Are you ready to dive into a nostalgic arcade experience that’ll have you shooting your way through pixelated mayhem? In 2025, Taito and M2 have teamed up to bring us the exciting Operation Night Strikers, a collection that pays homage to classic arcade shooters while adding a modern twist. Let’s take a closer look at what this collection has to offer and whether it’s worth your hard-earned cash.
If you’ve ever found yourself in an arcade during the late ’80s, you likely remember the exhilarating rush of playing Operation Wolf. This iconic military shooter, complete with a realistic Uzi light gun, took the gaming world by storm when it was first released. Taito, known for classics like Space Invaders and Bubble Bobble, found itself riding high on the arcade wave, and the sequels that followed tried to capture that magic, though they never quite reached the same level of fame.
Fast forward to 2025, and M2 has brought together not just Operation Wolf, but also its sequel Operation Thunderbolt, Space Gun, and the standout gem Night Striker in this all-in-one package called Operation Night Strikers. If you’re wondering what makes this collection special, let’s break it down.
First off, let’s talk about the shooting action. Operation Night Strikers focuses on mindless shooting fun, which is perfect for anyone looking to blow off some steam. While it lacks traditional light gun support, M2 has provided three control options: the analogue stick, the Joy-Con’s gyro controls, and even a USB mouse. For those who remember the thrill of House of the Dead: Remake, the gyro controls might feel surprisingly effective, especially with an on-screen crosshair that you can recalibrate mid-game. The mouse option may feel a bit like cheating, but it’s undeniably the most precise way to aim if you have a flat surface to work with.
As you blast through the various titles, you’ll find that each game brings something unique to the table. Operation Wolf keeps you engaged with plenty of targets, while Operation Thunderbolt enhances the experience with dynamic environments, thanks to impressive 2D scaling technology. Then there’s Space Gun, which trades military-themed enemies for xenomorphs, offering a clever simulation of 3D-style corridors using angled 2D sprites.
But the real star of the show is Night Striker. This isn’t your typical light gun game; instead, you take control of a futuristic car that can soar through the air. Imagine a mashup of OutRun‘s branching pathways and Space Harrier‘s frantic action, all wrapped in stunning Blade Runner-esque visuals paired with a fantastic Zuntata soundtrack. It’s no exaggeration to say that this port surpasses the versions released on the Saturn and PS1 back in the ’90s, making it an absolute highlight of the collection.
What’s more, M2 has ensured this release is packed with features that enhance the experience. Expect flawless emulation, a variety of CRT filters, online leaderboards, and in-game achievements. You can even toggle on-screen information like health and remaining bombs for easier gameplay. And if you’re a fan of the original arcade versions, you’ll be pleased to know that you can choose between US and Japanese versions of each game.
As if that wasn’t enough, M2 has also included the home ports that followed the original arcade releases. For instance, you can find the NES, Famicom, and Master System versions of Operation Wolf. However, the absence of the PC Engine port is a bit of a letdown. While the SNES version of Operation Thunderbolt is included, it’s a shadow of its arcade counterpart, despite featuring six characters to choose from. Nostalgic players might find these ports interesting, even if they don’t quite match the quality of the arcade originals.
In terms of longevity, Operation Night Strikers may not have endless replayability, even with online leaderboards to keep you engaged. Some of the home ports may feel a bit rough around the edges, but for those who grew up playing these classics, the nostalgia factor is undeniable. You might find yourself lost in memories of the legendary Operation Wolf and the thrill of its gameplay.
So, should you grab Operation Night Strikers for your Switch? If you’re a fan of arcade shooters or a die-hard Taito lover, this collection is an absolute must-have. The perfect emulation, diverse control options, and nostalgic charm make it an enticing purchase. While it may not be for everyone, especially those who prefer a more polished experience, there’s no denying that M2 has delivered another solid package that will delight fans of retro gaming.
In conclusion, whether you’re revisiting old memories or introducing a new generation to these classics, Operation Night Strikers is sure to provide plenty of entertainment. So grab your controller, ready your aim, and prepare for some exhilarating arcade shooting action!
