British agent from the beginning to fight through to the Nazi dig-site.

Unfortunately his stiff upper lip and British bearing are no match for the Nazis weapons and B.J’s partner leaves him to be captured and eventually fight from the castle alone.

The game plays very well in console format although I still find lining up a quick shot difficult at times. B.J. has access to a range of German weaponry so a quick spray from a MP44 is usually enough to fight of the hordes.

Like the PC version, the console game maps feature several hidden areas and treasures. By finding them all a player can ensure they progress to the next round with a full ammo load and, more importantly, a topped up health count.

The game’s enemies are numerous, resulting in a shoot-fest on most levels, and display a reasonable level of intelligence. Most seek cover and ambush the player at turns and corners but there are a few who will openly blaze away.

Early on the Germans are also fighting off the supernatural threat, so it’s quite often possible to sit back and have the zombies pick a few of the Nazis before a player moves in to clean up the mess.

All up, it’s a faithful port that will interest those who have already played out the PC versions or are new to the Wolfenstein world. With its system link capabilities Return to Castle Wolfenstein offers great multi-play prospects. It is also XBox-Live enabled for when the system gets up and running in Australia later this year.