Operation Wolf Returns: First Mission

53%
Game Brain Score Based on 36 reviews
  • story
  • graphics
  • gameplay
Operation Wolf Returns: First Mission Game Cover
Operation Wolf Returns: First Mission is a short game, but the gunplay is a ton of fun and there's a fair bit of variety in enemies.
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"Operation Wolf Returns: First Mission" is a rail shooter game, reinterpreting the 1987 Arcade classic, with a new artistic direction and parody-style voices. The game features intense action-packed gameplay, a campaign for one or two players, and a survival mode. With an arsenal of weapons including the Uzi, players must fight waves of enemies and rescue hostages.

  • Nintendo Switch
  • PC
  • Play​station 4
  • Play​station 5
  • Virtual Reality
  • Windows
  • Xbox One
  • Xbox Series X|S
  • Play​Station
  • Play​Station VR
  • Play​Station VR2
  • Xbox
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

53%
Audience ScoreBased on 36 reviews
graphics3 positive mentions
gameplay3 negative mentions
  • Great player control, graphics, and sound, significantly better than the original.
  • Fun gameplay with a mix of traditional and modern elements, providing a nostalgic experience.
  • Offers a variety of weapons and enjoyable boss fights, making it a good choice for fans of rail shooters.
  • Controls are complicated and not well-suited for certain VR systems, leading to discomfort and frustration.
  • The game is relatively short and lacks depth, with some features missing compared to the original.
  • VR performance is laggy and barely playable, which detracts from the overall experience.
  • story16 mentions

    The story of "Operation Wolf Returns: First Mission" serves as a homage and reboot of the classic 1987 arcade game, featuring a mix of nostalgic elements and new artistic direction. Players engage in an action-packed campaign with a parodic voiceover, while the gameplay includes solo and co-op modes against waves of enemies, though some find the missions uncomfortable and challenging. Overall, the narrative is light and primarily focused on delivering an immersive shooting experience rather than a deep storyline.

    • “Operation Wolf Returns: First Mission is the remake of the first rail shooter which shaped the genre.”
    • “Part homage, part sequel/reboot, Operation Wolf Returns: First Mission is a return to what we loved about the arcade games, but now in VR for a new layer of immersion.”
    • “[Great stylized graphics that pay homage to the original, aerial missions are a blast, latter missions have minor choices, boss battles are a highlight, zero nausea].”
    • “I actually could not even complete the first mission as it was so uncomfortable.”
    • “I've only completed the tutorial and first two missions.”
    • “I can see replaying missions later to get a better grade.”
  • graphics9 mentions

    The graphics are generally well-received, featuring colorful, stylized artwork that pays homage to classic arcade games, though some users feel they resemble mobile game visuals. While the cartoonish style may not appeal to everyone, it is considered to have lasting appeal. Overall, the graphics complement the gameplay, enhancing player control and enjoyment.

    • “Great stylized graphics that pay homage to the original; aerial missions are a blast, and boss battles are a highlight.”
    • “Simple controls, colorful artwork, and a re-imagining of a classic rail shooter game.”
    • “The graphics look okay, but it feels like a mobile game.”
    • “The cartoonish graphics and audio will not be to everyone's liking, but I think it will stand the test of time better.”
  • gameplay7 mentions

    The gameplay of "Operation Wolf Returns: First Mission - Day One Edition" effectively combines traditional side-scrolling mechanics with 3D elements, offering a smooth and engaging experience enhanced by impactful audio effects. Players can enjoy a robust campaign with endless action, either solo or in co-op mode, featuring a diverse arsenal of weapons to tackle waves of enemies.

    • “Gameplay is pretty solid; the guns really pop out audio-wise and it's all very smooth.”
    • “Operation Wolf Returns: First Mission - Day One Edition for Nintendo Switch is a remake of the iconic action game released for arcade in 1987, featuring a new artistic direction, addition of voices in a parodic style, and gameplay with endless action. The campaign is playable in solo or duo survival mode, confronting waves of enemies with an arsenal of various weaponry (Uzi, rifle, grenade launcher).”
    • “It's blending the traditional side-scrolling gameplay from Operation Wolf with the more 3-dimensional aspects of its successor Operation Thunderbolt, and throws in a few tricks of its own.”
    • “Gameplay is pretty solid, the guns really pop out audio-wise and it's all very smooth.”
    • “Operation Wolf Returns: First Mission - Day One Edition - Nintendo Switch is a remake of the iconic action game released for arcade in 1987, featuring a new artistic direction, addition of voices in a parodic style, and gameplay with an endless action campaign playable in solo or duo survival mode, confronting waves of enemies with an arsenal of various weaponry (Uzi, rifle, grenade launcher).”
  • atmosphere1 mentions

    The atmosphere of the game is heavily influenced by the thrilling action of 80s movies, successfully capturing the essence of the original arcade version from 1987 while introducing a fresh design and competitive leaderboard features.

    • “Originally released for arcade in 1987, this new edition sticks to the DNA of the original game, delivering a breathtaking action atmosphere inherited from 80’s action movies while offering a brand-new design and a leaderboard.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
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Critic Reviews

71% average critic score

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