Before the likes of Time Crisis and The House of the Dead revolutionized the genre, Taito left its impact on the light gun shooting scene with the arcade classic Operation Wolf. Though its home conversions weren’t quite as solid, the original game proved to be a nailbiter, as you attempted to save hostages while blasting away at growing enemy opposition.

Now the series makes its grand re-entry with Operation Wolf Returns: First Mission, an adaptation of the similarly named VR title that came out a few months ago. Obviously without the virtual reality aspects, the game isn’t quite the same. That said, however, it does make for some fun, quick arcade-style shooting, if that’s your thing.

It’s not the best revival, but it’s not bad at all, especially if, just like the original game, you’re shooting for a high score.

Hit the Rails

Like the previous game before it, Operation Wolf Returns is on rails, which means you don’t control the movement of your character. Instead, you guide their crosshairs on the screen, shooting at whatever enemy comes in your path. You’ll need to be careful, though. Sometimes your weapon will require a crucial reload, with perfect timing; and you’ll also need to watch out for hostages.

There are general segments where you shoot at everything that moves, as well as Time Crisis-esque sequences where you can hide for cover in particular areas. There are also bosses, who pack a surprising punch as you try to pump them full of lead.

Operation Wolf Returns offers a number of weapons to pick up along the way, though your best bet, really, is your general machine gun, since you’ll be able to pick up plenty of bullets along the way. Still, it is nice to have something with extra punch when the screen starts flooding with helicopters. You also have a limited supply of grenades, just in case you need an additional bang for your buck.

Gameplay isn’t bad, and the challenge level is balanced just right when it comes to shooting and trying to avoid incoming damage. And there’s lots of credits, so you don’t have to worry about missing out. But there are times the reticule speed isn’t quick enough, even with adjustment. That’s not a deal breaker, but it does take getting used to when you’re getting nailed with cheap hits.

It is nice to see two player support (so a friend can joi9n in); and there’s a survival mode loaded with even more enemies. So you get some pretty good value here, provided you can accept the somewhat imbalanced (but still mostly enjoyable) gameplay.

This Wolf Has Teeth With Its Presentation

Microids has done an admirable job giving Operation Wolf a new coat of paint with Returns, and it shows.

The 3D environments aren’t perfect, but they are faithful to the original arcade game. Not to mention the animations are pretty good and, of course, the explosions light up the screen like Christmas. I would’ve liked a little more detail with the bosses, but not bad.

Audio’s not bad either. The music has its heroic cues, though it can be a little cheesy. And the voiceovers are humorous, about on the level of your typical G.I. Joe episode. The sound effects round out the package, with plenty of booms and bangs.

One thing, though – why wasn’t the original game included? It’s easily featured.

Should You Take On This Operation?

I only wish that Operation Wolf Returns had some sort of light gun support, like the PlayStation Move or something for Xbox. But, alas, you mainly have to do the on-screen aiming. Fortunately, it’s still a pretty good time for fans of the genre, and violent and corny enough for everyone else. It could’ve used a few more extras (like, again, the original game?), but as it stands, it’s a pretty good example of how to bring a classic game from the old days into the new.

Now, then, is Operation Thunderbolt Returns far behind? Or, hey, maybe Space Gun?

GAMERHUB RATING: 3 (out of 5)

(Thanks to Microids for the review code!)