Wolfenstein 1-D

Wolfenstein 1-D
Designer(s)Mike Lacher
Platform(s)Adobe Flash
ReleaseJanuary 24, 2011
Genre(s)Shooter
Mode(s)Single-player

Wolfenstein 1-D is a demake of the video game Wolfenstein 3D created by American developer Mike Lacher that features the game in a minimalist one-dimensional style. It features the same character, William "B.J." Blazkowicz, and plot from the 1992 video game, but in a single line of pixels, where different colored pixels denote doors, enemies, ammo, health, and fired bullets.[1] The game received overall positive reviews, along with comments about whether it was meant to be taken as a critique on modern 3D gaming.

Gameplay

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A mostly black image, with a horizontal line of pixels near the center. Most of the pixels are various shades of gray, with a short line of white pixels near the left, a short line of cyan pixels near the middle, and a short line of magenta pixels to the right of the cyan pixels. At the bottom of the image is the normal Wolfenstein HUD.
Screenshot

Players control the Wolfenstein series' protagonist, William "B.J." Blazkowicz, and must try to escape from the Nazi-controlled Wolfenstein Castle. Along the way Blazkowicz must defeat guards and loot treasure, opening doors in order to progress. Blazkowicz, enemies, treasure, ammunition and life-restoring health packs are all represented by different colored pixels. Enemies either have the ability to fire single shots, or wield automatic rifles.[2]

Reception

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Video game blog Joystiq commented that, "We're sure there's probably a message about the lack of real depth in the storytelling of most first person shooters, though it was totally lost on us, because we were busy having such a good time shooting things."[3] MTV writer, Adam Rosenberg said, "I can't tell if it's actually entertaining to play or if I'm just enjoying the groovy beats of the original game playing behind it... You'll probably only play it once, but it's definitely worth spending a minute or so of your day on. Maybe your life won't be enriched, but is finding new and interesting ways of killing Nazis ever really a bad thing?"[4] Chris Plante for IFC asked, "Is "Wolfenstein 1D" a subtle jab at the choking linearity of modern first-person shooters? Games like "Call of Duty" provide a controlled path, like an amusement park ride, that create the illusion of danger, when in reality every enemy is placed before your muzzle and every loss of life can be remedied by the nearest health pack."[5] Kotaku writer, Michael McWhertor, said, "Thrill as you walk to the right, shooting blue and orange lines (Nazis!), opening cyan lines that represent doors and desperately hoping for a magenta line to appear when you're down to your last bullet. If you truly do not care about graphics, play Wolfenstein 1D."[6] George Wong for tech website Ubergizmo stated, "Words aren’t going to do justice in describing this game, but if you’ve ever played Wolfenstein 3D before, you should experience it for yourself."[7]

Wired writer Duncan Geere commented on the 2D versus 1D argument by saying, "Oh, and if we’re being pedants, then yes, it does have a second dimension — which is just 1 pixel tall. Still, projecting that onto our screens and quantizing it into pixels means you can just about get away with the characterization."[8] GamesRadar writer, Matt Bradford, also commented on the 1D style, saying, "1-D gaming might not require special glasses or expensive TVs to enjoy, but it does require good eyesight and a hefty degree of imagination. Maybe the DLC will include a second layer?"[9] Rock Paper Shotgun writer, Jim Rossignol, asked in a short review, "Just because something can be made doesn’t mean you should make it. That said, Wolfenstein 1-D is surprisingly good. Is this the true essence of gaming?"[10]

Notes

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  • Erwan Cario (January 25, 2011). "Wolfenstein 1-D". Libération. Archived from the original on January 28, 2011. Retrieved January 29, 2011. (English)
  • "Spielt den Klassiker in 1-D". Gamona.de. January 26, 2011. Retrieved January 29, 2011. (English)
  • Alvaro Cordova Castilian (January 25, 2011). "Los aficionados crean Wolfenstein 1-D como homenaje al clásico de id Software". 3D Juegos. Retrieved January 29, 2011. (English)

References

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  1. ^ "Crean una versión de Wolfenstein en 1D". 20 minutos. January 25, 2011. Archived from the original on January 28, 2011. Retrieved January 29, 2011. (English Archived 2013-10-24 at the Wayback Machine)
  2. ^ Tom Goldman (January 24, 2011). "Wolfenstein 3D Ported to Line of Pixels". Escapist Magazine. Archived from the original on January 28, 2011. Retrieved January 29, 2011.
  3. ^ Griffin McElroy (January 26, 2011). "Wolfenstein 3D loses two dimensions, becomes Wolfenstein 1D". Joystiq. Archived from the original on January 28, 2011. Retrieved January 29, 2011.
  4. ^ Adam Rosenberg (January 26, 2011). "'Wolfenstein 3D' Gets A 1-D Demake". MTV. Archived from the original on January 28, 2011. Retrieved January 29, 2011.
  5. ^ Chris Plante (January 25, 2011). "Meet the 1D First-Person Shooter". IFC. Archived from the original on January 31, 2011. Retrieved January 29, 2011.
  6. ^ Michael McWhertor (January 24, 2011). "New Wolfenstein Bucks 3D Trend, Goes Completely 1D". Kotaku. Archived from the original on January 28, 2011. Retrieved January 29, 2011.
  7. ^ George Wong (January 24, 2011). "Wolfenstein 3D goes 1D". Ubergizmo. Archived from the original on January 28, 2011. Retrieved January 29, 2011.
  8. ^ Duncan Geere (January 26, 2011). "Wolfenstein Goes 1-Dimensional". Wired UK. Archived from the original on January 27, 2011. Retrieved January 29, 2011.
  9. ^ Matt Bradford (January 25, 2011). "Wolfenstein 1-D is the most extreme demake yet". GamesRadar. Archived from the original on January 17, 2021. Retrieved January 30, 2011.
  10. ^ Jim Rossignol (January 24, 2011). "A Linear Shooter: Wolfenstein 1-D". Rock Paper Shotgun. Archived from the original on January 29, 2011. Retrieved January 30, 2011.
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