Clear River Games, in partnership with the renowned video game publisher TAITO, has announced the upcoming release of Operation Night Strikers, a compilation that brings four beloved arcade classics back to life. This action-packed bundle, which includes three thrilling lightgun shooters and a high-octane driving game, will be available on Nintendo® Switch™ and Steam starting August 7, 2025.
The release marks a perfect blend of nostalgia and modern improvements, recreating the adrenaline-fueled excitement of the arcade era for a new generation of gamers.
In the golden age of arcade gaming, few titles offered the same level of excitement and challenge as the lightgun shooters that dominated arcades worldwide. As one of the most influential names in the gaming world, TAITO’s contributions to this genre are legendary.
With Operation Night Strikers, Clear River Games and TAITO are not just bringing back these classics, but enhancing them to meet the expectations of modern audiences.
The Operation Night Strikers compilation features four iconic games: Operation Wolf, Operation Thunderbolt, Night Striker, and Space Gun. Each title is a perfect representation of its genre, promising hours of entertainment for both long-time fans and newcomers to these classic experiences.
The Games of Operation Night Strikers
Operation Wolf
In Operation Wolf, players take on the role of a soldier armed with a machine gun and rocket-propelled grenades. The mission is simple but perilous: infiltrate enemy territory, rescue hostages, and escort them to safety. The stakes are high, and failure is not an option. As the mission code name suggests, your success is critical—do not fail!
Operation Thunderbolt
Following the events of Operation Wolf, Operation Thunderbolt brings back Roy Adams, the original hero, joined by his former green beret team-mate, Hardy Jones. In this sequel, the duo embarks on a daring rescue mission in Africa. With impossible odds stacked against them, these soldiers are ready to face an army of enemies and save the day.
Night Striker
Night Striker introduces players to the world of high-speed combat with a mission to destroy a dangerous terrorist organisation. As a member of the United Nations Special Tactical Action Force (UNSTAF), players pilot the combat hovercraft, Inter-Gray Xsi, in fast-paced, non-stop action. The game combines the intensity of lightgun action with a high-octane driving experience.
Space Gun
Set in the year 2039 AD, Space Gun is a thrilling space exploration title. Players take on the role of a space marine investigating an unexplained incident on a space station. However, a distress call from a nearby cargo ship leads to a terrifying discovery. Armed with a multi-purpose rifle, players must battle monsters, rescue hostages, and complete the mission before time runs out.
Enhanced Features for Modern Gamers
Operation Night Strikers is not just a simple port of these classic games. The compilation comes with a host of enhancements designed to cater to today’s gaming preferences. Nintendo Switch players can use the Joy-Con™ motion controls to simulate the classic lightgun experience, while both Switch and Steam users can opt for a USB mouse or cursor-controlled gameplay.
The compilation also introduces quality-of-life improvements, such as:
- Authentic CRT Filters: Simulate the look of 80s arcade monitors for a true retro experience.
- On-Screen Information: Gadgets display helpful information on the sides of the play area.
- Multiple Arcade Versions: Play different versions of each game to find your favourite.
- Save/Load Anywhere: Save and continue your progress at any time.
- Leaderboard Integration: Upload and view your play data, and compare it with top-ranking players.
- Difficulty Options: Enjoy the games at your own pace with extra bullets and adjusted difficulty settings. Whether you want a challenge or a relaxed experience, the choice is yours.
Availability and Pre-order Details
Operation Night Strikers will be available for digital download on Nintendo Switch and Steam from August 7, 2025. For those who prefer a physical copy, a special edition will be released for Nintendo Switch on January 23, 2026, alongside a Collector’s Edition packed with exclusive items. Gamers can also pre-order the game now on both platforms, with a wishlist option available on Steam.
About Clear River Games
Clear River Games is a Swedish publisher dedicated to bringing classic retro games and revived game franchises to life. Founded by the Freemode Group (part of Embracer Group), Clear River Games focuses on offering high-quality retro and indie games that inspire nostalgia or introduce new gaming experiences. Their mission is to make classic and modern retro games accessible to gamers worldwide, with both digital and physical editions available.
About TAITO Corporation
TAITO Corporation, a subsidiary of Square Enix Holdings Co., Ltd., has a long and storied history in the gaming industry. Based in Tokyo, Japan, TAITO has been a pioneer in arcade gaming, with legendary titles like SPACE INVADERS, PUZZLE BOBBLE (BUST-A-MOVE), and ARKANOID. Today, TAITO continues to deliver both classic and contemporary gaming experiences, offering a wide range of entertainment across various platforms.
