Metascore
88 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 32 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 31 out of 32
  2. Negative: 0 out of 32
  1. The single player campaign is visually interesting and enjoyable to play, but the multiplayer mode is where the game really shines.
  2. It isn't quite (Serious) Sam and Max's (Payne) level, but it definitely should be regarded right up there as one of the superlative FPS games to hit the PC scene this year.
  3. This game gets more addicting by the hour, with secrets and new paths around every corner.
  4. The single-player mode is good. It's...good. It's pretty good. But with the faint-praise damning out of the way, you'll be happy to hear that the multiplayer game is outstanding.
  5. 90
    The single player game almost takes a back seat to the real strength of the title which is the multiplayer aspect developed by Nerve. It tastes a lot like crack. Very addictive.
  6. The single player mode is truly amazing and very gripping. The multiplayer side of the game sets a new standard in first person shooters.
  7. The graphics are stunning. I can honestly say this one area where this game leaves all the rest in the dust.
  8. A fantastic and extremely addictive game once you get into it.
  9. A pleasing solo affair mixed with remarkable multiplayer support once again more than cements id Software's status as the premiere name in first-person shooters.
  10. The engine, while on the verge of being dated, still manages to dazzle. To get the most out of the game, however, some pricey hardware may be required.
  11. An essential, and long-lived, purchase. This is one shooter that you're going to want to savour.
  12. 100
    Even though there are minor pacing problems at times, RtCW delivers an amazing single-player and multiplayer game, and for first-person shooter fans, it's a must-own.
  13. 100
    It's the kind of game that you will play all weekend and then emerge on Monday bleary eyed.
  14. 90
    The action here is more cerebral, emphasizing teamwork and accomplishing specific objectives over twitchy combat—it’s great fun.
  15. The graphics, audio and multiplayer components are astonishingly good, while the highly competent yet unspectacular single-player gameplay lags a bit behind.
  16. 90
    You’ll be glad to know that the flamethrower isn’t the only great weapon at your disposal. The venom, which is a devastatingly powerful chain-gun, is one of the most amazing guns I’ve ever had the pleasure to handle in a video game.
  17. It took the core aspects of every good shooter, and made them great. [Jan 2002, p.64]
  18. The AI of the creatures and troops you’re battling is some of the best I’ve seen in any game on any platform. [Feb 2002, p.98]
User Score

Generally favorable reviews- based on 121 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 29 out of 32
  2. Negative: 2 out of 32
  1. EfrainC
    10
    Best team based multi player game to date.
  2. D.Bradley
    10
    The AI is fantastic along with the graphics and the weapons and the story and the...
  3. Boring graphics, boring story plot, its makes me wonder if the developers thought the game was boring and out an equal amount of effort into it. If you see Return to Castle Wolfenstein on sale for $5 or $10, it might be worth buying. Full Review »