Assessment of Operation Night Strikers: Explanation for the Enduring Attraction of These '80s Cult Classics
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Operation Night Strikers, a collection of four classic arcade shooters, is now available on Nintendo Switch and Windows PC (Steam), developed by Taito and M2. The game delivers nostalgia as well as time-honored game design for fans of 1980s lightguns or anyone curious about classic arcade shooters.
The base version of Operation Night Strikers includes the arcade versions of the four Taito games: Night Striker, Operation Wolf, Operation Thunderbolt, and Space Gun. These versions are emulated with enhancements like save states, various regional versions, and multiple control options including motion aiming and mouse support. These versions stick to the original arcade gameplay and do not include extra historical content or alternate versions beyond the arcade variants.
However, the DLC ("CS Pack") provides alternate versions of these games from older home systems, offering more variety beyond the arcade originals. For example, the DLC includes the Mega-CD version of Night Striker, a notable alternative to the arcade variant, as well as the Famicom/NES and Sega Master System versions of Operation Wolf, the SNES version of Operation Thunderbolt, and the Sega Master System version of Space Gun. Moreover, the DLC versions support peripheral features to replicate original lightgun controllers and analogue inputs used on those consoles.
The key difference lies in the availability of these home console alternate versions exclusively through the DLC, whereas the base game focuses solely on the polished arcade originals. The DLC is sold separately from the base collection digitally, though it is included on the physical Switch cartridge as standard. The DLC costs nearly as much as the base game itself and adds the valuable home console ports that the base package lacks.
Operation Night Strikers manages to capture the same spark as early lightgun experiences like Operation Wolf and Operation Thunderbolt. The game offers an experience that many players may not have encountered before, such as Night Striker, which offers an experience that is closer to Space Harrier than the Operation Wolf formula.
Accessibility was a focus in the compilation's design, ensuring that new players can enjoy the games as much as seasoned veterans. Control options on Nintendo Switch are particularly impressive, with Joy-Con motion controls emulating the lightgun experience. The inclusion of Zuntata's iconic soundtracks ensures that the energy and tension remain intact.
Extra bullets, adjustable difficulty, and online leaderboards are included in the game for both casual and competitive players. CRT filters simulate the soft, phosphor glow of 1980s arcade monitors in the game. Save/load states are included in the game, making it possible to pick up anywhere without sacrificing the challenge.
In summary, the base version of Operation Night Strikers offers a focused, arcade-centric experience, while the DLC expands the collection with home console versions and peripheral support. Whether you're a fan of the original arcade games or looking to explore a piece of gaming history, Operation Night Strikers is worth a look.
- The DLC versions of Operation Night Strikers, available for purchase separately, offer home console alternatives to the base game's arcade design, such as the Mega-CD version of Night Striker and the SNES version of Operation Thunderbolt.
- Artfully simulating the lifestyle of the 1980s, Operation Night Strikers contains creative design elements like CRT filters that replicate the soft, phosphor glow of arcade monitors prevalent during that time.
- UI and UX continously enhance accessibility in Operation Night Strikers, allowing new players to enjoy the games alongside veterans, with features like save/load states, various control options, and adjustable difficulty levels.
- The entertainment value of Operation Night Strikers extends beyond the arcade shooter genre, providing an interactive experience akin to Space Harrier as seen in Night Striker, capturing the essence of early lightgun games like Operation Wolf and Operation Thunderbolt.
- The combination of technology, from emulation of released arcade games to the replication of original lightgun controllers through peripheral features in the DLC, elevates the overall gameplay experience, ensuring that timeless classics continue to captivate players in the modern era.
