Operation Wolf Returns
Image: Microids

Update #2 [Mon 5th Jun, 2023 12:20 BST]: A new trailer has been released for Operation Wolf Returns: First Mission:

Update #1 [Fri 5th May, 2023 09:45 BST]: Microids and Virtuallyz Gaming have just announced a VR version of Operation Wolf Returns: First Mission, a reboot of the Taito classic that was first confirmed last year.

Operation Wolf Returns: First Mission VR launches on June 22nd 2023, and is coming to Meta Quest 2, PlayStation VR2 and Pico 4.

"In its solo VR campaign, play as a special agent fighting a new criminal organization," reads the PR. "In addition to arms and drug trafficking, the organization, led by the mysterious General Viper, has developed a powerful new weapon. After discovering several of its bases, you will be sent to dismantle the organization, destroy the weapon and free the hostages held captive in surrounding camps."

Operation Wolf Returns: First Mission's previously announced non VR version will come later, with its release window being Fall 2023. It will come as a digital download, as well as a 'Day One Edition' on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch. The game will be available exclusively in digital form on Xbox One, Xbox Series S and PC.

Original Story [Fri 16th Sep, 2022 10:00 BST]: 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.