Introduction to Operation Night Strikers
Taito is renowned for iconic games like Space Invaders and Bubble Bobble, but during the late 1980s, it rose to fame in arcades with the launch of Operation Wolf. This military shooter, inspired by the Rambo franchise, featured a realistic Uzi attached to its cabinet, captivating players across numerous home systems. While sequels expanded on the original gameplay, none reached the same level of acclaim. Fast forward to today, and emulation experts M2 have curated a collection that includes Operation Wolf alongside Operation Thunderbolt and Space Gun, all while introducing the remarkable Night Striker—a Super Scaler-style shooter reminiscent of Space Harrier and After Burner—under the title Operation Night Strikers.
Gameplay Mechanics
Operation Night Strikers centers on intense shooting action. Due to the lack of traditional light gun support, M2 has provided three control options: the analogue stick, Joy-Con gyro controls, or a USB mouse. Each method offers a unique experience.
Control Options
- Analogue Stick: This method performs adequately for players seeking a straightforward approach.
- Gyro Controls: Drawing from techniques seen in House of the Dead: Remake, this option features an on-screen crosshair that can be recalibrated easily during gameplay.
- USB Mouse: While it may seem somewhat unconventional to light gun aficionados, this interface tends to be the most effective, provided a flat surface is available.
Each control scheme offers an enjoyable experience, with Operation Wolf providing ample targets, while its sequel enhances the excitement with more dynamic environments powered by 2D scaling technology. In Space Gun, players face alien enemies, effectively simulating smooth 3D-style corridor segments using angled 2D sprites.
Narrative and Design of Night Striker
Distinct from the other titles, Night Striker is not a light gun game; instead, it allows players to command a futuristic car that can soar into the sky. This game feels like a blend of OutRun—with its branching paths—and Space Harrier, all set against stunning Blade Runner-like backdrops and a captivating Zuntata soundtrack. Many consider it the highlight of this collection, with this port surpassing its 1990s counterparts released on the Saturn and PS1 in Japan. While it is a stretch to claim that Night Striker alone justifies the purchase, its value is undeniable, especially as enthusiasts anticipate M2’s upcoming sequel.
Additional Features
As expected from an M2 title, the collection showcases impeccable emulation quality. Players can customize visuals with various CRT filters and access online leaderboards. An information display assists in tracking health and remaining bombs, which can be toggled as needed. Alternatively, players can choose between the U.S. and Japanese versions of each game.
Included Home Ports
M2 has also enhanced the collection by including home versions that followed the arcade releases; this is particularly true for those who purchased a physical copy. For Operation Wolf, players can experience the Famicom, NES, and Master System versions, although the PC Engine version is absent. The SNES version of Operation Thunderbolt is also included, but it is considered a weaker representation compared to the arcade original, despite offering six playable characters. While not all ports feature gyro aiming, they still provide an interesting take on the arcade classics, appealing to those with nostalgic ties to these games.
The Mega CD version of Night Striker is part of the collection as well. Although it may appear visually inferior to the arcade version, it offers a remarkable sense of speed and an impressive arranged soundtrack.
