Developing character and story is tricky business. Throw in interactivity and the discussion on storytelling becomes infinitely more complicated, particularly when considering gameplay and the need for engagement. In many respects, MachineGames? rebooted Wolfenstein series has, thus far, ticked all of the boxes. Compelling, complex characters fuel an equally compelling narrative, both buttressed by good gameplay mechanics and an intriguing world. Unfortunately, Wolfenstein: Youngblood, a spinoff set roughly 20 years after the events of Wolfenstein II, doesn?t measure up. While Youngblood?s main characters excel on every front, and its story largely upholds the series? appealing absurdity, the gameplay loop and plot structure stumble time and again. The year is 1980; America?s long been liberated from the Nazi regime, yet the rest of the world isn?t so lucky. Paris, France, for instance, remains in the regime?s clutches, serving as the nexus of a power play brewing between two competing factions?the Hitler-founded Third Reich and the newly introduced Fourth Reich. To help free Paris as he once did the States, B.J. Blazkcowicz leaves his relatively quiet life in Mesquite, Texas. His lengthy departure and undisclosed whereabouts result in his unexperienced twin daughters, Soph and Jess, embarking on a rescue mission with help from Abby, Grace?s and Super Spesh?s daughter from Wolf 2. This premise carries within it the makings of a great Wolfenstein game, but fails to stick th...