I am the Wolfman...koo koo kachoo (Wolfteam (PC))

Member Name: dididave

Product:	Wolfteam (PC)
Date:	21/12/08 (240 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Unique FPS with good control system

Disadvantages: Poor security, lagging, don't keep weapons

Wolfteam is an entirely free online multiplayer game. A first person shooter with a difference you are split into teams and face off in a number of modes including Deathmatch, base capture and destruction. The plot is threadbare at best revolving around genetic experiments enabling soldiers to turn into wolves. It is all preposterous but it lends itself well to a shedload of maps set in research facilities and cold war environments.

This would be a strictly average first person shooter if it was not for the ability to change into a Wolf. Based loosely on the "Quake" engine, sprites are basic but colourful and clearly defined and there is a large selection of primary and secondary weapons to choose from. You can choose to blast people to bits with huge rifles or rocket launchers or pick them off with your sniper rifle. All weapons can be upgraded but rather oddly you have to purchase them with experience points which you acquire through kills. Rather annoyingly you also only purchase these weapons for a set amount of days so you find yourself constantly having to earn to renew your arsenal. Quite annoying as a novice although easier the longer you play.

As I have said it is the option to "wolf out" makes this game stand out as you can transform from human to wolf at will. Becoming a wolf turns you into a melee weapon that can maul your opponents. Wolves are faster and stronger and can jump higher. Even better is they can run along walls surprising opponents and making them very hard to hit. To balance things out of course a gifted human can pick off a wolf before they reach them but it is satisfying turning wolf and ravaging an opponent. The wolf is an even more interesting prospect in the unique human versus wolf conquest modes were different types of wolves are available. My particular favourite is the "Ghost Wolf" that is invisible until moving or shot.

With a variety of game modes and some innovative maps "Wolfteam" is potentially a great game as you are able to skulk through sewers or blast through enemy lines. The control system is an intuitive combination of keyboard and mouse and the graphics and sound while limited, are appropriate and bloody. There is also an option to create or join a "Pride" which opens up new rivalries and added bonuses.

However, there are a number of problems with this game and that is largely down to security and server issues. It is unique nowadays to get something for nothing in the gaming world but Wolfteam is a surprisingly good freeware title. Created by softnxy, this game should not be confused with opensource titles such as Wolfenstein: Enemy Territory and is reliant entirely on the softnyx team in terms of update and security. Unfortunately, despite regular updates there are a number of security issues. This is a huge download at a massive 1GB plus loads of updates to start with. You also are expected to set up an account and password and there is an anti-cheat system in place.

Unfortunately, hacks are publically available making games very uneven often to the point of impossible. In larger games there is nearly always one cheat who is invincible, disappears into the floor etc. There is a reporting system but these players are so prevalent they come close to ruining the game. Games can also suffer from "lag" which slows down the game so much that you may find yourself dead without even realising you have taken a hit. This coupled with servers that seem very hit and miss as to whether they accept you makes "Wolfteam" very frustrating at times.

Despite this "Wolfteam" is worth the download as one of few unique first person shooters available. It is a slower, more thoughtful game than alternatives such as "Urban Terror" and if you can get past the flaws is worthy of your time.

Download available here:

wolfteam.softnyx.net/

Runs effectively on computers with:

512mb Ram
DirectX 9

Summary: A good if not perfect FPS.