Should You Play Wolfenstein: The Old Blood First? A Comprehensive Guide
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The burning question for any newcomer to the modern Wolfenstein saga is: Should I play The Old Blood before The New Order? The short answer is: it depends on your priorities, but for most players, starting with The New Order is the better choice. While The Old Blood is a prequel chronologically, The New Order provides a more cohesive and impactful introduction to the world, characters, and narrative themes that define the revitalized Wolfenstein universe.
The New Order was the game that resurrected the franchise, demonstrating a clear vision and setting the stage for everything that followed. Playing it first allows you to experience the story’s core themes and emotional beats in the intended order, maximizing their impact. The Old Blood, while enjoyable, functions more effectively as a supplementary experience that enriches your understanding of the universe after you’ve been captivated by the main storyline.
Why Start with The New Order?
A Stronger Narrative Hook
The New Order excels at drawing players into its alternate-history setting. The initial cutscenes and early gameplay sequences establish the stakes, introduce key characters, and immediately immerse you in a world where the Nazis won World War II. This immediate grab is more impactful than The Old Blood’s slower build-up.
Improved Pacing and Gameplay Refinements
The New Order benefits from refinements in gameplay mechanics and level design. It’s a more polished and cohesive experience from start to finish. Starting with The New Order will give you a better overall sense of the quality you can expect from the modern Wolfenstein games.
Greater Appreciation for The Old Blood’s References
The Old Blood is packed with Easter eggs and references to The New Order, as well as to the classic Wolfenstein games. These nods are far more meaningful if you’ve already experienced The New Order and are familiar with its characters and lore. You’ll appreciate the connective tissue and the subtle ways The Old Blood enriches the overall narrative.
Avoiding Prequel Fatigue
Playing prequels first can sometimes diminish the impact of later installments. Knowing the ultimate fates of characters or the general direction of the plot can sap the tension and surprise from the main story. Starting with The New Order preserves the suspense and allows you to experience the narrative unfolding as intended.
Reasons to Consider Playing The Old Blood First
While The New Order is generally the recommended starting point, there are a few specific scenarios where playing The Old Blood first might be beneficial:
- Die-Hard Wolfenstein Fans: If you’re a long-time fan of the series and eager to delve into the lore as deeply as possible, starting with The Old Blood can provide a more comprehensive understanding of the universe’s origins.
- Desire for Chronological Order: Some players simply prefer to experience stories in chronological order, regardless of the impact on pacing or narrative structure. If this describes you, The Old Blood is the logical starting point.
- Focus on Gameplay Over Story: The Old Blood offers a more straightforward, action-focused experience. If you’re primarily interested in shooting Nazis and less concerned with the nuances of the story, The Old Blood can be a good starting point.
Understanding the Timeline
The Wolfenstein timeline, encompassing various reboots and iterations, can be confusing. The current modern continuity flows as follows:
- Wolfenstein: The Old Blood (Prequel to The New Order)
- Wolfenstein: The New Order
- Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus
- Wolfenstein: Youngblood
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some commonly asked questions about the Wolfenstein games and their recommended play order:
1. Do I need to play The Old Blood before The New Colossus?
No, you don’t need to. The New Colossus provides enough context for newcomers to understand the story. However, playing The Old Blood adds depth and context to certain characters and plot points, making the experience richer.
2. Is The Old Blood a full game or just DLC?
The Old Blood is a standalone prequel, meaning it’s a separate game that doesn’t require The New Order to play. Think of it as a large expansion pack that tells a self-contained story.
3. Is The Old Blood difficult?
The Old Blood can be challenging, especially on higher difficulty settings. Expect intense firefights and strategic encounters that require careful planning and resource management.
4. How long does it take to beat The Old Blood?
The main story of The Old Blood typically takes around 6-8 hours to complete. Completionists aiming for 100% can expect to spend around 16 hours.
5. What are the key differences between The Old Blood and The New Order?
The Old Blood is more focused on action and classic Wolfenstein gameplay. It features a more linear level design and less emphasis on character development and narrative complexity compared to The New Order.
6. Is The Old Blood a remake of Return to Castle Wolfenstein?
While The Old Blood draws inspiration from Return to Castle Wolfenstein, it’s more of a spiritual successor or a reimagining than a direct remake. It shares similar themes and settings but tells its own unique story.
7. Is the story in The Old Blood essential to understanding The New Order?
No, it is not essential. The New Order stands on its own and provides all the necessary information to understand its plot. The Old Blood simply provides additional backstory and context.
8. Will I be lost if I start with The New Colossus without playing either of the previous games?
While The New Colossus does a decent job of catching players up, you’ll miss out on some character development and narrative nuances if you haven’t played The New Order and ideally The Old Blood.
9. Does playing the Wolfenstein games in chronological order enhance the experience?
For some players, yes. Experiencing the story in chronological order can create a more cohesive understanding of the world and characters. However, it’s not essential for enjoying the games.
10. Is Wolfenstein: Youngblood worth playing?
Wolfenstein: Youngblood is a co-op focused spin-off. Its reception has been more mixed compared to The New Order and The New Colossus. It’s recommended primarily for players who enjoy co-op gameplay and are already invested in the Wolfenstein universe.
11. Where does Wolfenstein (2009) fit in the timeline?
Wolfenstein (2009) exists in a separate continuity from the modern Wolfenstein games. It’s loosely connected to Return to Castle Wolfenstein but is not directly related to The Old Blood, The New Order, or The New Colossus.
12. What makes the modern Wolfenstein games so good?
The modern Wolfenstein games are praised for their compelling story, well-developed characters, intense action, and thought-provoking themes. They offer a unique blend of over-the-top violence and surprisingly nuanced storytelling. They are not, however, suitable for young teens due to Mature themes.
13. Are there any learning opportunities with these games?
Absolutely! While primarily entertainment, Wolfenstein explores themes of resistance, historical revisionism, and the consequences of unchecked power. Discussing these themes after playing can be highly educational. Further research into how games can be used in education and for positive social impact can be found at the Games Learning Society website.
14. Should I skip any of the Wolfenstein games?
That depends on your tolerance and how much you enjoy Wolfenstein! Most players agree that The New Order and The New Colossus are must-play. The Old Blood is also highly recommended. Youngblood can be skipped for a solo experience. The older titles are not directly related and can be visited based on personal preference.
15. I’m primarily a PlayStation user. Should I expect any changes to my experience?
Regardless of whether you’re using a Playstation, Xbox, or personal computer, all Wolfenstein games are nearly identical across systems. Expect high graphics and good frame rates!
Ultimately, the decision of whether to play The Old Blood before The New Order comes down to personal preference. However, for most players, starting with The New Order provides a stronger and more impactful introduction to the modern Wolfenstein saga. Once you’ve been captivated by its story and characters, The Old Blood will be waiting to enrich your understanding of the world and its history. Learn more about using games for education and positive social impact at GamesLearningSociety.org. Now, go blast some Nazis!