Operation Wolf Returns
Image: Microids

Taito's Operation Wolf was one of the first games of its kind, introducing arcade players to side-scrolling shooter action with an authentic-looking uzi. It was also a smash hit on home consoles and computers and was followed by some excellent (but perhaps not as popular) coin-op sequels before fading into history.

That changes this year, as French publisher Microids has announced that it is bringing Operation Wolf Returns: First Mission to home consoles and VR. Developed by the French studio Virtuallyz Gaming, the game "remains faithful to the original" whilst sporting a "brand new art style." There's a survival mode promised too, as well as a leaderboard for tracking your score against that of other players.

Here's some PR:

In the game campaign, play solo or co-op locally as special agents tasked to fight a criminal organization. In addition to drug and weapon trafficking, the organization lead by the mysterious General Viper seems to have developed a weapon of mass destruction! Following the discovery of several of the group bases, the agents are sent on location to dismantle the consortium, eliminate the weapons and free the hostages from various prisoner camps.

Operation Wolf Returns: First Mission launch this fall in both digital and physical form, with a Day One Edition for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch. It will be digital-only on Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S and PC. The VR version will arrive on the Meta Quest 2 in 2023.