It starts out, playing like a fairly-realistic WWII game, and turns into a more sci-fi oriented thriller. The only real qualm I have about the gameplay is that it feels unbalanced. Other than this annoyance, online play is fun and addictive. Even those on broadband (Cable/DSL) connections might experience lag, and this is very frustrating to say the least. Many online games are perfectly ok to play on a dial-up connection, but this isn't exactly so with RTCW.
Unfortunately, multiplayer also has it's disadvantages. It has it's share of bugs, but many maps, particularly the beach are just amazingly fun to play, and rival even the most appealing of online FPS'.
Much like other online hits such as Counter-Strike and Unreal Tournament, RTCW allows gamers to engage in a variety of different game modes and maps. Luckily for online gamers, RTCW also features a very-fun multiplayer mode. You'll use whatever means necessary to defeat your foes, while navigating through tough dungeons and areas, collecting new weapons, keys and of course, health replenishing devices. This game plays the way most FPS' do-your object is to survive while facing impossible odds. You'll need to use some actual strategy, strafing, ducking behind crates, hiding behind walls, and showing some caution when roaming the premises. It's never wise to just run into the fire, because you're likely to be blown to bits. Enemies are also now smarter and more capable, making them quite a match even for our nazi-killing hero. First of all, all guns have noticeable recoil, meaning that you'll have to actually let up on the trigger every now and then to ensure accuracy. Sure, it has a healthy dose of that, but it's actually more realistic (in game mechanics) to most other FPS'. Unlike games such as Doom or Unreal, RTCW isn't just about running around blasting things to bits. And instead of fighting basically just one enemy, the game is filled with a large variety of them, each with their own different abilities. No longer will you be limited to four weapons-You can now wield up to 10. The way RTCW plays is significantly different to the first game. RTCW sports some of the most amazing graphics to date, on any system. The whole game has been given a vast amount of attention-to-detail, which really shoes in all of the weapons and character models. The castle has managed to retain it's original look and appeal, but it's now filled with superbly detailed and animated nazi foes, tall ramparts and glistening torches which light the game ever-so-nicely. The beginning of the game is simply excellent. The first couple levels take place there, but you soon move on to a variety of different areas, including the Crypts and the X-Labs. The game starts out in Castle Wolfenstein, where the game took place. In the sequel, things are definitely spiced-up a bit. Remember how in Wolfenstein 3D the whole game looked very similar? It was all built-up of a series of hallways, doors and rooms made out of blue bricks, which was fun, but got a bit repetitive after a while. Things sure have changed since the original Wolfenstein. It's sure to bring back memories of your old favorite, but Return to Castle Wolfenstein is likely to make you celebrate the new! No, this time around, it's much more sinister, and you'll get to use 10 unique weapons to defeat your foes, including some realistic WWII guns. The game is no longer built-up of long, tedious hallways and rooms which look all the same, and you won't only be killing nazis, either. Wolfenstein is back, with stunning 3D graphics and an all-new storyline. For it's time, the graphics were revolutionary, giving gamers the first real dose of ''3D.'' Over 10 years, it's amazing to see exactly how much videogame have changed. It set the example for other successful franchises to follow, such as Doom, Half-Life, and Medal of Honor. Wolfenstein 3D was the first commercial first-person shooter, ever. "Anyone willing to play through the game is probably likely to overlook the corny and unexpected storyline, hell, some might even enjoy it! Whatever the case, RTCW is a strong sequel to a great game.