Castle Wolfenstein

In Castle Wolfenstein, a lone prisoner must escape his cell, find a weapon, recover the Nazi war plans, and get out of the castle alive.

Stealth is central to the experience. Guards patrol the castle’s top-down corridors and rooms, reacting to noises made by the player. Ammunition is limited, so avoiding detection is often safer than engaging enemies. A guard confronted by a player with a drawn gun may surrender, allowing the player to search him for useful items.

Exploration is equally important. Treasure chests can contain war plans, bullets, grenades, bulletproof vests, guard uniforms, food, and beverages. Uniforms provide a disguise, although higher-ranked SS guards can see through it. Alcohol temporarily affects the character’s aim and balance.

Released in 1981 for Apple II, Atari 8-bit, Commodore C64/128/MAX, DOS, and MS-DOS, the game is also notable for early digital voice samples, including German phrases shouted by guards.

Game Details

• Genres: Action, Shooter, Stealth
• Developer: Muse Software; Silas S. Warner
• Publisher: Muse Software
• Release date: June 17, 1981