On Wolfenstein: The New Colossus (minor spoiler)

I completed the main story of this game last night, and was thoroughly impressed. What I enjoyed most about this game was the imagery that it employed so tastefully. I am referring to scene after the last battle which I will not describe, because it is so beautiful it should be experienced freshly in the moment. (For all who have played this game and witnessed the glory I am referring to, may we share a moment of solidarity in having enjoyed such a sight made possible by video games. Viva la revolution.)

There is another scene though that I think is fair to describe, where an aged Adolf Hitler enters the stage. At one point the maniacal old man vomits and then lays down on the floor beside his puke and reposes. The player, disguised as an actor in an audition has an opportunity when walking by to administer a melee attack and can kill Hitler with a kick to the head.

Unfortunately, the giant robot behind you immediately engulfs you in flame for doing so, but the satisfaction is well worth the video game death that results. There are some things that are only possible in video games; some things that are satisfying in a way that only a simulation can produce. I don’t condone violence, but kicking Hitler in the head and killing him was immensely relieving and refreshing. I suppose this has always been possible with stories, and plays have often demonstrated various imaginary outcomes and events in a like fashion, but video games are different. Video games take input from the player and are propelled forward in such a way, immersing the audience in the story and making the decision to kick Hitler all the more satisfying.

Wolfenstein: The New Colossus is a wonderfully enjoyable game and I recommend playing it, especially if you have never played a video game before.