View source for Return to Castle Wolfenstein

{{Short description|2001 video game}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=May 2025}}{{Infobox video game
| title = Return to Castle Wolfenstein
| image = Return to Castle Wolfenstein Coverart.jpg
| developer = [[Gray Matter Studios]]{{efn|[[Nerve Software]] developed the multiplayer mode and the Xbox version. [[Splash Damage]] assisted in developing the multiplayer mode. Raster Productions developed the PS2 version.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Hands-on Return to Castle Wolfenstein: Operation Resurrection |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/hands-onreturn-to-castle-wolfenstein-operation-resurrection/1100-6024595/ |access-date=January 19, 2024 |website=GameSpot |language=en-US |archive-date=January 19, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240119140327/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/hands-onreturn-to-castle-wolfenstein-operation-resurrection/1100-6024595/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Westlake Interactive developed the Mac version.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Aspyr: Return to Castle Wolfenstein goes Gold |url=https://www.macworld.com/article/153657/rtcw.html |access-date=January 19, 2024 |website=Macworld |language=en}}</ref>}}
| publisher = [[Activision]]<br />[[Aspyr]]<small> (Mac OS X)</small>
| director = Drew Markham
| designer = Richard Farrelly
| programmer = Sherman Archibald
| artist = Michael Kaufman
| writer = Steve Goldberg
| composer = [[Bill Brown (composer)|Bill Brown]]
| series = ''[[Wolfenstein]]''
| engine = [[id Tech 3]]
| platforms = [[AmigaOS 4]]<br />[[Microsoft Windows]]<br />[[Linux]]<br />[[Mac OS X]]<br />[[Xbox (console)|Xbox]]<br />[[PlayStation 2]]
| released = {{Collapsible list|title={{nobold|November 21, 2001}}|'''Microsoft Windows'''<ref name=IGN-R /><br />{{vgrelease|NA|November 21, 2001|EU|November 30, 2001}} '''Linux'''<br />March 16, 2002<br />'''Mac OS X'''{{vgrelease|NA|April 29, 2002<ref>{{Cite web |date=June 20, 2003 |title=Aspyr: Inside Aspyr |url=http://www.aspyr.com/inside.php?p_query=events |access-date=March 28, 2023 |archive-date=June 20, 2003 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030620202408/http://www.aspyr.com/inside.php?p_query=events |url-status=bot: unknown }}</ref>}}'''Xbox'''<br />{{vgrelease|NA|May 6, 2003<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 16, 2005 |title=Xbox News – Return to Castle Wolfenstein: Tides of War Now Available |url=http://xbox.gamezone.com/news/05_06_03_01_35PM.htm |access-date=March 28, 2023 |archive-date=March 16, 2005 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050316191012/http://xbox.gamezone.com/news/05_06_03_01_35PM.htm |url-status=bot: unknown }}</ref>|EU|May 15, 2003}} '''PlayStation 2'''<br />{{vgrelease|NA|May 30, 2003<ref>{{Cite web |last=Burnes |first=Andrew |date=May 30, 2003 |title=Return to Castle Wolfenstein: Operation Resurrection Ships |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2003/05/30/return-to-castle-wolfenstein-operation-resurrection-ships |access-date=March 28, 2023 |website=IGN |language=en}}</ref>|EU|June 6, 2003<ref>{{Cite news |date=June 6, 2003 |title=What's New? |language=en-gb |work=Eurogamer.net |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/news060603whatsnew |access-date=March 28, 2023 |archive-date=March 24, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230324235419/https://www.eurogamer.net/news060603whatsnew |url-status=live }}</ref>}}
}}
| genre = [[First-person shooter]]
| modes = [[Single-player]], [[multiplayer]]
}}

'''''Return to Castle Wolfenstein''''' is a 2001 [[first-person shooter]] game developed by [[Gray Matter Studios]] and published by [[Activision]].<ref name="rtcwpress" /> It was initially released for [[Microsoft Windows]] and subsequently for the [[PlayStation 2]] (as ''Return to Castle Wolfenstein: Operation Resurrection''), [[Xbox (console)|Xbox]] (as ''Return to Castle Wolfenstein: Tides of War''), [[Linux]], and [[macOS|Macintosh]] in the following years. The game serves as a reboot of the ''[[Wolfenstein]]'' series. [[id Software]], the developers of ''[[Wolfenstein 3D]]'', oversaw the development and were credited as executive producers.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nvidia.com/object/castle_wolfenstein.html |title=Games: Return to Castle Wolfenstein |author=<!--Not stated--> |date=<!--Not stated--> |website=Nvidia.com |publisher=[[Nvidia]] |access-date=March 25, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170326225508/http://www.nvidia.com/object/castle_wolfenstein.html |archive-date=March 26, 2017 }}</ref>

Upon release, ''Return to Castle Wolfenstein'' received a generally favorable reception, with critics praising the visual presentation and design of the game's open-ended levels in its single-player campaign and quality of its multiplayer gameplay. However, critics considered the game was not as innovative or impactful as the design of its predecessor, and expressed that its narrative and themes were unoriginal. [[Splash Damage]] created some of the maps for the Game of the Year edition.<ref name="rtcwpress">{{cite press release |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title=id Software and Activision Release Return to Castle Wolfenstein: Game of the Year Edition |url=http://www.splashdamage.com/content/id-software-and-activision-release-return-castle-wolfenstein-game-year-edition |location=Mesquite, Texas |publisher=[[Activision]] |date=June 26, 2002 |access-date=March 25, 2017 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170326225653/http://www.splashdamage.com/content/id-software-and-activision-release-return-castle-wolfenstein-game-year-edition |archive-date=March 26, 2017 }}</ref> A sequel, titled ''[[Wolfenstein (2009 video game)|Wolfenstein]]'', was released in 2009.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://techcrunch.com/2009/08/18/wolfenstein-comes-out-today-but-good-luck-finding-any-reviews/|title=Wolfenstein comes out today, but good luck finding any reviews|last=Deleon|first=Nicholas|date=August 18, 2009|website=TechCrunch|language=en-US|access-date=March 28, 2020|archive-date=July 28, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200728142306/https://techcrunch.com/2009/08/18/wolfenstein-comes-out-today-but-good-luck-finding-any-reviews/|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Gameplay==

''Return to Castle Wolfenstein'' is a [[first-person shooter]] in which the player navigates levels and fights enemies including Nazi soldiers, undead, and experimental mutants.<ref name=Allgame_PC/><ref>Activision (2001) p. 15-16</ref> The player acquires weapons and ammo throughout levels, including for pistols, submachine guns, rifles, grenades, rockets, flamethrowers, and experimental weapons including the Venom, a minigun, and the Tesla Gun, which shoots electricity at enemies.<ref name=CGW/><ref name="Activision 2001 p. 9">Activision (2001) p. 9</ref> Some weapons have alternate fire modes, such as rifles that have a scope, or shoot projectiles.<ref>Activision (2001) p. 11</ref> The player can also engage in melee combat by either kicking or using a knife.<ref name="Activision 2001 p. 9"/> Damage is location-specific, with headshots damaging enemies more than other areas.<ref name=Allgame_PC/> Special items can be collected that increase the player's health, ammo, armor, or stamina.<ref>Activision (2001) p. 13</ref>

In the game's single-player mode, players use combat and stealth to complete objectives across 27 levels in 7 missions.<ref name=GSpot_PC/> Missions begin with a mission briefing, providing information about objectives,<ref name="Activision 2001 p. 4">Activision (2001) p. 4</ref> and may include activities such as reaching the end of an area, defeating all the enemies, collecting certain items, eliminating specific enemies, or stealth missions.<ref name=PCGUS/> Mission levels contain secrets and treasure in hidden areas, with completion of the level informing the player if all have been discovered.<ref>Activision (2001) p. 14</ref> Several missions and the endgame also feature more difficult [[boss battle]]s.<ref name=PCGUS/> The player can review objectives and mission information in their notebook, as well as collect notes or read clipboards and letters throughout the levels that provide background information.<ref>Activision (2001) p. 15</ref>

Stealth missions require players to sneak and take cover through levels to avoid enemy detection. Guards in these levels will independently patrol the area and have their own routines.<ref name=GSpot_PC/> When enemies detect a player, they will be alerted and sound an alarm at an alarm box, causing other enemies to appear.<ref>Activision (2001) p.8</ref> Players can take down enemies from behind whilst sneaking if undetected.<ref>Activision (2001) p. 12</ref> Some stealth missions lead to failure if enemies sound an alarm.<ref name=PCGUS/>

===Multiplayer===

Multiplayer is an objective-based game mode, in which players are split into two teams—Axis and Allies. Each team has a set of objectives to complete, the Allies usually being to destroy some sort of Axis objective, and the Axis objectives being to defend their objectives. These objectives are split into two categories, primary and secondary. Primary objectives are ones which must be completed for victory, generally stealing secret documents or destroying a radar array; however, secondary objectives are ones which are optional—they do not have to be completed, but if they are they may aid the appropriate team, such as blowing out a door to allow access into a tunnel which shortens travel time or allows less-noticeable infiltration of the enemy base.

Each team has access to a slightly different set of weapons, matching those used by each side in World War II. Players can choose from four different classes: Soldier, Medic, Engineer and Lieutenant. Soldiers can carry heavy weapons, such as the Panzerfaust, Venom Cannon or Flamethrower, which are not available to other classes. Medics can revive and heal other teammates. Engineers can breach obstacles and arm and defuse dynamite. Lieutenants can supply ammo to teammates and are able to call in air strikes.

Each class specializes in a certain aspect of the game, and an effective team will balance players out using all four classes, such as soldiers for blasting through enemy defenses, medics for supporting the team and keeping them alive, Lieutenants to resupply teammates with ammo, and engineers to complete the objective.

There are three different modes of play, each allowing for a different experience—objective, stopwatch, and checkpoint. Stopwatch calls for the Allied side to complete a set of objectives within a predefined time limit. The opposing team then become the Allies and have to complete the objectives in a shorter time than the now Axis. Checkpoint gamemode is a mode in which teams capture flags. It may be more commonly known as Capture the Flag (CTF). Whichever team is first to control all the flags at once, wins. The team-based networked multiplayer features different character classes that must work together in order to win. There are four classes&nbsp;&mdash; lieutenant, medic, engineer, and soldier&nbsp;&mdash; the soldier can be one of several subclasses depending upon the special/heavy weapon that he selects. The multiplayer demo includes a beachhead assault map similar to Omaha Beach.

==Plot==
{{long plot|date=October 2018}}
In 1943, assigned to the Office of Secret Actions (OSA) from the military, US Army Ranger [[William "B.J." Blazkowicz]] and British operative Agent One are sent to Egypt to investigate the activity of the German SS Paranormal Division. The duo find themselves witness to the [[SS]] releasing an ancient curse around the dig site, resurrecting scores of zombies from their slumber. Pushing through the mummies and Nazis, B.J. and Agent One are led to an airfield and a location to follow. As they tail the SS, the two are shot down near Austria and captured by the Nazis. Agent One and Blazkowicz are imprisoned in Castle Wolfenstein, a remote, medieval castle that serves as a stronghold, prison, and research station. During their incarceration, Agent One is tortured for information and dies from electrocution. B.J., however, manages to escape Castle Wolfenstein's dungeon and fights his way out of the castle, using a cable car to leave the area and meet up with Kessler, a member of the German resistance in a nearby village.

Meanwhile, the SS Paranormal Division, under [[Oberführer]] Helga von Bülow, has long since moved from Egypt and has been excavating the catacombs and crypts of an ancient church within the village itself in search of the resting place of a "Dark Knight". The Division's sloppy precautions have led to the release of an ancient curse and the awakening of hordes of undead creatures, this time including [[Saxon]] knights. The majority of the SS finally realize the dangers and seal off the entrance into the catacombs, leaving many soldiers trapped inside. B.J. descends regardless and fights both Nazis and undead until he arrives at the ancient house of worship, the Defiled Church, where Nazi scientist Professor Zemph is conducting a 'life essence extraction' on the corpse of a Dark Knight, which, thanks to some Nazi technology, succeeds. Shortly before B.J.'s arrival, Zemph tries to talk the impatient Helga von Bulow out of retrieving an ancient [[Thule|Thulian]] artifact, the "Dagger of Warding" from a nearby altar in an isolated area of the church, but she shoots him and proceeds. This final blunder awakens another monster, Olaric, which kills and dismembers her. Blazkowicz, after a heated battle against spirits and demon attacks, defeats Olaric, and then is airlifted out with Zemph's notes and the dagger.

With the lead on Helga seeming to have come to a close, the OSA begins to shift its focus to one of Germany's leading scientific researchers and Head of the SS Special Projects Division, [[Oberführer]] Wilhelm "Deathshead" Strasse. Their investigation leads the OSA to realizing that Deathshead is preparing to launch an attack on [[London]]. He intends to use a [[V-2 rocket]] fitted with an experimental biological warhead, launching it from his base near Katamarunde in the Baltics. Due to the stealthy nature in which the OSA needs to act, Blazkowicz is parachuted some distance from the missile base and separated from his equipment. After collecting his gear, he smuggles himself into a supply truck bound for the base. Once inside, Blazkowicz destroys the V-2 on its launchpad and fights his way out of the facility towards an airbase filled with experimental jet aircraft. There, he commandeers a "[[Bachem Ba 349|Kobra]]" rocket-plane and flies to safety in [[Malta]].

Eager to know more about Deathshead and his secret projects, the OSA sends Blazkowicz to the bombed-out city of Kugelstadt, where he is assisted by members of the German [[Kreisau Circle]] resistance group in breaking into a ruined factory and exfiltrating a defecting scientist. It is there he discovers the blueprints and prototype of the Reich's latest weapon, an electrically operated hand-held minigun dubbed the Venom Gun. Blazkowicz eventually breaks into Deathshead's underground research complex, the Secret Weapons Facility. There he encounters the horrific fruits of Deathshead's labors: creatures, malformed, and twisted through surgery and mechanical implants. The creatures escape from their containments and go on a rampage. Blazkowicz fights his way through the facility, only to see Deathshead escape the chaos by [[U-boat]], and learns of his destination by interrogating a captured German officer.

Blazkowicz is then parachuted into [[Norway]], close to Deathshead's mysterious "X-Labs." After breaking into the facility, which has been overrun by the twisted creatures he encountered in Kugelstadt (dubbed 'Lopers'), Blazkowicz retrieves Deathshead's journal, which links Deathshead's research to the rest of the SS Paranormal's occult activity. Finally catching up with Deathshead, Blazkowicz comes face to face with a completed and fully armored ''Übersoldat'', and kills the researchers who have developed it. After the ''Übersoldat'' is destroyed, Deathshead escapes in a Kobra rocket-plane and disappears for the rest of the game.

After studying the documents captured by Blazkowicz, the OSA has become aware of a scheme codenamed 'Operation: Resurrection', a plan to resurrect [[Henry the Fowler|Heinrich I]], a legendary and powerful Saxon warlock-king from 943 AD. Despite the skepticism of senior Allied commanders, the OSA parachutes Blazkowicz back near Castle Wolfenstein, at the Bramburg Dam, where he fights his way until he arrives at the village town of Paderborn. After assassinating all the senior officers of the SS Paranormal Division present there for the resurrection, Blazkowicz fights his way through Chateau Schufstaffel and into the grounds beyond. After fighting two more ''Übersoldaten'', Blazkowicz enters an excavation site near Castle Wolfenstein.

Inside the excavation site, Blazkowicz fights Nazi guards and prototype ''Übersoldaten'', and makes his way to a boarded-up entrance to Castle Wolfenstein's underground crypts. There, he finds that the ruined and decaying sections of the castle has become infested with undead creatures, which are attacking the castle's garrison. After fighting his way through the underworkings of the castle, Blazkowicz arrives too late at the site of a dark ceremony to prevent the resurrection of Heinrich I. At the ceremony, SS psychic and ''Oberführerin'' Marianna Blavatsky conjure up dark spirits, which transform three of Deathshead's ''Übersoldaten'' into Dark Knights, Heinrich's lieutenants. She ultimately raises Heinrich I, who turns her into his undead slave. Blazkowicz destroys the three Dark Knights, the undead Marianna Blavatsky, and eventually Heinrich I. In the distance, ''Reichsführer-SS'' [[Heinrich Himmler]] remarks how matters have been ruined as he leaves for [[Berlin]] to face an expectant [[Hitler]].

Back in the OSA, Operation Resurrection is closed and Blazkowicz is off on some "[[R&R (military)|R&R]]" — shooting Nazis.

== Development and release ==

=== Development ===

[[File:RCTW Screenshot.jpg|left|thumb|Many textures in Return to Castle Wolfenstein were sourced from photographs of European towns and castles.]]

Development on a sequel to ''[[Wolfenstein 3D]]'' was pitched to [[id Software]] by [[Gray Matter Studios]]. The studio was composed of former staff of Xatrix Entertainment, who had developed ''[[Redneck Rampage]]'', ''[[Kingpin: Life of Crime]]'' and the 1998 mission pack ''[[Quake II#Mission Pack: The Reckoning|The Reckoning]]'' for id Software's ''[[Quake II]]''.<ref name=CGW_2000-2/><ref>{{cite magazine|magazine=Computer Gaming World|date=April 2000|pages=33|title=Return to Castle Wolfenstein: Activision Sequel to Wield Quake III Engine Against the Nazis|issue=189|url=https://archive.org/details/computer-gaming-world-issue-189-april-2000}}</ref> To support the pitch, a [[software demo|demo]] was created set outside a castle that demonstrated the enemy [[Artificial intelligence in video games|AI]] and a feature involving enemies setting off an alarm when detecting the player. id Software CEO Todd Hollenshead stated that studio had been searching for a development team to revive the series and the pitch was "jaw-dropping" and "captured the imagination of what the potential could be for a modern ''Wolfenstein''".<ref>Retro Gamer (2017) p. 83</ref> The game's publisher, [[Activision]], invested in a 40 per cent equity stake of Grey Matter.<ref name=CGM-2000>{{cite magazine|magazine=Computer Games Magazine|title=Return to Castle Wolfenstein: The triumphant return of B.J. Blazkowicz|last=Sones|first=Benjamin|date=April 2000|pages=34|url=https://archive.org/details/computer-games-magazine-april-2000}}</ref>

''Return to Castle Wolfenstein'' was announced in January 2000.<ref>{{cite web|website=GameSpot|title=Wolfenstein 3-D gets a Sequel|last=Ajami|first=Amer|date=January 31, 2000|accessdate=April 27, 2025|archivedate=August 29, 2000|url=http://headline.gamespot.com/news/00_01/31_pc_wolfthreed/index.html|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20000829065717/http://headline.gamespot.com/news/00_01/31_pc_wolfthreed/index.html}}</ref><ref name=CGW_2000-2>{{cite magazine|magazine=Computer Gaming World|date=April 2000|title=Return to Castle Wolfenstein: Activision Sequel to Wield Quake III Engine Against the Nazis|issue=189|url=https://archive.org/details/computer-gaming-world-issue-189-april-2000/Computer%20Gaming%20World%20Issue%20189%20%28April%202000%29?q=%22territorial%22}}</ref> id Software provided "significant involvement" to Grey Matter with guidance on animation, art and research,<ref name="Retro Gamer 2017 p. 84">Retro Gamer (2017) p. 84</ref><ref name=CGW_2000/> with the studio stating they were in contact with [[John Carmack]] and the id Software team "on a regular basis".<ref>{{cite magazine|magazine=Games Domain|pages=14|title=Pipeline: Return to Castle Wolfesntein|date=July 2001|issue=18}}</ref> However, id Software had limited creative interference in the studio's vision for the game,<ref name="Retro Gamer 2017 p. 84"/> beyond "direction in keeping the game true to the universe.<ref name=VE/> Activision extended the development window beyond the planned release date of Christmas 2000 to ensure the game's quality.<ref name=CGW_2000>{{cite magazine|magazine=Computer Gaming World|title=The Reich Stuff|last=Coffey|first=Robert|date=December 2000|issue=197|pages=100–108|url=https://www.cgwmuseum.org/galleries/issues/cgw_197.pdf}}</ref>

The game was designed in the [[id Tech 3]] engine developed for ''[[Quake III]]'', the fourth game to use the engine.<ref name=CGM-2000/> The development team used terrain tools in the ''Quake III'' expansion ''Team Arena'' to create complex interiors for the castle and large outdoor environments,<ref name=PCPP-2000/><ref name=Hyper-2001/> which led to further delays.<ref>{{cite magazine|magazine=PC Zone|title=Hotshots: Return to Castle Wolfenstein|pages=26|issue=104|date=July 2001|url=https://archive.org/details/PC_Zone_Issue_104_2001-07_Dennis_Publishing_GB}}</ref> This approach supported the creation of "enormous maps" and allowed the team to design levels that offered multiple paths to the player to complete a mission. Levels were designed to showcase the game's "dynamic" scripting system for enemy behavior, who would patrol areas, react to dead enemies or noise, sound alarms or call for reinforcements.<ref name=Hyper-2001/><ref name=VE>{{cite web|website=Voodoo Extreme|title=Returning to Castle Wolfenstein: An interview with id Software's Kevin Cloud|date=June 27, 2001|accessdate=April 27, 2025|archivedate=July 8, 2001|url=http://www.voodooextreme.com/games/interviews/castlewolfensteininterview/|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20010708175700/http://www.voodooextreme.com/games/interviews/castlewolfensteininterview/|url-status=live}}</ref> Additional features, including dragging dead bodies, silent attacks, and exchanging uniforms, were tested and removed to "significantly simplify" the game to make it "easier to play".<ref name="Activision 2001 p. 4"/>

Design of the game took reference from ''[[Wolfenstein 3D]]'', with the developers' aim to create an interpretation of the original game as a "semi-retelling" rather than a direct sequel.<ref name=BEL>{{cite av|title=Behind Enemy Lines: The Making of Return to Castle Wolfensetein|publisher=Activision|last1=Markham|first1=Drew|last2=Kaufman|first2=Michael|last3=Lehmkuhl|first3=Corky|last4=Goodrich|first4=Greg|last5=Farley|first5=Richard|date=December 1, 2001}}</ref><ref name=PCPP-2000>{{cite magazine|magazine=PC PowerPlay|title=Return to Castle Wolfenstein|last=Hovingh|first=Ryan|pages=52–55|issue=55|date=December 2000}}</ref> The studio dispensed with several elements from the original game they viewed as unenjoyable, including key cards and save points,<ref name=CGW_2000/> and prioritised improving the action elements of the game, including enemy AI and scripted behaviors.<ref name=PCPP-2000/> The developers also undertook research into the [[World War 2]] era to create the visual design for the game.<ref name="Retro Gamer 2017 p. 84"/><ref name=Hyper-2001>{{cite magazine|magazine=Hyper|title=Return to Castle Wolfenstein|pages=32–34|date=December 2001|issue=98}}</ref> Photographs of castles, cobblestones, and other visual elements were used by the team from two visits to Europe to create textures of the game's German setting.<ref name=PCPP/><ref name=CGW-2000-2>{{cite magazine|magazine=Computer Gaming World|date=November 2000|title=Wrecking the Reich|pages=37|issue=196|url=https://archive.org/details/Computer_Gaming_World_Issue_196/page/n143/mode/2up}}</ref> However, the studio aimed to balance plausible historical depiction with "mysterious and bizarre" elements for entertainment value,<ref name="Retro Gamer 2017 p. 84"/> with creative director Drew Markham describing the game as "[[World War 2]] meets ''[[The X-Files]]''".<ref name=BEL/> Supernatural elements were inspired by [[Wewelsburg]], a castle used by [[Heinrich Himmler]] and associated with [[Nazism and occultism|occult]] rituals and practices.<ref name=Hyper-2001/><ref name=GR2>{{cite web|website=GamesRadar+|title=The Secret History of Wolfenstein|last=Reparaz|first=Mikel|date=March 14, 2009|accessdate=April 27, 2025|url=https://www.gamesradar.com/the-secret-history-of-wolfenstein/}}</ref> The castle and cable car also bear close similarities to the 1968 [[war film]] [[Where Eagles Dare]].<ref name=EuroG_PC/>

=== Release ===

''Return to Castle Wolfenstein'' was released on November 21, 2001, for [[Windows]].<ref name=IGN-R>{{Cite web|website=IGN|title=Wolfenstein Now|date=November 21, 2001|accessdate=April 29, 2025|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2001/11/21/wolfenstein-now}}</ref> The game was released for [[Linux]] and [[macOS|Macintosh]] platforms in 2002, with the Linux port done in-house by [[Timothee Besset]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bluesnews.com/s/30526 |title=On Wolf's Goldness |access-date=March 25, 2017 |author=Furness, James |date=November 15, 2001 |publisher=Blue's News |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170326054637/https://www.bluesnews.com/s/30526 |archive-date=March 26, 2017}}</ref> and the Mac port done by [[Aspyr Media]].<ref>{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20011229125507/http://dailynews.yahoo.com/h/mc/20011218/tc/aspyr_to_publish_mac_return_to_castle_wolfenstein_1.html|url=http://dailynews.yahoo.com/h/mc/20011218/tc/aspyr_to_publish_mac_return_to_castle_wolfenstein_1.html|archive-date=December 29, 2001|access-date=March 25, 2017|title=Aspyr to publish Mac Return to Castle Wolfenstein|date=December 18, 2001|author=Cohen, Peter|publisher=[[Yahoo!]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.macworld.com/article/1020531/rtcw.html |title=Aspyr to publish Mac Return to Castle Wolfenstein |author=Macworld Staff |date=December 18, 2001 |website=macworld.com |publisher=[[IDG]] |access-date=March 25, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170326225824/http://www.macworld.com/article/1020531/rtcw.html |archive-date=March 26, 2017}}</ref> In 2003, the game was ported to the [[PlayStation 2]] and [[Xbox (console)|Xbox]] [[video game consoles]] and subtitled as ''Operation Resurrection'' and ''Tides of War'', respectively.<ref name=ignwolf>{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2002/11/21/return-to-castle-wolfenstein-tides-of-war |access-date=March 25, 2017 |website=[[IGN]] |date=November 21, 2002 |title=Return to Castle Wolfenstein: Tides of War |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170326053550/http://www.ign.com/articles/2002/11/21/return-to-castle-wolfenstein-tides-of-war |archive-date=March 26, 2017}}</ref>

Both console versions include an additional single-player prequel mission, set in the fictional town of Ras El-Hadid in [[Egypt]]. The latter half of the level features an extensive underground burial site with many undead enemies, as does the original first mission. This prequel level is likely closer to the developers' true intentions for the story, as indicated by the distinctly Egyptian design of the burial site, including the presence of sand, traps, mummies and hieroglyphs on the walls in some areas (in the original storyline, this site is found in the middle of a German village during the second mission). By contrast, the single-player storyline in the Windows version starts at Castle Wolfenstein.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/return-to-castle-wolfenstein-impressions/1100-2898344/ |date=November 21, 2002 |access-date=March 25, 2017 |author=Torres, Ricardo |publisher=[[GameSpot]] |title=Return to Castle Wolfenstein impressions |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170326051519/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/return-to-castle-wolfenstein-impressions/1100-2898344/ |archive-date=March 26, 2017}}</ref> The PS2 version has a bonus feature which allows players to purchase items at the end of each level by finding secrets. In the Xbox version, a Secret Bonus is awarded after every level when all the secret areas for that level have been found. It also has several new equipable items and weapons as well as new enemies. The two-player co-op mode is exclusive to Xbox and allows the second player to play as Agent One, altering the game in which he was never killed and played out the missions to the end. This allows for the story to support that Agent One either survived. The Xbox version also has downloadable content,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2003/06/05/fresh-wolfenstein |title=Fresh Wolfenstein |date=June 4, 2003 |access-date=March 25, 2017 |author=Boulding, Aaron |website=[[IGN]] |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170326140416/http://www.ign.com/articles/2003/06/05/fresh-wolfenstein |archive-date=March 26, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2003/07/07/safe-return |title=Safe Return |date=July 7, 2003 |access-date=March 25, 2017 |website=[[IGN]] |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170326142330/http://www.ign.com/articles/2003/07/07/safe-return |archive-date=March 26, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2003/08/06/tides-are-changing |title=Tides are Changing |date=August 6, 2003 |access-date=March 25, 2017 |website=[[IGN]] |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170326140337/http://www.ign.com/articles/2003/08/06/tides-are-changing |archive-date=March 26, 2017}}</ref> system-link play and had online multiplayer via [[Xbox Live]] before Xbox Live was terminated for original Xbox games.<ref name="ignwolf"/> ''Return to Castle Wolfenstein'' is now playable online on [[Insignia (Xbox)|Insignia]], a revival server restoring online functionality to Xbox games.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Xbox |first=Pure |date=2023-11-16 |title=Xbox Live 1.0 Replacement 'Insignia' Now Supports 150 Games |url=https://www.purexbox.com/news/2023/11/xbox-live-1-0-replacement-insignia-now-supports-150-games |access-date=2025-06-07 |website=Pure Xbox |language=en-US}}</ref> A [[Platinum Hits]] edition of the game was also released for the Xbox.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2004/06/22/top-10-xbox-platinum-hits?page=5 |title=Top 10 Xbox Platinum Hits |date=June 22, 2004 |access-date=March 25, 2017 |author=Goldstein, Hilary |website=[[IGN]] |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170326143037/http://www.ign.com/articles/2004/06/22/top-10-xbox-platinum-hits?page=5 |archive-date=March 26, 2017}}</ref> The PlayStation 2 version does not support online multiplayer.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2002/11/22/return-to-castle-wolfenstein-operation-resurrection |access-date=March 25, 2017 |date=November 22, 2002 |author=Smith, David |website=[[IGN]] |title=Return to Castle Wolfenstein: Operation Resurrection |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170326054555/http://www.ign.com/articles/2002/11/22/return-to-castle-wolfenstein-operation-resurrection |archive-date=March 26, 2017}}</ref>

The source code for ''Return to Castle Wolfenstein'' and ''Enemy Territory'' was released under the [[GNU General Public License|GNU General Public License v3.0 or later]] on August 12, 2010.<ref>{{cite web |url=ftp://ftp.idsoftware.com/idstuff/source/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151202080952/ftp://ftp.idsoftware.com/idstuff/source/ |archive-date=2015-12-02 |url-status=dead |title=FTP link |work=ftp.idsoftware.com }}</ref> The ''[[ioquake3]]'' developers at [[Ryan C. Gordon|icculus.org]] announced the start of respective engine projects soon after.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.phoronix.com/scan.php?page=news_item&px=ODUwNA |title=id Software Open-Sources ET, RTCW |access-date=August 13, 2010 |last=Larabel |first=Michael |date=June 13, 2010 |publisher=[[Phoronix]] |author-link=Michael Larabel |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100816034701/http://www.phoronix.com/scan.php?page=news_item&px=ODUwNA |archive-date=August 16, 2010}}</ref>

=== Community mods ===

On October 15, 2020, a community overhaul mod ''RealRTCW'' was released on [[Steam (service)|Steam]] as a free modification for original game.<ref>{{Cite web|title=RealRTCW on Steam|url=https://store.steampowered.com/app/1379630/RealRTCW/|access-date=December 4, 2020|website=store.steampowered.com|language=en|archive-date=November 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112233155/https://store.steampowered.com/app/1379630/RealRTCW/|url-status=live}}</ref> It features new renderer, expanded arsenal, rebalanced gunplay, new high-quality models, textures and sounds.

On November 19, 2021, day of the game's twentieth anniversary, free modification ''Wolfenstein: Enemy Territory Single-Player & Cooperative'' was released on Steam<ref>{{Cite web|title=Wolfenstein: Enemy Territory Single-Player release update on Steam|url=https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/1379630/view/3133937847593600976|website=store.steampowered.com|date=November 19, 2021 |language=en}}</ref> by French modder William Faure, head of a small team of developers at ''Dark Matter Productions'' since 2013 who was also involved in the development of ''RealRTCW'', restoring the single-player campaign of the cancelled ''Return to Castle Wolfenstein: Enemy Territory'' expansion<ref>{{Cite news |last=Bolding |first=Jonathan |date=May 29, 2021 |title=A modder is reviving the lost Wolfenstein: Enemy Territory singleplayer campaign |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/a-modder-is-reviving-the-lost-wolfenstein-enemy-territory-singleplayer-campaign/ |access-date=August 19, 2024 |work=[[PC Gamer]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Macgregor |first=Jody |date=November 21, 2021 |title=The mod restoring Wolfenstein: Enemy Territory's singleplayer is out now |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/the-mod-restoring-wolfenstein-enemy-territorys-singleplayer-is-out-now/ |access-date=August 19, 2024 |work=[[PC Gamer]] |language=en |archive-date=August 4, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230804134527/https://www.pcgamer.com/the-mod-restoring-wolfenstein-enemy-territorys-singleplayer-is-out-now/ |url-status=live }}</ref> with approval and external support from original game developers.<ref>{{Cite tweet |number=1531223917842640896 |user=splashdamage |title=The @DarkMatterProFR team are doing amazing things with their Wolfenstein: Enemy Territory Single-Player & Cooperative mod! 🙌}}</ref><ref>{{Cite tweet |number=1462742683156418562 |user=splashdamage |title=Congratulations to @DarkMatterProFR on the release of the Wolfenstein: Enemy Territory Single-Player mod! 🙌 We're excited to jump in and check out all of your hard work!}}</ref>

==Film==
A ''Return to Castle Wolfenstein'' film was announced in 2002 with [[Rob Cohen]] attached to direct. Little information has been available since, however, with the exception of a July 20, 2005, IGN interview. The interview discussed the ''Return to Castle Wolfenstein'' film with id employees.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Carle |first=Chris |date=July 20, 2005 |title=Comic-Con 2005: IGN Interviews id Software CEO Todd Hollenshead |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2005/07/20/comic-con-2005-ign-interviews-id-software-ceo-todd-hollenshead |access-date=August 19, 2024 |website=IGN |language=en |archive-date=August 19, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240819141022/https://www.ign.com/articles/2005/07/20/comic-con-2005-ign-interviews-id-software-ceo-todd-hollenshead |url-status=live }}</ref> In the interview, [[Todd Hollenshead]] indicated that the movie was in the works, though still in the early stages.

On August 3, 2007, ''[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]'' confirmed ''Return to Castle Wolfenstein'', to be written and directed by [[Roger Avary]] and produced by [[Samuel Hadida]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Graser |first=Marc |date=August 3, 2007 |title=Hadida storms 'Castle' rights |url=https://variety.com/2007/digital/markets-festivals/hadida-storms-castle-rights-1117969626/ |access-date=August 19, 2024 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}</ref> On November 2, 2012, Roger Avary signed on to write and direct the film. The film is being described as a mix of ''[[Inglourious Basterds]]'' and ''[[Captain America: The First Avenger|Captain America]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Benedetti |first=Winda |date=November 2, 2012 |title='Pulp Fiction' writer will direct 'Castle Wolfenstein' movie |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/technology/ingame/pulp-fiction-writer-will-direct-castle-wolfenstein-movie-1C6836642 |access-date=August 19, 2024 |website=NBC News |language=en |archive-date=August 19, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240819141022/https://www.nbcnews.com/technology/ingame/pulp-fiction-writer-will-direct-castle-wolfenstein-movie-1C6836642 |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Reception==

{{Video game reviews

| XBOX = true
| PC = true 
| PS2 = true

| MC_PC = 88%<ref name=MC_PC>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/return-to-castle-wolfenstein/critic-reviews/?platform=pc |title=Return to Castle Wolfenstein for PC Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=May 20, 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150513025222/http://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/return-to-castle-wolfenstein |archive-date=May 13, 2015 }}</ref>

| MC_XBOX = 84%<ref name = MC_XBOX>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/return-to-castle-wolfenstein/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox |title=Return to Castle Wolfenstein: Tides of War for Xbox Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=July 19, 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150201055106/http://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox/return-to-castle-wolfenstein-tides-of-war |archive-date=February 1, 2015 }}</ref>

| MC_PS2 = 66%<ref name=MC_PS2>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/return-to-castle-wolfenstein/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-2 |title=Return to Castle Wolfenstein: Operation Resurrection for PlayStation 2 Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=July 19, 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151022114233/http://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-2/return-to-castle-wolfenstein-operation-resurrection |archive-date=October 22, 2015 }}</ref>
 
| Allgame_PC = 4/5<ref name=Allgame_PC>{{cite web |last=Allen |first=Christopher |title=Return to Castle Wolfenstein |url=http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=23572&tab=review |publisher=AllGame |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141114141345/http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=23572&tab=review|archive-date=November 14, 2014 |access-date=August 15, 2023}}</ref>

| Allgame_PS2 = 3.5/5<ref name=Allgame_PS2>{{cite web|website=Allgame|title=Return to Castle Wolfenstein: Operation Resurrection|last=Deci|first=T.J.|accessdate=March 26, 2025|archivedate=November 14, 2014|url=http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=37961|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141114100126/http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=37961}}</ref>

| Allgame_XBOX = 4/5<ref name=Allgame_XBOX>{{cite web|website=Allgame|title=Return to Castle Wolfenstein: Operation Resurrection|last=Marriott|first=Scott Alan|accessdate=March 26, 2025|archivedate=November 14, 2014|url=http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=37962|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141114100125/http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=37962}}</ref>
 
| CGW_PC = 3.5/5<ref name=CGW>{{cite magazine |title=Going above and beyond the call of duty |url=https://archive.org/stream/Computer_Gaming_World_Issue_212#page/n75 |magazine=[[Computer Gaming World]] |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]] |date=March 2002 |issue=212 |page=74 }}</ref>

| Edge_PC = 6/10<ref name=Edge>{{cite magazine|magazine=Edge|title=Return to Castle Wolfenstein|pages=82–83|issue=106|date=January 2002}}</ref>
 
| EuroG_PC = 8/10<ref name=EuroG_PC>{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/r_rtcw |title=Return to Castle Wolfenstein |last1=Bramwell |first1=Tom |date=December 21, 2001 |website=[[Eurogamer]] |access-date=May 20, 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304080455/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/r_rtcw |archive-date=March 4, 2016 }}</ref>

| EuroG_XBOX = 8/10<ref name=EuroG_XBOX>{{cite web|website=Eurogamer|title=Return to Castle Wolfenstein: Tides of War review|last=Reed|first=Kristan|date=June 6, 2003|accessdate=March 26, 2025|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/r-rtcw-x}}</ref>

| EuroG_PS2 = 8/10<ref name=EuroG_PS2>{{cite web|website=Eurogamer|title=Return to Castle Wolfenstein: Operation Resurrection review|last=Reed|first=Kristan|date=June 18, 2003|accessdate=March 26, 2025|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/r-rtcw-ps2}}</ref>

| EGM_PS2 = 6.6/10<ref name=EGM_PS2>{{cite magazine|magazine=Electronic Gaming Monthly|title=Return to Castle Wolfesntein: Operation Resurrection|pages=119|issue=169|date=August 2003}}</ref>

| GI_PS2 = 7.5/10<ref name=GI_PS2>{{cite magazine|magazine=GameInformer|title=Return to Castle Wolfenstein: Operation Resurrection|pages=105|last=McNamara|first=Andy|issue=123|date=July 2003|url=https://archive.org/details/game-informer-issue-123-july-2003}}</ref>

| GI_XBOX = 9.25/10<ref name=GI_XBOX>{{cite magazine|magazine=Game Informer|issue=122|date=June 2003|title=Return to Castle Wolfenstein: Tides of War|last=McNamara|first=Andy|pages=110–11|url=https://archive.org/details/game-informer-issue-122-june-2003/page/110}}</ref>

| GamePro_PC = 4.5/5<ref name=GP_PC>{{cite magazine|magazine=GamePro|title=Return to Castle Wolfenstein|pages=48|date=February 2002|issue=161|url=https://archive.org/details/game-pro-issue-161-february-2002-1}}</ref>

| GamePro_PS2 = 3/5<ref name=GP_PS2>{{cite magazine|magazine=GamePro|title=Return to Castle Wolfenstein: Operation Resurrection|pages=76|date=August 2003|issue=179|url=https://archive.org/details/gamepro-issue-179-august-2003_202408}}</ref>

| GamePro_XBOX = 4/5<ref name=GP_XBOX>{{cite magazine|magazine=GamePro|title=Return to Castle Wolfenstein: Tides of War|pages=98|issue=178|date=July 2003|url=https://archive.org/details/gamepro-issue-178-july-2003}}</ref>
 
| GameRev = B<ref name="Game Revolution">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/return-to-castle-wolfenstein |title=Return to Castle Wolfenstein Review |last1=B. |first1=Johnny |date=December 1, 2001 |publisher=[[Game Revolution]] |access-date=May 20, 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150910134043/http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/return-to-castle-wolfenstein |archive-date=September 10, 2015 }}</ref>
 
| GSpot_PC = 9.2/10<ref name=GSpot_PC>{{cite web|last=Wolpaw |first=Erik |url=http://gamespot.com/gamespot/stories/reviews/0,10867,2827475-2,00.html |title=Return to Castle Wolfenstein Review |website=[[GameSpot]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |date=November 27, 2001 |access-date=October 26, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20011214022710/http://gamespot.com/gamespot/stories/reviews/0%2C10867%2C2827475-2%2C00.html |archive-date=December 14, 2001 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

| GSpot_XBOX = 8.2/10<ref name=GSpot_XBOX>{{cite web|website=GameSpot|last=Gerstmann|first=Jeff|title=Return to Castle Wolfenstein: Tides of War Review|date=May 9, 2003|accessdate=March 26, 2025|url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/return-to-castle-wolfenstein-tides-of-war-review/1900-6026630/}}</ref>

| GSpy = 83%<ref name=GSpy>{{cite web|website=GameSpy|title=Return to Castle Wolfenstein (PC)|last=Accardo|first=Sal|accessdate=March 26, 2025|archivedate=February 5, 2002|url=http://www.gamespy.com/reviews/november01/rtcw/|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20020205113440/http://www.gamespy.com/reviews/november01/rtcw/|url-status=live}}</ref>
 
| IGN_PC = 9/10<ref name=IGN>{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2001/12/01/return-to-castle-wolfenstein |title=Return to Castle Wolfenstein |date=November 30, 2001 |website=[[IGN]] |access-date=May 20, 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140601052952/http://www.ign.com/articles/2001/12/01/return-to-castle-wolfenstein |archive-date=June 1, 2014 }}</ref>

| IGN_XBOX = 9.2/10<ref name=IGN_XBOX>{{cite web|website=IGN|title=Return to Castle Wolfenstein: Tides of War Review|last=Goldstein|first=Hilary|date=May 7, 2003|accessdate=March 26, 2025|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2003/05/07/return-to-castle-wolfenstein-tides-of-war-review}}</ref>

| IGN_PS2 = 7.6/10<ref name=IGN_PS2>{{cite web|website=IGN|title=Return to Castle Wolfenstein: Operation Resurrection|last=Hwang|first=Kaiser|date=May 28, 2003|accessdate=March 26, 2025|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2003/05/28/return-to-castle-wolfenstein-operation-resurrection-3}}</ref>

| PCPP_PC = 89%<ref name=PCPP>{{cite magazine|magazine=PC PowerPlay|pages=52–55|title=Return to Castle Wolfenstein|last=Cottee|first=James|issue=70|date=February 2002}}</ref>
 
}}

According to [[review aggregator]] website [[Metacritic]], ''Return to Castle Wolfenstein'' received "generally favorable" reviews.<ref name=MC_PC/> Several critics remarked that the game was a capable successor to ''[[Wolfenstein 3D]]''.<ref name=Hyper>{{cite magazine|magazine=Hyper|title=Return to Castle Wolfenstein|last=Fish|first=Eliot|pages=76–7|issue=100|date=February 2002|url=https://archive.org/details/hyper-100}}</ref> and on par with its contemporaries.<ref name=PCGUS/><ref name=Allgame_PC/> However, despite high pre-release expectations that the game would be as impactful as its predecessor,<ref name=PCPP-2000/><ref name=CGW-2000-2/><ref name=GSpot_PC/> others felt the game was not innovative and derivative of other titles, such as ''[[Half-Life (video game)|Half-Life]]''<ref name=Edge/> or ''[[No One Lives Forever]]''.<ref name=GSpot_PC/> ''Edge'' stated that despite a "lack of anything revelatory", the game embodied the shooter genre at its purest.<ref name=Edge/> Similarly, ''GameSpot'' described the game as a "pure shooter" whose appeal was in its action gameplay, but noted whilst it was "thoroughly competent and technically excellent", it was "also rather sterile and passionless", comparing the game as falling short of shooters including ''[[Serious Sam]]'', ''[[Max Payne]]'', or ''[[Alien vs. Predator 2]]''.<ref name=GSpot_PC/>

Many critics praised the game's graphics and implementation of the ''Quake III'' engine,<ref name=PCZone>{{cite magazine|magazine=PC Zone|title=Return to Castle Wolfenstein|last=Shoemaker|first=Richard|pages=52–55|issue=112|date=February 2002}}</ref><ref name=PCPP/><ref name=APW/> particularly the representaton of the game's setting and environment.<ref name=Edge/> Eliot Fish of ''Hyper'' praised the authenticity of the game's "creepy atmosphere, nice environmental detail and excellent architecture".<ref name=Hyper/> Li C. Kuo of ''PC Gamer'' similarly praised the game's "high-res textures, smooth animations and detailed character models", drawing attention to character animations, lighting effects and fire animations.<ref name=PCGUS>{{cite magazine|magazine=PC Gamer|title=Reviews: Return to Castle Wolfenstein|date=January 2002|pages=64–66|last=Kuo|first=Li C.}}</ref>

Critics generally praised the gameplay and single-player-missions, with particular praise directed towards the variety of environments, open-ended levels and multiple objectives.<ref name=GSpot_PC/><ref name=PCGUS/> Some enjoyed the variety and handling of weapons in the game,<ref name=Allgame_PC/><ref name=PCGUS/>  finding the game's distribution of ammo and health was balanced and challenging.<ref name=PCGUS/> Reception of the enemy AI was mixed, with Some finding enemy behaviour complex and challenging,<ref name=Hyper/><ref name=PCGUS/> and others finding it unrealistic and easy to defeat.<ref name=PCZone/> Reviewers highlighted the game's stealth mechanics,<ref name=PCGUS/><ref name=Allgame_PC/><ref name=PCF>{{cite magazine|magazine=PC Format|date=January 2002|issue=1|pages=62–65|last=McCauley|first=Jim|title=Return to Castle Wolfenstein}}</ref> with Richard Shoemaker of ''PC Zone'' finding they provided a "pause in the relentless action" and were integrated well with the game.<ref name=PCZone/> Other reviewers enjoyed the additions of secret areas and hidden treasure in adding replayability to levels,<ref name=PCF/> although others found them contrived and added little to the gameplay.<ref name=PCPP/> Jim McCauley of ''PC Format'' considered the game's initial progression to be "depressingly straightforward", but praised later missions as "varied and rewarding".<ref name=PCF/> However, other critics felt some levels were too linear or uninteractive.<ref name=PCPP/><ref name=Hyper/><ref name=Edge/>

The game's multiplayer mode was considered by many to be a highlight,<ref name=GSpot_PC/><ref name=Hyper/><ref name=PCPP/> with some claiming the game featured one of the best multiplayer modes of a [[first-person shooter]].<ref name=PCGUS/> Praise was directed towards the game's objective-based modes and classes.<ref name=PCZone/> Eliot Fish of ''Hyper'' praised the mode's "fantastic map design" and "truly gripping teamplay".<ref name=Hyper/> Air Hendrix of ''Australian PC World'' described the game's action as "more cerebral" and emphasising "teamwork and accomplishing specific objectives over twitchy combat".<ref name=APW/>

The game's narrative received a less positive reception. Although some reviewers enjoyed the game's premise,<ref name=Hyper/> many reviewers considered the game's themes and settings to be [[cliché]].<ref name=PCF/><ref name=PCZone/><ref name=GI_PS2/><ref name=GI_XBOX/> The game's cutscenes and dialogue also received a mixed reception.<ref name=APW>{{cite magazine|magazine=Australian PC World|title=Backbytes: Return to Castle Wolfenstein|last=Hendrix|first=Air|date=March 2002|pages=158}}</ref><ref name=GSpot_PC/> Christopher Allen of ''Allgame'' considered they added "intrigue" and "urgency" to the game,<ref name=Allgame_PC/> but James Cottee of ''PC PowerPlay'' described them as "surprisingly dry, dull and uninspiring".<ref name=PCPP/> Richard Shoemaker of ''PC Zone'' expressed that the game had a "clever storyline" but lacked "classic moments", was "paced quite poorly" and did not have many surprises or twists.<ref name=PCZone/>

The ''[[PlayStation 2]]'' version, ''Operation Resurrection'', received less favorable reviews, with critics considering the game to be an inferior version to its counterparts.<ref name=GI_PS2/> Critics lamented the omission of multiplayer features,<ref name=PSM>{{cite magazine|magazine=Official PlayStation 2 Magazine|title=Return to Castle Wolfenstein: Operation Resurrection|last=Pavlacka|first=Adam|issue=74|date=August 2003|pages=29}}</ref> with ''Electronic Gaming Monthly'' stating the lack of any features was an "inexcusably raw deal" given the pedigree of the game's online gameplay on other platforms.<ref name=EGM_PS2/> Many reviews also noted the reduced graphical fidelity compared to other versions,<ref name=PSM/> and encountered poor performance, including a low framerate. Reviewers also commented on the difficulty of aiming with [[analog stick|analog controls]].<ref name=GI_PS2/><ref name=PSM/> Adam Pavlacka of ''Official Playstation 2 Magazine'' described the version as "''Wolfenstein'' lite" and "half a game".<ref name=PSM/>

===Sales===
''Return to Castle Wolfenstein'' debuted at #3 on [[NPD Intelect]]'s computer game sales chart for the November 18–24 period, at an average retail price of $57.<ref name=npd1>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020207015055/http://gamespot.com/gamespot/stories/news/0,10870,2830271,00.html | url=http://gamespot.com:80/gamespot/stories/news/0,10870,2830271,00.html | title=''Hot Date'' still hot | date=December 5, 2001 | author=Walker, Trey | archive-date=February 7, 2002 | work=[[GameSpot]] | url-status=dead | access-date=July 22, 2018 | df=mdy-all }}</ref> It fell to position 7 in its second week.<ref name=npd2>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20011214151701/http://gamespot.com/gamespot/stories/news/0,10870,2832176,00.html | url=http://gamespot.com:80/gamespot/stories/news/0,10870,2832176,00.html | title=''Harry Potter'' beats ''Hot Date'' | author=Walker, Trey | date=December 12, 2001 | work=[[GameSpot]] | archive-date=December 14, 2001 | url-status=dead | access-date=July 22, 2018 | df=mdy-all }}</ref> By the end of 2001, the game's domestic sales totaled 253,852 units, for revenues of $13.1 million (~${{Format price|{{Inflation|index=US-GDP|value=13100000|start_year=2001}}}} in {{Inflation/year|US-GDP}}).<ref name=2001nyu>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040619191112/https://cat.nyu.edu/current/news/media/marklesimcity.pdf | url=https://cat.nyu.edu/current/news/media/marklesimcity.pdf | title=Markle Forum on Children and Media | author=Bradshaw, Lucy | author-link=Lucy Bradshaw (game developer) | date=January 31, 2002 | publisher=[[New York University]] | archive-date=June 19, 2004 | url-status=live }}</ref>

In the United States, ''Return to Castle Wolfenstein'' sold 350,000 copies and earned $17 million (~${{Format price|{{Inflation|index=US-GDP|value=17000000|start_year=2006}}}} in {{Inflation/year|US-GDP}}) by August 2006. It was the country's 48th-best-selling computer game between January 2000 and August 2006. Combined sales of all ''Wolfenstein'' computer games released between January 2000 and August 2006 had reached 660,000 units in the United States by the latter date.<ref name=edgesales>{{cite magazine|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121017165955/http://www.edge-online.com/features/top-100-pc-games-21st-century/ |url=http://www.edge-online.com/features/top-100-pc-games-21st-century/ |title=The Top 100 PC Games of the 21st Century| author=''Edge'' Staff | date=August 25, 2006 |magazine=[[Edge (magazine)|Edge]] |archive-date=October 17, 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref> ''Return to Castle Wolfenstein'' received a "Silver" sales award from the [[Entertainment and Leisure Software Publishers Association]] (ELSPA),<ref name=silverelspa>{{cite web |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090221154943/http://www.elspa.com/?i=3942 |url=http://www.elspa.com:80/?i=3942 |title=ELSPA Sales Awards: Silver |work=[[Entertainment and Leisure Software Publishers Association]] |archive-date=February 21, 2009 |url-status=dead }}</ref> indicating sales of at least 100,000 copies in the United Kingdom.<ref name=gamasutrasales>{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170918063107/https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/112220/ELSPA_Wii_Fit_Mario_Kart_Reach_Diamond_Status_In_UK.php |url=https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/112220/ELSPA_Wii_Fit_Mario_Kart_Reach_Diamond_Status_In_UK.php |title=ELSPA: ''Wii Fit'', ''Mario Kart'' Reach Diamond Status In UK | author=Caoili, Eric | date=November 26, 2008 |work=[[Gamasutra]] |archive-date=September 18, 2017 |url-status=dead }}</ref> By January 2002, Activision reported that shipments of ''Return to Castle Wolfenstein'' to retailers had surpassed one million units.<ref name=milli>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020210153858/http://gamespot.com/gamespot/stories/news/0,10870,2837646,00.html | url=http://gamespot.com:80/gamespot/stories/news/0,10870,2837646,00.html | title=''Wolfenstein'' hits the million mark | author=Walker, Trey | date=January 9, 2002 | archive-date=February 10, 2002 | work=[[GameSpot]] | url-status=dead | access-date=July 22, 2018 | df=mdy-all }}</ref> The game sold 2 million copies by January 2004.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/87600260/the-news-and-observer/|title=WW II|newspaper=[[The News & Observer]]|page=136|date=January 14, 2004|accessdate=August 31, 2021|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}}</ref>

===Awards===

''[[PC Gamer US]]'' awarded ''Return to Castle Wolfenstein'' its 2001 "Best Multiplayer Game" prize. The editors wrote: "No other FPS rewards this level of teamplay, sports this kind of graphics, or is this blissfully free of cheaters."<ref name=pcgamerusawards2002>{{cite journal |date=March 2002 | title=The Eighth Annual ''PC Gamer'' Awards | volume=9 | number=3 | pages=32, 33, 36, 36, 37, 40, 42 | journal=[[PC Gamer US]] | author=Staff }}</ref>

{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Year !! Award !! Category !! Result !! {{Refh}}
|-
| 2001
| [[Game Developers Choice Awards|Game Developers Choice Awards 2001]]
| Excellence in Programming
| {{Nominated}}
| style="text-align:center;" |<ref name=developerschoice>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamechoiceawards.com/archive/gdca_2nd.html |title=Archive: 2nd Annual Game Developers Choice Awards |author=<!--Not stated--> |website=Game Developers Choice Awards |publisher=UBM |access-date=April 28, 2019 |archive-date=March 28, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160328230409/http://www.gamechoiceawards.com/archive/gdca_2nd.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
| rowspan="5" | 2002
| rowspan="4" | [[5th Annual Interactive Achievement Awards]]
| [[D.I.C.E. Award for Online Game of the Year|Online Gameplay]]
| {{Won}}
| rowspan="4" style="text-align:center;" |<ref name="Interactive2002">{{cite web |title=2002 Awards Category Details |url=https://www.interactive.org/awards/award_category_details.asp?idAward=2002&idGameAwardType=80 |website=Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences |access-date=July 22, 2022 |archive-date=November 10, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221110154316/https://www.interactive.org/awards/award_category_details.asp?idAward=2002&idGameAwardType=80 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Interactive Achievement Awards 2002 (Concept) |url=https://www.giantbomb.com/interactive-achievement-awards-2002/3015-4680/ |website=Giant Bomb |access-date=October 16, 2022 |archive-date=October 18, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221018183634/https://www.giantbomb.com/interactive-achievement-awards-2002/3015-4680/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="ConsoleAdventure2003">{{cite web |title=2003 Awards Category Details Console Action/Adventure Game of the Year |url=https://www.interactive.org/awards/award_category_details.asp?idAward=2003&idGameAwardType=38 |website=Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences |access-date=June 24, 2022 |archive-date=June 24, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220624214348/https://www.interactive.org/awards/award_category_details.asp?idAward=2003&idGameAwardType=38 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Concept2003">{{cite web |title=Interactive Achievement Awards 2003 (Concept) |url=https://www.giantbomb.com/interactive-achievement-awards-2003/3015-4681/ |website=Giant Bomb |access-date=October 16, 2022 |archive-date=October 17, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221017122622/https://www.giantbomb.com/interactive-achievement-awards-2003/3015-4681/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Console2003">{{cite web |title=2003 Awards Category Details Console Action/Adventure Game of the Year |url=https://www.interactive.org/awards/award_category_details.asp?idAward=2003&idGameAwardType=38 |website=Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences |access-date=June 24, 2022 |archive-date=June 24, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220624214348/https://www.interactive.org/awards/award_category_details.asp?idAward=2003&idGameAwardType=38 |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
| [[D.I.C.E. Award for Action Game of the Year|PC Action/Adventure]]
| {{Won}}
|-
| Computer Game of the Year
| {{Nominated}}
|-
| [[D.I.C.E. Award for Outstanding Technical Achievement|Visual Engineering]]
| {{Nominated}}
|-
| The Eighth Annual ''PC Gamer'' Awards
| Best Multiplayer Game
| {{Won}}
| <ref name=pcgamerusawards2002/>
|-
|}

==Sequels==
A multiplayer-only spinoff of the series, ''[[Wolfenstein: Enemy Territory]]'', was originally planned as a full-fledged [[expansion pack]] for ''Return to Castle Wolfenstein'' developed by [[Splash Damage]]. The single-player component of the game was never completed and thus was removed entirely. The developers at that point decided the multiplayer part would be released as a free, downloadable standalone game. ''Enemy Territory'' is a team-based networked multiplayer game which involves completing objectives through teamwork using various character classes.

This gameplay was later reutilized in a full-fledged commercial game ''[[Enemy Territory: Quake Wars]]'' set in id Software's ''[[Quake (series)|Quake]]'' universe. A semi-sequel called ''[[Wolfenstein (2009 video game)|Wolfenstein]]'' was developed by [[Raven Software]] and [[id Software]] and published by [[Activision]],<ref>{{Cite web |last=Thorsen |first=Tor |date=July 15, 2008 |title=E3 2008: Wolfenstein, Singularity unveiled at Activision Blizzard event |url=http://www.gamespot.com/news/6194070.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081207164323/http://www.gamespot.com/news/6194070.html?action=convert&om_clk=latestnews&tag=latestnews%3Btitle%3B2 |archive-date=December 7, 2008 |website=[[GameSpot]]}}</ref> and released on August 18, 2009. A successor to ''[[Wolfenstein (2009 video game)|Wolfenstein]]'' titled ''[[Wolfenstein: The New Order]]'' and a standalone prequel expansion titled ''[[Wolfenstein: The Old Blood]]'' have also been released in 2014 and 2015. The Old Blood references RTCW with characters with similar names and the X-labs being mentioned.

''The New Order'' storyline was followed up in ''[[Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus]]'' which was released in late 2017.

== Sources ==

{{Refbegin|indent=yes|30em}}
* {{cite book|title=Return to Castle Wolfenstein: Instruction Manual|pages=1–49|publisher=Activision|date=2001|url=https://archive.org/details/returntocastlewolfensteinusermanual/page/n9/mode/2up}}
* {{cite magazine|magazine=Retro Gamer|title=The History of Wolfenstein|pages=80–87|issue=175|date=December 2017}}
{{Refend}}

== Notes ==
{{notelist}}

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
*[http://www.idsoftware.com/games/wolfenstein/rtcw/ Official id Software website]
*{{IMDb title|0289421}}
*{{MobyGames|id=/return-to-castle-wolfenstein}}

{{Wolfenstein series}}
{{Authority control}}

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