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Carmack releases open source Wolfenstein for iPhone
The following post was assembled using two documents (Carmack_iPhone_development.doc and readme_iWolf.txt) written by John Carmack and included in Wolf3D iPhone v1.0 Source. The documents are posted in their exhaustive entirety after the break.Dear Diary,I love my iPhone. Unfortunately, things have conspired against us being out early on the platform. I had a plan for an aggressive, iPhone specific project that we actually started putting some internal resources on, but the programmer tasked with it didn't work out and was let go. In an odd coincidence, an outside development team came to us with a proposal, and we decided to have them work on the iPhone project. We should be announcing this project soon, and it is cool.After a little looking around, I found Wolf3D Redux at http://wolf3dredux.sourceforge.net/. The game was still fun to play after all these years, and I began to think that it might be worthwhile to actually make a product out of Wolfenstein on the iPhone. The simple episodic nature of the game would make it easy to split up into a $0.99 version with just the first episode. I was getting a little ahead of myself without a fun-to-play demonstration of feasibility on the iPhone, but the idea of moving the entire line of classic Id titles over -- Wolf, Doom, Quake, Quake 2, and Quake Arena, was starting to sound like a real good idea.
New Wolfenstein trailer and info exclusively from GameTrailers TV
Geoff Keighley and co. got the scoop on the newest trailer and a ton of info for the upcoming Wolfenstein game from Raven Software on last night's GameTrailers TV. The game, unsurprisingly, seeks to bring back most of what we remember from the classic id Software title, from main character B.J. Blazkowicz to the gauntlet of Third Reich baddies taking aim at B.J. along the way. This may or may not be a good thing, considering when we last saw Wolfenstein at the NY Comic Con, we were less than impressed.Additionally, the next-gen current-gen update to Wolfenstein brings with it some new weapons (a particle gun that vaporizes enemies, for instance) as well as a twist on the gameplay called "the veil," which the game's creative director, Eric Beissman, describes as, "An alternative reality that sits on top of where we live." From what we can glean from the gameplay in the video, this "veil" business seems to be Wolfenstein's version of bullet-time, as well as a means to employ various powers. To find out everything Mr. Keighley discovered, peep the interview with Beissman after the break. Oh, and yeah, no mech Hitler! Seriously?!%Gallery-27817%
Achtung! Wolfenstein website is live
click to enlarge The official website for the latest iteration of Wolfenstein is now open for business. The site contains everything you'd expect from a game site, including screens, videos, forums and a blog. A handful of the screens are new, and there is also a hefty load of concept art, all of which we've compiled in the galleries below. Be sure to check out the concept art, as it contains a sneak peak at some of the game's multiplayer classes. The site also promises some upcoming webisodes, so stay tuned.Activision has also announced that this week's episode of GameTrailers TV will be dedicated to Wolfenstein. The episode will feature a new trailer, plenty of gameplay footage and a look at one of the game's bosses. The episode is scheduled to air this Friday on SpikeTV.%Gallery-48157%%Gallery-48158%
Rumor: Wolfenstein multiplayer screens leaked
Discovered via a public Photobucket gallery, these shots of what appear to be multiplayer maps for the recently announced Hitler-less Wolfenstein revival take us back to the good old days of 2003. You know, back when Enemy Territory was the hot title on the block. The screens are labeled "property of id Software," and we're inclined to think they're genuine, based on, uh, how they look, as well as Activision's response when questioned about their authenticity: "The screens in question were not distributed by Activision or approved by Activision, and thus Activision cannot confirm their authenticity." Wolfenstein is currently slated for release this summer. [Via Shacknews]
NYCC 09: Returning to Wolfenstein (why?)
Click to embiggen. It's been 8 years since the release of the last real Wolfenstein game. After seeing Wolfenstein last week at an Activision event, we wonder if there's any reason to revisit the franchise.There's a fine line between "classic" and "dated," and Wolfenstein finds itself on the wrong side of the fence. Fighting Nazis was a novel idea back in the series' prime, but it has since become a tired idea. At first glance, Wolfenstein can only be described as generic. A FPS that has you crawling through World War II shooting Nazis? After dozens of Call of Duty and Medal of Honor games, to call the era overused would be an understatement.Gameplay and setting aren't the only things dated about Wolfenstein. The visuals are lackluster, undoubtedly hindered by the aging idTech 4 engine (Doom 3 engine). We couldn't help but notice how poor the texture work was and how uninspired the levels looked through the entirety of the hands-off demonstration. Although the visuals were rather bland, we were taken aback by the shoddy framerate. Yes, the game still has quite a bit of development left ahead of it, but this early look certainly didn't give us much confidence.%Gallery-27813%
Wolfenstein 3D comes to Sega 32X at long last in homebrew form
While some of you meanies nominated Sega's 32X (or Genesis 32X for the North Americans) as the worst gadget flop of all time, we know there's still a dedicated following out there somewhere who will be completely elated to hear of this. The tremendously skillful JLF65 has delivered homebrew to one of Sega's most quickly forgotten console attachments of all time, and what better to showcase your work than to port over the heralded Wolfenstein 3D? Sadly, there's still no audio in the latest alpha, but rest assured that addition and many, many more are just around the bend. Hit the read link for more details, and best of luck locating your 32X underneath all those other dust-filled boxes in the attic. [Thanks, Craig]
Cyan porting Myst to iPhone
An employee of Cyan Worlds (proprietors of the legendary Myst series of games) has announced that they will be porting the original Myst to the iPhone. Apparently it's an "outside-funded" project -- though who might be funding it isn't yet clear -- and is apparently proving to be an "interesting and fun" project with a small team of just three people. No word yet on how it might work (or work differently) from the original, but the classic puzzle/exploration of Myst is good gaming no matter what platform you're playing it on.Starting with the NES emulator, the iPhone was following the evolution of gaming pretty well -- at least until the App Store started mixing things up a bit. After Myst, I think we're right around Wolfenstein and Doom at this point -- those were available jailbroken, but it's about time we get an FPS officially as well. Carmack, you interested?[via TouchArcade, which is strangely down as of this writing]
New Wolfenstein game will not feature Hitler
When we think back on our proudest achievements throughout our video gaming careers, a few notable moments come to mind -- for instance, the first time we caught 'em all. Or when we topped our friends' high scores on Pac-Man Championship Edition. The first time we beat the wretched wind tunnel level in Battletoads. Oh, and how could we forget -- that time we shuffled robo-Hitler off this mortal coil in Wolfenstein 3D. That guy was a jerk.Unfortunately, the satisfaction one feels after putting the kibosh on a genocidist won't be present in Id Software and Raven's next installment in their Nazi-stomping franchise, Wolfenstein. In an interview with Eurogamer, Id lead artist Kevin Cloud confirmed that the Fuhrer will not be present in the upcoming title, claiming that the developer needs to "save something for future Wolfensteins." Who could possibly replace him as the game's nefarious evil boss, though? Eva Braun? Bowser, perhaps?
Wolfenstein movie still in the works
Although we'd think Roger Avary's work would have been put on hold in light of his recent legal issues, he is still apparently hard at work on the script for a big-screen Wolfenstein film.id's Todd Hollenshead told Eurogamer that, though the recent writer's strike slowed things down, progress on the feature is being made, "I've recently been in contact with Roger and he's actually working on the script right now." Hollenshead did state progress is going slower than they'd like, but then again we don't think Avary would like to be implicated in a manslaughter case either. So, who wins that argument?
Avary is working on Wolfenstein flick 'right now'
Though we would have thought that, in light of recent events, a draft of Grand Theft Auto would be more appropriate (What? Too soon?), it seems that Roger Avary is still plugging away at the script for a big-screen Wolfenstein feature.id's Todd Hollenshead told Eurogamer that, though the recent writer's strike slowed things down, progress is being made, saying, "I've recently been in contact with Roger and he's actually working on the script right now." Hollenshead thinks that the progress is slower than id would have liked, but considering, oh, every other video game movie ever, we think we can find a way to hold out.
Video: Nazi evaporation in a new Wolfenstein
Embedded above is a brand new trailer for id and Raven Software's Wolfenstein (just Wolfenstein, no subtitle) showing off what Nazi killing and the second World War really looks like. You know, if the Nazi war machine was eradicated with both "conventional and supernatural weapons" that make bodies evaporate into an explosive blue cloud of electric death. It's Wolfenstein ... just watch and enjoy.
Wolfenstein trailer and images are occult-tastic
Straight from QuakeCon 2008 come some piping hot Wolfenstein goodies from the upcoming game, namely the trailer and a gallery of images. It might look like The Ghostbusters Meet Hitler, or the opening scene of the first Hellboy movie, but we're excited about the supernatural side of World War II. Thank you for that, Raiders of the Lost Ark.This is a lot more footage than what we saw at Activision's "Not An E3 Event" event earlier this month, and it looks like it has some potential. The paranormal parts look decent, but why does some of it make us think of Call of Duty... 1? Hopefully we'll get some better looks in the coming months ahead, culminating in some Halloweenalicious spooky soldiers.%Gallery-28821%
A better look at Wolfenstein (and yes, it's hitting PC)
click to Wolfensize Hot on the (wolf?) tail of the ever-so-brief debut trailer for the game, Activision has unleashed a pack of first-ever Wolfenstein screens. Well, technically, they're of the new Wolfenstein ... not the original, although they share the same title (minus a "3D"). But we figured you'd guessed that after taking a gander at it above. Oh, and to clear up any confusion, Activision has confirmed that the game will hit PCs as well as PS3 and Xbox 360. The only thing we need now is a date. (Our eagerness to crack some nazi skulls remains more than sufficient, thankyouverymuch.)%Gallery-27813%
Activision reveals Wolfenstein details, teaser trailer
Considering id Software isn't supposed to be at E3 this year (since they left the ESA) the company is making quite a splash. First, id announced plans to partner with Electronic Arts for its upcoming title Rage and now they're busy dropping new details for an upcoming Wolfenstein title. Publisher Activision (another E3 no show) released a handful of screenshots for the latest entry of the famed first-person shooter and showcased the game with a gameplay trailer during their press conference. Co-developed by Raven Software, Wolfenstein will once again feature hero B. J. Blazkowicz against Nazi and supernatural enemies. As the Nazis attempt to open a dark dimension known as "The Shroud," B. J. is called into action to halt their evil plans. The new Wolfenstein game will once again feature team based objective multiplayer, also seen in Return to Castle Wolfenstein: Tides of War. More information is expected at id's annual QuakeCon which takes place later this month.%Gallery-27817%
Achtung! Activision shows Wolfenstein for PS3, 360
We've known about it for a while years, but it was nonetheless nice to see the next Wolfenstein formally announced for PS3 and Xbox 360 tonight. Activision, id, and Raven Software have finally shown a trailer showcasing the fruits of their collective labor – one that's over rat-a-tat-tat fast.It was revealed that the game's most intriguing hook will be the ability to enlist the aid of underground resistance in combating a nigh-endless flood of nazis. Nazis who are attempting to rip open a hole between our dimension and one called "Shrell," which we assume is Raven's way around officially licensing "Hell."id's Todd Hollenshead, who was on hand to introduce the quick clip, announced that more footage (and, we hope, details) will be dished out at QuakeCon on July 31.
Wolfenstein will probably be at E3
Wolfenstein fans rejoice because it looks like the next entry in the fabled franchise is set to debut at E3 this year. The news comes from a press release covering Spike TV's E3 plans (of all places). So says the press release: "Geoff Keighley is on the E3 show floor to give Spike viewers the inside scoop on the sights and sounds of the show. Also, tune in for more world exclusive surprises including something special from id Software and Raven Software." The time listed for this particular bit of programming is "Tuesday, July 15 and Wednesday, July 16 (11:59 PM - Midnight, ET/PT)."Considering the next Wolfenstein is Raven Software's current project, it sounds like that's what we'll be seeing. Strangely, this is listed for GameTrailers TV's E3 Minute program which, as noted above, is only a minute long. With id Software's E3 plans still very hazy, it's looks like things may be starting to take shape after all. Let's hope we wind up with more than a minute's worth of Wolfenstein when all is said and done.
Rumor: Wolfenstein will likely appear at E3
We thought it was important to comb through Spike TV's E3 coverage plans, if only so we could plan our walking paths to put us in front of the cameras as much as humanly possible. But imagine our surprise when we actually found news hiding within our ticket to stardom. Check this listing:"Geoff Keighley is on the E3 show floor to give Spike viewers the inside scoop on the sights and sounds of the show. Also, tune in for more world exclusive surprises including something special from id Software and Raven Software. -- Tuesday, July 15 and Wednesday, July 16 (11:59 PM - Midnight, ET/PT)"Something special from id and Raven, huh? Could it be the 2-and-1/2-years-in-development Wolfenstein follow up that's supposed to arrive this year? Yeah, we think that's a pretty safe bet. Here's hoping we get to hear more about another return to the castle next week.
Wolfenstein 3D celebrates 16th birthday
Wired reminds us that that today is the 16th anniversary of when the ubiquitous first-person shooter genre really took off. Wolfenstein 3D celebrates its "sweet sixteen" in the firm knowledge that it not only helped springboard a genre, but also id Software, which went on to make the Quake and Doom series. Although the FPS had been around since the '70s, Wolfenstein 3D is the game that most people (old enough) can point to being their first real experience with the genre. The game is also remembered for being one of the earlier instances of censorship, as it was banned in Germany for its non-educational use of swastika and Nazi music. As for the next time we'll re-return to castle Wolfenstein? The last we heard it's supposed to be later this year. Update: Wait, it's 2008? So much for celebrating its quinceañera.
Silent Hill screenwriter arrested for suspected manslaughter
Film director and screenwriter Roger Avary, whose game-related work includes the Silent Hill, Driver and Return to Castle Woflenstein adaptations, has been arrested in Ventura, California on suspicion of driving under the influence and manslaughter. Avary was driving the car with his wife Gretchen and friend Andreas Zini when the car crashed. Avary's wife was injured and Zini later died at the hospital from injuries related to the crash. Avary is also known for co-writing Pulp Fiction and Beowulf. He has been released on $50,000 bail. The film adaptation of Return to Castle Wolfenstein has been on hold since the beginning of the Writer's Guild of America strike.
Wolfenstein planned for the DS
For those of you who enjoy first-person shooters on the DS, or at least were hoping to see the genre expand, you may be glad to know that id Software is bringing Wolfenstein 3D to the dual-screened handheld. Anyone excited to shoot more Nazis?The announcement of this game is not official, but id's John Carmack and Anna Kang told Wired about their plans in a recent interview. The husband and wife developers also mentioned that they would like to bring Quake Arena to the DS, and id's recent DS release Orcs & Elves to the Wii.
