Operation Wolf Returns: First Mission VR delayed until July with new trailer

Operation Wolf Returns: First Mission VR will now release in mid-July, but a new gameplay trailer has been revealed.
Operation Wolf Returns First Mission 2
Image: Microids

Operation Wolf Returns: First Mission VR, an upcoming redesign of the classic arcade rail shooter Operation Wolf, will now launch on July 13th, 2023. Developed by Virtuallyz Gaming and published by Microids, it was originally expected to release later this month.

Operation Wolf Returns: First Mission VR will be available on Steam VR, Meta Quest 2, PlayStation VR 2 and Pico 4. In Fall 2023, it will be ported to PC, Nintendo Switch, and current or last-gen PlayStation and Xbox consoles for non-VR gameplay. You can watch today’s first gameplay trailer on the Microids YouTube channel:

Operation Wolf was always an easygoing arcade experience, and a flagship title for the rail shooter genre, so it’s a perfect fit for VR gameplay. Today’s trailer feels both nostalgic and tongue-in-cheek enough, and the Steam page mentions that players should expect to hear parody voices throughout.

There’s also an art design that doubles down on a bright, upbeat and unapologetic tone. This should feel very accessible for the unfamiliar, and Operation Wolf Returns: First Mission VR does seem a little tamer, too.

And even though today’s trailer reveals that the game will be fairly light on content, it’s probably more than enough for a rail shooter. Further, Survival mode is sure to cement the intended arcade style. The game will definitely be worth a breezy visit every now and then for a jolt of playful target practice.

The animation is stealthily improved, with some more realistic impact, recoil, and general movement without losing that signature over-the-top attitude. It very carefully avoids the realm of slapstick.

Virtuallyz Gaming recently launched Papaye Bang Bang VR in February, so the devs have some practice with creating a fun VR FPS. It’ll be interesting to see how they’ve fine-tuned the art of engaging simplicity.

You can read more about Operation Wolf Returns: First Mission VR, Microids, and other upcoming shooters by following our news section.

Anthony Fertino

Anthony Fertino

Anthony Fertino is a novelist and lifelong gamer, born and raised in Southern California. He's been a content writer for over 10 years, and studied film at SMC for 4 years. When he isn't playing shooters, RPGs, or indies, he's reading SFF novels and trying the latest tabletop games.

More Content

Comments

Leave a Comment

All comments go through a moderation process, and should be approved in a timely manner. To see why your comment might not have been approved, check out our Comment Rules page!

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.