When you think of a gaming platform, the Iphone is hardly the first thing that comes to mind. But consider the specifications…412 MHz CPU, 128 MB RAM and either 8 or 16 gigs of storage for the 3G, with the 3GS’s 600 MHz CPU and roughly twice the amount of memory and storage, you could load Windows XP on the thing if you could find a way to make it work! I know, because I just worked on a machine with similar specs, though I won’t lie and say it runs well!
Perhaps that’s why one of the classics of all PC gaming has found a new home. In March of 2009, ID Software released Wolfenstein 3D Classic for the Iphone and IPod touch through the Online App Store. Simply access the App store via your device, or ITunes on your computer and for $1.99 you can once again relive those hours better spent on… who am I kidding, what could be better? If two dollars will bankrupt you, the Lite version is available free!
While the overall appearance, storyline and effects are nearly identical to the original, the code behind the game underwent a major overhaul to allow for better playability on the Iphone. If the details interest you, for the full story check out Id Software’s Technical Director John Carmack’s notes on the project development at http://www.idsoftware.com/wolfenstein-3d-classic-platinum/wolfdevelopment.htm. The overall notes on the project are interesting, and one can really gain an understanding and appreciation of the challenges faced when porting a game into an entirely different platform. But, you want to shoot stuff first, right?
Playability of Wolfenstein 3D on the Iphone can be difficult at times, mainly due to the small size of touch screen, but by simply tweaking the menu and trying out the different control schemes, you will soon find a system that works for you, select “Advanced” for even greater flexibility, allowing you to drag the controls where you choose. Likewise, the game makes use of the native accelerometer built into the Iphone to allow tilt controlled movement or tilt controlled turning.
Looking at the screen, you will see a very simple yet effective UI. A map button on the top left allows you to view your progress and stats in the level, while on the top right a menu button allows you to make in game changes to your control scheme or start a new game. In the bottom center is an icon, which represents you and your current state of health. And just like the original, the more damage you take, the more beat up your icon looks, with a number indicating your percentage of health. You can move the fire button around according to your selected control scheme, and bears a surprising resemblance to a pistol firing, just in case you need the hint.
One of the changes made to the game is the weapon select. In the original version, a player could select which weapon simply by toggling the correct control, in the App version, weapons are toggled as soon as they are picked up, meaning you need to conserve your ammo or else you will wind up only with a pistol until you find more, worse yet, a knife. However, you will not need to be as close to an item in order to pick it up in the App version.
For those of you who are familiar with the original Wolfenstein 3d, you will feel right at home with the App version. I could tell no difference in the maps, storyline or even sound effects. The map is populated with the same enemies, items, med packs, and weapons I remember. It was almost like walking into a room you haven’t seen in years, only to find it the same as you left it. Every effect, right down to the annoying tables which never seemed to change based on your point of view, will be waiting for you as soon as you download the game.
In the full version, Wolf3d sports the original storyline, with all 6 episodes and a full 60 (!) levels. In those levels, await the original villains of the game, from Nazi guards to SS Troopers, right down to the German Shepherds and MechaHilter. The Lite version features only the first three levels of Episode 1, and is meant more to tempt you into buying the full, but hey, for free…who can argue?
If you have an Iphone, buy this game, it’s only two bucks and will keep you entertained for hours on end.
*A note about the Ratings: I based my ratings on how faithful to the original this version is. Other than realism and tactical, these ratings reflect those observations.
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