Those who read PG regularly might know by now, that I have a bit of a soft spot for id software and am a massive fan of almost all their games. Out of all of the games franchises id have produced over the years, Wolfenstein has to be my favourite. It all started with Wolfenstein 3D which recently got a port to the iPhone which we loved. Those of you with phones other than an iPhone maybe familiar with the most recent edition to the Wolfenstein family on the iPhone, Wolfenstein RPG, as it started life as a mobile java game. Now having gone through a spruce up including graphics, sounds and controls, Wolfenstein RPG is back and better than ever.

Misson control

Wolfenstein RPG has vague RPG elements allowing you to gain experience and ‘level up’ BJ Blazkowicz, but if I had to classify the game, it would have to be as a turn-based action game. If you can imagine a first person shooter moulded into a turn-based first person game then you’re just about there. It is a difficult concept to grasp as simply described, but rest assured you’ll be right at home and racing through levels blasting Nazis as soon as you load the game.

Blast the flag, there might be something behind it

The story follows BJ Blazkowicz, a familiar hero to Wolfenstein fans, who’s been imprisoned by the Axis of Evil in Castle Wolfenstein. As per usual the Axis’ diabolical Paranormal Division is up to no good, playing with the dead, creating Super Soldiers and messing with the Harbinger of Doom. It’s your job to put the spanner in the works and crash their psychotic plans, whilst escaping and being tormented by a rather irritating Spy.

I raise your SMG with Dual Pistols

The game itself looks great in an isometric sprite style, complete with effective and fitting sound effects that enhance the atmosphere of your surroundings. Blasting Nazis, zombies and assorted villains is as fun as ever, but is somewhat more relaxed than your average FPS due to the turn-based approach. Instead of lightning quick reactions, you’ll need to pick a winning strategy to blast your way through the ranks of enemies. For the most part the game is fluid and fast with it feeling just like a straightforward first person shooter. Once you get into a fight with several enemies, however, you might need to employ a bit of strategy here and there to win through. Rest assured in-depth planning of every move isn’t required but it’s certainly true a few good jabs with certain syringes before battle can make a huge difference.

Blathering Nazi, get out of my way!

Weapons range from your standard punch, kick and pistols all the way up to the chain gun and rocket launcher, something to suit everyone’s taste. Attacks, defence and health can all be augmented temporarily with serum syringes, such as Regeneration and  Enrage, that you either pick up or mix yourself during the game. There’s also quite a bit of humour to be had from the story and character interactions in the game.  From the amusing dialogue to the ability to punch Hitler in the face in paintings (which trust me, never gets old) there’s something for everyone. There’s even the odd chicken and raving lunatic to keep you company as you fight your way through the castle and surrounding town.

Soon to be roast chicken

All in all, Wolfenstein RPG is very well suited to the iPhone. The turn-based gameplay dynamic and control scheme, really work well on the touch screen device. Graphics, sounds and story all come together to make an involving and down right addictive Wolfenstein experience. It’s not often I come across an iPhone game that I literally can’t put down and Wolfenstein RPG truly kept me amused for hours. At $2.99 (£1.79) it’s a real steal. If you’re up for a laugh and like FPS games then do yourself a favour and play this great game. A must for any Wolfenstein fans especially if you happen to have recently picked up the new Wolfenstein for PS3 or 360.