Wolfenstein: Youngblood Review
Played on Xbox One (base)
Developed by MachineGames, Arkane Studios, and Panic Button Games
Released 26th July 2019
Played Co-op
Wolfenstein: Youngblood is the fourth title in MachineGames' reboot of the classic 90s series. It acts as the most modern Wolfenstein and the furthest progressed in terms of narrative, being set in 1980 where Blazkowicz's twin daughters are the ones to carry the torch from his Nazi-slaying legacy and is the first in the series to have a co-op mode.
Story
The story, when compared to its predecessors, is hot garbage. Not only does it portray a "find your father" goal in a ridiculous manner, but it also force-feeds you a 'world-changing' threat for no apparent reason other than 'plot'. In the first game, you fought back against the Nazis who won the Second World War, then in the second instalment, you team up with other resistances to end their regime by killing Hitler, etc. The previous 2 balanced the absurdity of Nazis and Mecha dogs with the horror of what could've actually happened. This game decides to crank the stupid shit to 11 and leave the horror down below. They make such a frightening concept like the Fourth Reich be played off as a comedy in which everyone for some reason has a mecha suit. The only reason I enjoyed the comedy in this game was that it was so bad that I and my friend made fun of it on several occasions.
Gameplay
The gameplay is the only redeeming quality of this game. The level design is basic and not at all interesting to navigate, however, when you're not dying to one-shots by AI with fluctuating levels of intelligence; the fast-paced sliding and double jumping while switching weapons from a flaming remote grenade launcher to a shotgun with a damn drum magazine, are exhilarating and intense. Coupled with the co-op and stealth that always fails but results in some crazy good flame, spark, laser and bullet effects, the gameplay becomes fun while remaining very minimalistic.
Bossfights
The boss fights were all interesting. All the significant bosses were mostly the same, however, they were all entertaining to fight as you learn their dash-laser combos and pinpoint their weaknesses. The range of environments that were coupled with the bosses was quite good and bettered each fight. Whether it was a room with an alternating laser floor to a massive open area where suicide bomber dogs ran at you while the boss gunned you, the boss encounters thrived in an otherwise poorly made game.
Characters
The characters, like the story, are disappointing. The only character I enjoyed was Abby but even then, at the halfway point, she started to slowly succumb to the bad comedic writing. The Blazkowicz twins are so annoying and unlikeable that I didn't even remember my character's name until the end of the game. From their bad voice acting, to the shit dialogue to the unfavourable, unrealistic and annoying ass personalities, it all resulted in me saying out loud that I hope our characters die soon. The returning personas as well are somehow worse (except Amanda, she’s still kicking ass). Even the previous game's protagonist, BJ Blazkowicz, the Terror-Billy, is less interesting and plain. There is a 5-second scene where he doesn't talk, but only walks across the screen, and that cemented him as a better character than his daughters and that we miss playing as him; unfortunately, this is the only redeeming cutscene of the game.
Atmosphere
The atmosphere was fine. The music didn't stand out enough for me to pay attention to, but when I did, it rocked hard as it blared through my headphones to accompany the knee-capping action happening on-screen. The designs and look for every mission were vibrant and beautifully lit, however, the streets always felt very monotonous, but I do appreciate the effort for trying to make the flaming alleyways to the neon-lit streets feel different. There were no bugs that I experienced except a voice line that was repeated 3 times in a row.
Story - 4/10
Gameplay - 8/10
Bossfights - 7/10
Characters - 3/10
Atmosphere - 7.5/10
SUbPar
As a whole package, Youngblood is a skip due to its otherwise terrible storytelling. However, if you're down to play with a friend and shitpost all over this relatively fun game, then I'm sure you'll have great fun.
