MachineGames’ Wolfenstein: The New Order launched May 20, 2014 as the alternate-history Nazi-killing reboot. The shooter sold 5+ million copies, proved single-player FPS narratives still worked, and delivered surprising emotional depth alongside ultra-violence.

Critical Success

• 79/100 Metacritic (PS4)
• Revitalized dormant franchise
• The New Colossus sequel (2017)
• The Old Blood prequel (2015)

Alternate History

1960 setting where Nazis won WWII:

• Advanced Nazi technology (mech suits, robots)
• Occupied Europe, lunar base
• Resistance fighters
• BJ Blazkowicz (40s soldier, tank of a man)

The “what if Nazis won?” premise = compelling horror.

Dual Timeline

Choose to save:

• Fergus (hardened soldier, cynical)
• Wyatt (young soldier, idealistic)

The choice affects entire playthrough (NPC dialogue, missions).

Emotional Storytelling

Surprising depth:

• BJ’s internal monologues (philosophical, poetic)
• Romance with Anya
• Holocaust survivor Bubi
• Concentration camp sequence (disturbing, necessary)

The game balanced gore with genuine pathos.

Gameplay

• Dual-wielding everything (shotguns, assault rifles)
• Stealth viable (silent takedowns)
• Health system (traditional, no regen)
• Weapon upgrades, alternate fire modes

The gunplay felt weighty, satisfying.

Legacy

The New Order revived:

• Wolfenstein franchise
• Single-player FPS confidence
• MachineGames as studio to watch

The New Colossus (2017) continued BJ’s fight in Nazi-occupied America.

Sources: MachineGames, Bethesda, Metacritic, gaming press 2014-2023