The Forgotten Wolfenstein: Unpacking Raven’s Ambitious 2009 Reboot
In the long and storied history of the Wolfenstein franchise, there’s a curious middle child that many gamers either missed or have long forgotten. Sandwiched between the 2001 classic Return to Castle Wolfenstein and MachineGames’ blockbuster 2014 reboot The New Order, there was another entry: Wolfenstein (2009). Developed by the legendary Raven Software, this game was an ambitious attempt to evolve the series, blending classic Nazi-blasting action with supernatural powers and a semi-open world. Yet, despite its bold ideas, the game was a commercial failure and has since been scrubbed from digital storefronts, leaving it in a strange state of limbo. It’s a title that players remember fondly for its unique mechanics, especially its incredibly satisfying guns. So, what happened? Let’s take a trip back to the city of Isenstadt and uncover the story of this doomed reboot.
A Supernatural Twist on a Classic Formula
Raven Software didn’t want to make just another World War II shooter. Their vision for Wolfenstein (2009) was much grander. The story sees hero B.J. Blazkowicz sent to the fictional German city of Isenstadt to investigate the Nazis’ obsession with a dark, occult power known as the Black Sun. This narrative MacGuffin allowed the game to lean heavily into supernatural and sci-fi elements. B.J. finds a Thule Medallion, an ancient artifact that grants him otherworldly powers. This became the game’s central mechanic. Players could enter a dimension called the Veil, which allowed them to slow down time, create a defensive shield, or unleash devastating offensive power. It added a layer of strategy to the combat that was completely new for the series.
The game also experimented with level design. Instead of a purely linear series of missions, Isenstadt served as a hub world. From there, B.J. could accept missions from two different resistance factions, explore the city, and uncover secrets. It was an attempt to create a more dynamic and immersive world. The story itself also had lasting impact, as it introduced characters like Caroline Becker, who would later become a pivotal figure in MachineGames’ rebooted series.
Guns So Good, People Still Talk About Them
For all its supernatural gimmicks, the thing players remember most fondly about Wolfenstein (2009) is its phenomenal gunplay. Raven Software nailed the feeling of its weapons, and one, in particular, has become the stuff of legend: the Kar98k bolt-action rifle. In online discussions, players still rave about it. They praise its incredible sound design, its punchy impact, and the sheer satisfaction of landing a shot after upgrading it. Using the iron sights felt tight and responsive, and adding a bayonet made it a brutal close-quarters weapon. It’s the kind of video game weapon that just feels *right*, and for many, it remains a high watermark for bolt-action rifles in gaming.
So Why Did It Fail and Disappear?
Despite these high points, Wolfenstein (2009) was ultimately doomed. Upon release, it received a mixed reception from critics. Some felt its new ideas didn’t go far enough to revolutionize the genre, while others were disappointed by a lackluster multiplayer mode. This lukewarm response led to poor commercial performance-the game sold only around 100,000 copies in its first month.
But the final nail in the coffin was a corporate acquisition. The game was published by Activision. However, shortly after its release, id Software-the original creators and owners of the Wolfenstein IP-was purchased by ZeniMax Media (the parent company of Bethesda). This complicated the publishing rights, and with the game not being a commercial hit, Activision eventually let the rights lapse. As a result, Wolfenstein (2009) was pulled from Steam and other digital stores, making it impossible to purchase legally today. It became a piece of abandonware, a lost chapter in gaming history.
Conclusion
Wolfenstein (2009) is a fascinating case study. It was a game full of bold ideas that tried to push a classic franchise in a new direction. While it didn’t all come together perfectly, its unique blend of supernatural powers, satisfying gunplay, and experimental world design made it a memorable experience for those who played it. It’s a cult classic that many fans feel was unfairly overlooked and wish would get a modern re-release. It may have been a doomed reboot, but it was a daring one, and it deserves to be remembered as more than just a forgotten footnote in B.J. Blazkowicz’s long war against the Nazis.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What was Wolfenstein (2009)?
It was a first-person shooter developed by Raven Software that served as a loose sequel to Return to Castle Wolfenstein. It blended traditional FPS gameplay with supernatural powers and a semi-open hub world.
2. Why can’t I buy Wolfenstein (2009) on Steam anymore?
The game was delisted from digital stores due to a change in publishing rights. Activision published the game, but id Software, the owner of the Wolfenstein IP, was acquired by ZeniMax Media. This rights issue, combined with poor sales, led to it being removed.
3. What made the gameplay unique?
The game’s standout feature was the Thule Medallion, which gave players access to Veil powers like slowing time (Mire) and creating a shield. It also featured a central hub city, Isenstadt, from which players would embark on missions.
4. Did the game sell well?
No, it was a commercial failure. The game sold poorly, with only about 100,000 copies moved in its first month, which contributed to its eventual disappearance.
5. Is Wolfenstein (2009) connected to the new games like The New Order?
Yes, loosely. While the timeline was rebooted by MachineGames, the 2009 game introduced the character Caroline Becker, who plays a major role as a resistance leader in The New Order and its sequels.
6. What are fans’ favorite parts of the game?
Aside from the unique Veil powers, fans almost universally praise the game’s gunplay. The Kar98k bolt-action rifle, in particular, is often cited as one of the most satisfying weapons to use in any shooter.