Bloody Wolf

When you want a proper dose of eighties Rambo-style action ride, Bloody Wolf won't let you down. This run & gun shooter from Data East is the polished essence of the action films of the era — a lone soldier (or two) against an army of enemies, explosions, prisoners to free, and endless waves of opponents.

Mechanically it's action seen mostly from above and the side, where you fight through the levels, mow down enemies with gunfire and grenades, and advance with an emphasis on quick reactions. Compared to purely vertical shooters like Commando, Bloody Wolf adds more varied situations — rescuing hostages, collecting new weapons and power-ups, riding vehicles, and boss battles that keep the pace fresh. There's a clear desire here to entertain the player with variety, not just endlessly churn out the same situations.

The big draw is again two-player co-op, which makes the game an ideal session for two. Fighting through enemy lines together, covering your partner, and coordinating attacks are exactly what this type of arcade action was made for, and the experience as a pair is significantly more intense than solo.

Bloody Wolf is a typical product of its time — loud, straightforward, and pumped full of the testosterone of B-grade action films. It doesn't aim for any depth or story beyond the necessary, but it knows exactly how to deliver the right portion of adrenaline-fueled fun. For fans of the run & gun genre, it's a reliable and enjoyable choice.

On the PC Engine, Bloody Wolf fits among the solid arcade conversions the platform managed to handle well. It's a game you come back to when you feel like simply switching off your brain and shooting.

Why play: Polished run & gun action in the style of eighties action films with varied situations and gorgeous two-player co-op.