Wolfenstein still stands out as a high-quality shooter game because of its success in all development fields.
Graphics: By today's standards they're slightly outdated, however, they work well. I don't care about seeing cracks in walls as much as I do seeing a well-designed level that still maintains a great framerate. Wolfenstein pulls this off very well through different environments. From the jail cell in the beginning through the crypts under the castle, the graphics create each atmosphere in a way that really makes you feel there. While there are flaws with clipping, no game is perfect; however, a good game keeps minor issues like that less noticeable.
Sound: Besides gameplay, the sound really helps bring the game to a realistic level. The soundtrack is simple and there are few songs to this. The soundtrack itself is nearly entirely atmospheric, generated from the sounds of the surroundings. The creaks and groans of the areas you walk through surround you. The only times you really hear music are in times of peril, and I don't know anyone who doesn't have their adrenaline pumping when a line of paratroopers drop in ready to take you down. The sound effects for the weapons feel right with their on-screen effects, as do the roars of any creatures you come across.
Control: The actual keyboard and mouse layout is completely customizable, and because of this, you can make it feel exactly how you want. You're also able to modify different aspects of controls that other games don't let you, such as total viewing area for those with greater peripheral vision in-game. However, like everything else, the movement and such feels right.
The heaviest stress throughout all that was mentioned was the fact that the game is just right. It does not go over the top anywhere, because it doesn't need to. The game feels natural to play, and because of feeling, it becomes more than just a game: it's an experience, and an experience you'll want to relive. While the single player is straightforward and traditional, the multiplayer of the game creates a wonderful field of battle to play with friends and foes alike. The stress in multiplayer is, of course, team play. While not squad-based, it still manages to hold together the foundations of a team trying to reach a common goal, but not so much to the point where the learning curve is too high. A new player can pick up the game and help out in a relatively short time, however, there's still an extra level to learn where seasoned players can be seen performing above and beyond others.
Overall, this game comes highly recommended to those who want to have a good time in a shooter.