RetroGamer84 and GamerFan’s Review of Operation Wolf on the NES

Alright, GamerFan, ready to dive into Operation Wolf? Taito’s hit arcade game finally made its way to the NES. I remember seeing this game in arcades, always with a crowd around it. The original machine gun controller was a blast—here’s hoping the NES version captures some of that excitement.

Absolutely, RetroGamer84! Given Taito’s reputation, my hopes are definitely high. Let’s see how well it translates to our NES pads.

As the game starts, video game gunfire fills the room.

So, right off the bat, it’s clear that this is as intense as the arcade version. The enemies just keep coming at you from every angle. The graphics aren’t too bad, but you can tell it’s a step down from the arcade.

Agreed. The control scheme is a bit different without that machine gun controller. Using the D-pad to aim while pressing the button to shoot takes some getting used to, but it’s surprisingly responsive. I like how we can conserve ammo by picking it up as we go. And those grenades are super handy.

Yeah, knowing when to use your grenades effectively is key, especially with those helicopters and armored cars. Did you know we can shoot other items for extra ammo and health? I did a little reading up and found that out. Pretty neat!

Cool! I’ve also read from Nintendo Power that the end-level bosses have specific weaknesses. We should really focus on learning those patterns. And speaking of magazines, how awesome was this year’s issue (1989) featuring previews of Mega Man 2? Pure hype!

They progress through a couple of levels.

Look, they weren’t kidding—some of those enemies are brutal! The ones who dodge my shots really test my patience. But hey, it’s satisfying to shoot knives and grenades out of the air.

I agree; it’s challenging yet rewarding. However, one downside is the limited lives. It’s not forgiving, and you basically need to play perfectly to keep those continues intact. How are we doing on score?

Doing okay, but could be better. By the way, did you hear about how Taito’s development team added these levels specially for the NES version? They had to compromise on some features, but it’s great to see they tried to keep the experience as complete as possible.

The game progresses to the final mission.

Alright, here we are—final mission. Heads up, potential spoilers if anyone out there hasn’t finished this game yet.

The final boss is really making us work for it! It’s a good thing we hoarded those grenades. And look at this last challenge—defeating armies just to get to the mountain base feels straight out of an action movie.

Totally, and the last boss is no joke. It’s like a gauntlet of enemies before the main guy, trying to rescue those prisoners. There’s something fulfilling about finally seeing those captured hostages freed. Even though the graphics and sound are subpar compared to the arcade, this moment makes it worthwhile.

After completing the game, credits rolling on screen.

That was intense! It’s definitely a great game for an arcade shooter fan, but I can see how some might find it frustrating. Tense action, memorable enemies, and a satisfying end. Taito has done well here for NES fans. I’m just curious to see what advances the future brings.

Good point. Gaming in 1989 is really booming with so many great titles. Just imagine what it will be like in a few years. But for now, Operation Wolf on the NES? Definitely worth a play if you love a challenge and have a soft spot for arcade conversions.

Agreed! Can’t wait to read more reviews on the latest tech and games. This one definitely earns a spot in our collection, even if it has a few bumps along the way.

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