Operation Wolf

~ OPERATION WOLF ~

Taito / NEC Avenue

HuCard

1990

Operation Wolf is immensely effective at what it does with the limited concepts it explores, and it makes no pretense of being something grander than what it is. That being the case, it makes matters very convenient for prospective buyers. Enjoy moving crosshairs around a screen and blasting shit up? I do, and I had a great time with OW.

Admittedly, I had some concerns going in. I wasn't sure that a d-pad would suffice for Wolf's brand of gameplay. Fortunately, the ol' PCE controller actually does OW justice: The action is smooth and fun, and precise shooting is possible.

I was also a little worried that the "soldier/helicopter/tank" enemy roster would wear thin rather quickly, but there's a decent amount of variety within those subgroups, with gunboats, knife hurlers, paratroopers, and many other breeds of foot soldier and vehicle joining the fray.

Finally, I was concerned that the quick little mission OW offers would amount to nothing more than a forgettable in-and-out jaunt. Well, OW is no epic, but it really doesn't need to be. It serves perfectly for pick-up-and-play-and-go fifteen-minute-burst sessions.

And, hey, it's kind of funny, in a misguided sort of way, with its eloquent "YOU DEAD" game-over message and silly-looking cutscenes.