"Classic shooting action!"

Ah, Operation Thunderbolt. I have fond memories of this game. When I was younger, I would find it around in many arcades I went to, but I most often played it when I was at the swimming baths, because as a kid I went down there pretty often. I still remember the great shooting action, some nice graphics for a game that came out in 1988, and I would play with my dad quite a lot. This game is pretty much like any kind of 'Commando'-style movie you'd see...some terrorists take over a plane and make some demands, somebody's gotta stop them, and guess who that is...that's right, it's you!

Operation Thunderbolt is the sequel to arcade shooter Operation Wolf (which is a lot less known than this title). You play the action hero of that game, but rather than going it alone, you're with an old friend who serves along in the army with you. So if you need a helping hand, you got it! Now that we know what it's all about, let's delve into a little more detail of the shooter classic that is Operation Thunderbolt...

Gameplay - 8/10

I can still clearly remember enjoying the shooting action of this game. So how does it all work anyways? Well basically, you play the role of the army soldier who was the main star of the prequel Operation Wolf. You have once again been sent into action because a plane has been hijacked by some terrorists and they're holding the plane's passengers hostage and are making some demands, so you've got to stop them before these plans are put into practise. You have your main gun weapon, which fires bullets, and a limited amount of grenades you can throw. Basically, you control your action by a laser-gun that is pointed at the arcade screen, and you shoot away.

There are six levels in the game if you are playing in 2-Player mode. Simply don't get shot, and kill all the enemies that try to attack you. With two people on one team, it seems rather much easier than playing 1-Player, which it is. If you're going on your own, you have a much harder game plot to travel through, but if you want challenge, you have it here. It's enjoyable to play either mode, but I myself still prefer to play with a friend as I enjoyed it much more when I played alongside my dad. It was easier than 1-Player but still quite tough, and it took a while to get through this short but frustrating game.

However, it takes an instinct with shooter games to get used to this one. Operation Thunderbolt is like any other shooter, when it boils down to it. If you've played Time Crisis, Jurassic Park III or House of the Dead, you'll know what I mean. You cannot take cover in many situations, so it's basically an all-out shootout, so it'll be tough, not only dispatching the enemies, but the projectiles they'll try to knock you out with, as well as trying not to get hit yourself.

Story - 4/10

You see this kind of plot in just about any kind of army or commando game. Some terrorists are making threats; you've got to stop them. But still, it's suitable for this game, and it's pretty much what people in the army have to do anyway, so I'm not really too fussed about the plot of this game.

Audio/Video - 6/10

Being 1988 when this game came out for the arcades, you have to forgive Taito on this one. The sounds do sound a little hazy, like when you see the end of the intro movie there is a quiet voice saying "Operation...Thunderbolt!", but it does sound rather quiet and you can't hear it well. Some of the music, however, isn't too bad. It's nothing that you'll keep in your head for ages, but it's not annoying either. The sound effects don't resemble anything realistic, and that might have been improved, but in general it is quite satisfactory.

Now, the visuals of Operation Thunderbolt speak for themselves - they are indeed rather nice. The designs of the locations you will go to, the enemies, and of course - the characters you star as, are all well-created. There is lots of colour used and the 3-dimensional movement as you progress through the stages is well done, so I'm pleased with the technology made for the visuals of this game. Many effects are well done, too.

Overall - 8/10

Operation Thunderbolt is a great arcade game. I've been playing it for a long time now and I'm always willing to have a go whenever I see this game in an arcade as it has all the good points required in a shooter. If you want a good shooting experience and an enjoyable 2-Player mode, then this will be your cup of tea. Well worth a go!

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 11/29/05