Much of what distinguishes this period shooter from being more than just another World War II epic is the supernatural tint. The Veil acts as a bridge between reality and a complete alternate dimension; in short, it introduces a slate of cool powers. Mire, for example, enables you to slow down time. Circumventing dangerous obstacles is one potential use; though activating the ability to dodge bullets is much cooler. When confronting a squad of Nazis located in the depths of an archaeological dig site, we watched as BJ triggered Mire and evaded their bullets as they slowly rippled through the air. There are limitations on its use, however; shifting between dimensions and accessing Veil powers is restricted to the amount of energy encased within BJ's amulet. Special Veil pools replenish lost energy, though you're still forced to think carefully about how you use your powers due to limited energy supply.

Powerful abilities are at your disposal thanks to the upgradeable amulet that BJ carries, but it’s the ability to shift in and out of the Veil that affords a range of creative combat tactics. A tap down on the directional pad in the Xbox 360 version warps you into the Veil; it’s a sort of mirror of reality shrouded in a putrid green hue. Elements of the environment are largely the same, though some objects may appear in different spots and can be helpful in solving puzzles in reality. Additionally, you can use the Veil to locate enemies behind cover or figure out weak points on hardened foes.

Moving through the dig site, the Veil was helpful in identifying Nazis hiding behind crumbling pillars. Some enemies are capable of wielding Veil powers too, as is the case with Nazi scribes that can chuck balls of Veil energy at BJ for damage. Defeating them is a matter of leveraging the Veil against them, perhaps dodging their attacks with Mire or locating their weak spot with Veil Vision.

Everything happens at such a fast clip, giving Wolfenstein a tightly-wound vibe. It's quick, undeniably pretty, and promises a challenge to veterans of the genre. We’re looking forward to seeing more of the game at E3 this year because Wolfenstein is looking like a real winner.

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