Whether you are an ardent fan of the fast-paced action or the gripping narrative of "Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus," finding similar games to satisfy your gaming appetite can be a daunting task. If you love the explosiveness, breathtaking narratives, and immersive gameplay that Wolfenstein provides, then we've got five alternative games for you to check out. Let's jump right in to uncover these thrilling experiences.

1. Doom (2016) - Devastatingly powerful shooting action

A perfect mix of classic shooter tactics and modern graphics, Doom is a reboot of the original 1993 game. Published by Bethesda, the same company that released Wolfenstein II, it features the frenetic first-person shooter action reminiscent of the original series.

Gameplay, Story, and Setting

In Doom, you play as the iconic and silent 'Doom Slayer', who is on a mission to exterminate the hordes of Hell that have overrun a Mars facility. The game features a diverse array of monstrous enemies, each boasting unique abilities that will challenge your reflexes and tactical prowess. With the emphasis on 'push-forward' combat, the game discourages cover tactics, encouraging the player to engage the enemies head-on. Wielding a massive assortment of monstrous weapons, your task is to stay alive and mow down as many adversaries as possible. The narrative, while not as profound as Wolfenstein II, still packs a punch with its simple yet effective storytelling. Set in the Martian landscapes and the fiery pits of Hell itself, Doom promises an action-packed experience for fans of hardcore first-person shooters.

2. Metro Exodus (2019) - A Scintillating Survival Experience

From the house of 4A Games, Metro Exodus is the third addition to the beloved Metro series. If you're into a more narrative-driven gaming experience coupled with tense combat scenarios, Metro Exodus might be the Wolfenstein alternative you're searching for.

Gameplay, Story, and Setting

Unlike the usually linear narratives of Wolfenstein and its ilk, Metro: Exodus frequently opens up, allowing explorations of vast, breathtakingly detailed environments, teeming with danger and opportunities alike. As Artyom, you do not only fight off mutated creatures and hostile human factions but also struggle against the harsh Russian wilderness. The game’s poignant narrative is one of its most potent selling points. The story picks up from the previous game, Metro: Last Light, and follows the protagonist Artyom, and his wife Anna, as they journey across post-apocalyptic Russia seeking a new life. In terms of difficulty, there are several challenging sequences to navigate, making it perfect for those looking for a challenge. The often bleak yet beautiful setting of nuclear-ravaged Russia further adds to the overall immersive gaming experience.

3. Far Cry 5 (2018) - Battling a Doomsday Cult in Rural America

Far Cry 5, from Ubisoft, packs a tantalizing amount of action and adventure while offering a wide-open world to explore. It is another compelling choice for gamers craving for a Wolfenstein-esque experience but in a modern and immersive setting.

Gameplay, Story, and Setting

This entry plunges you into the heart of Hope County, Montana, wherein a doomsday cult led by the charismatic Joseph Seed reigns with an iron fist. Your role is to gather locals to your cause, dismantle the cult's operations, and ultimately confront Seed. Far Cry 5’s open-world setup is a departure from Wolfenstein's linear progression, which allows for an incredible amount of player autonomy. It offers a mix of stealth and aggressive playstyles, with the ability to recruit allies with distinct abilities, making each player's experience unique. The game’s narrative handles serious tones with prowess, exploring themes of faith, freedom, and fanaticism against a backdrop of rural American landscapes. This gripping story, coupled with majestic natural vistas, makes it a must-play for any shooter fan.

4. Rage 2 (2019) - Post-Apocalypse Mayhem

Rage 2, another gem from Bethesda, successfully combines high-octane shooting mechanics with a post-apocalyptic open world. It offers a mix of thrilling vehicle combat and first-person action, offering an exhilarating alternative to Wolfenstein.

Gameplay, Story, and Setting

Rage 2 places you in the shoes of Walker, the last Ranger of a world devastated by the asteroid Apophis. In a quest to take down the oppressive Authority regime, you must traverse the dystopian world using a variety of vehicles, including monster trucks, gyrocopters, and bikes. The game offers a kinetic and fast-paced shooting experience. Add to that the assortment of powerful abilities at your disposal, and you get a Wolfenstein-like experience with its own unique twists. The story involves elements of conspiracy, power struggle, and survivalism in a ravaged world, offering a narrative experience as captivating as its gameplay. With its desolate yet beautiful landscapes and vibrant settlements, Rage 2 offers an immersive post-apocalyptic world to explore.

5. The Outer Worlds (2019) - Space Exploration With a Twist

From Obsidian Entertainment, The Outer Worlds combines first-person combat with deep narrative choices. If you enjoyed the narrative depth and moral choices offered by Wolfenstein II, The Outer Worlds is sure to appeal to you.

Gameplay, Story, and Setting

As a survivor of a colony ship lost in transit, you find yourself in the middle of a deep and vast conspiracy threatening to destroy the corporate-colonized Halcyon Colony. While steeped in first-person combat, the game gives a large emphasis on player choices, with multiple dialogue options affecting the game's storyline. The game’s sense of humor, combined with riveting social commentary, helps to create a world that is not only engaging but also intellectually stimulating. With several different factions, each with their own agendas, the game truly gives weight to player decisions. The Outer Worlds’ environment ranges from futuristic cities to alien landscapes, all beautifully rendered in a style reminiscent of pulp science fiction. This diversity in locations contributes to making each quest memorable and keeps exploration constantly engaging.

Final Thoughts

All these games draw parallels to Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus in terms of their exhilarating gameplay, captivating universes, and deep narrative structures. While they each offer their unique twists and gameplay mechanics, all of them hold the promise of a thrilling gaming experience akin to that provided by Wolfenstein II. Happy gaming!