Ranking All Games Published By Bethesda Softworks From Worst To Best

Wolfenstein: The New Order wasn't the sales success it deserved to be, but critics and series fans adored it, leaving a sequel with a high bar to hit. In turn, MachineGames decided not to just repeat what worked in the last, but go even more OTT, both in story and action.

New Order, had a (surprisingly) compelling plotline, and this time there's even more focus on lead BJ Blazkowicz, as his arc has him satisfyingly exorcise demons from the past. Also, the scene-stealing Frau Engel returns but now as the main antagonist in a welcome and deliciously evil turn.

Action-wise things stick to the formula that worked... for the most part. The challenging yet exhilarating combat remains as bombastic and tense as before, but some insane difficulty spikes can damper encounters.

Sure, New Order could be tough but it always felt fair. Not so here. There's a particular third act twist escape that has your character up against a wall in a wide-open space with a ridiculous amount of firepower shooting at you from every angle and with little to no cover. Yep: it's pretty frustrating stuff.

Overall though, what was most exciting was that the effort showed the studio's individual personality start to shine through both in style and story. Let's hope the third main installment plays more balanced.