Operation Wolf is an iconic light gun shooter video game that was developed by Taito and launched in arcades in 1987.

This game was a major hit both critically and commercially, making it one of the top-grossing arcade games in 1988 and earning the Golden Joystick Award for Game of the Year. Operation Wolf set the stage for military-themed first-person light gun rail shooters, influencing a wave of clones and similar games that followed in the 90s. It also led to the creation of three sequels: Operation Thunderbolt (1988), Operation Wolf 3 (1994), and Operation Tiger (1998), along with a remake titled Operation Wolf Returns: First Mission (2023).

Taking on the persona of Special Forces Operative Roy Adams, players embark on a thrilling mission to rescue five hostages trapped in hostile territory. The game presents an immersive first-person view and features a rail system, smoothly scrolling horizontally across diverse landscapes. There are six stages in total, each crucial to progressing the storyline. For instance, upon completing the treacherous jungle stage, Adams interrogates a captured enemy soldier to discover the whereabouts of the concentration camp and the hostages. Each stage introduces distinct objectives that impact gameplay, all revolving around the mission of rescuing hostages. Game over scenarios vary with the situation, whether it be the player’s demise or failing to save a single hostage. Restarting the game sends players back to the beginning of the current stage. Interestingly, the Nintendo Entertainment System version offers multiple endings based on how many hostages are successfully rescued.

In the arcade version, the cabinet features an optical controller that mimics an Uzi submachine gun, allowing players to swivel and adjust the aim. This controller even vibrates, simulating recoil during gunfire. The trigger enables fully automatic fire, while a button near the muzzle launches grenades that can affect multiple targets within a wide blast radius.

To successfully complete each stage, players need to eliminate a specified number of enemy soldiers and vehicles—this includes trucks, boats, helicopters, and armoured transports—as shown by an on-screen counter. Limited ammunition and grenades can be replenished by destroying specific objects. Notably, shooting dynamite bombs inflicts substantial damage on all visible targets, both foes and allies. A special machine gun power-up grants unlimited ammunition and a rapid rate of fire for a total of 10 seconds.

Enemies launch attacks using gunfire, knives, grenades, mortar rounds, bazookas, and missiles, and players can shoot down any visible incoming projectiles. The player’s damage bar gradually fills up due to enemy strikes or accidental hits on friendly units, like nurses or civilians. However, health can be regained by collecting power-ups or by successfully completing stages.

Operation Wolf truly stands out in the arcade, not only for it’s classic gameplay but the sheer size of the US cab we have.