The ZX Spectrum version of Taito‘s classic arcade shooter, Operation Wolf, was developed and published by Ocean Software in 1988.

Some might argue that games like this have no place on the Spectrum, but time and time again talented coders and artists have managed to shoehorn complex arcade games into Sir Clive‘s diminutive machine and make playable, fun games out of them. And this is one of those occasions.

Yes: this does have some omissions from the arcade original (like certain enemy characters being dropped in their entirety), and yes: there’s no mouse or lightgun support (just joystick or keyboard), but Operation Wolf on the Spectrum is responsive and playable, and is capable of providing some entertainment to anyone prepared to give it a chance.

Ocean released the game with separate 48K and 128K versions in the same package. The 128K version has an intro sequence and an enhanced AY soundtrack.

For me, Bob Wakelin‘s cover art for Operation Wolf is particularly memorable. I had it as a poster on my wall as a kid, and also bought this game for the Spectrum, and later the Atari ST. So have good memories of playing it.

More: Operation Wolf on Wikipedia
More: Operation Wolf on World of Spectrum