You'll be cursing the Third Reich every second you're playing Wolfenstein 3d, the definitive first-person shooter from the wizards at id Software. This game was the one that proved PC's were able to handle fast 3D gameplay, and spawned clones galore (including the brilliant Doom, from the same company).

In Wolfenstein 3d, you play B.J. Blastowicz, a hardened U.S. soldier captured by those goose-stepping rats. After overpowering your guard with some good 'ol American trickery, you grab his handgun and get ready to make 'em pay.

Wolfenstein 3d has the player blasting through level after level of Nazi prisons and bunkers, shooting first and asking questions later. Though the primitive engine doesn't leave much room for creative level design, everything in Wolfenstein 3d oozes atmosphere, from the German voices to the freaky Nazi propaganda that lines the walls. The first-person view is amazingly fast, and was one of the first games that induced motion sickness amongst players.

In this day and age, Wolfenstein 3d is a touch on the retro side, but remains extremely playable. The game's multiple missions (including 'Die, Fuhrer, Die!', an assassination mission to take out Hitler himself) contain plenty of secret rooms and extra goodies for the observant player, along with plenty of baddies to shoot. You'll need every ounce of stamina you've got for the final bosses, though - they're real toughies, and you'll come to appreciate the save-game system.

With fast 3D graphics, a moody soundtrack, and the gameplay that made id Software a household name, Wolfenstein 3d is a classic that no gamer should be without - it's the Citizen Kane of shooters. ~ Colin Williamson, All Game Guide

Blocky as the dickens by today's standards -- but it keeps things running quickly on slower PCs. ~ Colin Williamson, All Game Guide

An ultra-moody soundtrack and freaky German screams. ~ Colin Williamson, All Game Guide

Nazi-blastin' action at its finest. ~ Colin Williamson, All Game Guide

Plenty of secrets, and a few hidden levels. ~ Colin Williamson, All Game Guide