Operation Wolf Returns: First Mission VR Meta Quest 2 Review 7/10 "The Wolf is Back!" 🐺 @Virtuallyz_G

Operation Wolf is a game that pops up quite often whenever my family – my Dad, especially – talk about video games. Some of my earliest memories are of him hunched over that plastic Uzi, blasting away at a myriad of enemy soldiers….and never quite getting past the second jungle stage.

With these fond memories swimming about my mind, it was quite exciting to discover that Microids would be releasing this new VR version of the game, and whilst it may have its flaws and visual differences to the original, this captures the sense of mindless blasting action that Operation Wolf provided to so many fans back in the ‘80s.

Upon booting up Operation Wolf Returns: First Mission VR, the first thing that strikes is the difference in visual styling when compared to the 1987 original game. This game opts for a more cartoonish approach that melds well with the slightly more goofy presentation overall.

The main game takes place across four stages, and switching between your grenades and the weapons of destruction on offer – everything from an accurate (if underpowered pistol) through to the spray-n-pray SMG, right up to explosive rocket launchers – are satisfying to use, and this inherently fun gameplay gives a surprising amount of replay ability to the game.

Aside from the main campaign, there is also a survival mode that sees ever-increasing waves of enemies approaching you from every possible angle as you battle for survival as long as possible, I really liked this mode as it feels like an intense last stand that captures the sense of the final act of an awesome ‘80s action movie, helped along by the filmic soundtrack and crunchy audio work.

Whilst  Operation Wolf Returns: First Mission VR isn’t rich in terms of content, I find myself yearning to return to the survival mode quite often, as the accessibility of the controls, the snappiness of the gameplay, and the fact that the game design avoids causing motion sickness makes it a great one to throw on for a few minutes and get my action movie fix.

SUMMARY

Whilst the game does stutter a touch in the more hectic moments, and perhaps visually doesn’t capture the originals’ pixelated flair – the heart and soul of the gameplay is where the connection to the classic Operation Wolf lies, and that is what keeps me coming back for me, I am keen for my dad to have a crack when he is next over.

Right, I’m off to lock ‘n load!

PURCHASE LINK:

https://www.oculus.com/deeplink/?action=view&path=app/6290001201070018&ref=oculus_desktop