Vampire Survivors: Operation Guns is a premium downloadable content (DLC) pack for Vampire Survivors. It brings the action-packed heroes from classic action games, particularly Contra Force, as you embark on a new adventure. Unlock 11 new characters and explore dozens of new weapons and upgrade paths, most of them a range of guns and automatic firearms.

While the guns and tech concept feels out of place in the horror-fantasy themes of the base game, Vampire Survivors: Operation Guns brings the game in a new and ultimately enjoyable direction. Also, try Vampire Survivors: Tides of the Foscari and Vampire Survivors: Legacy of the Moonspell.

A host of new content, inspired by classic shooters

As mentioned, Vampire Survivors: Operation Guns breathes new life into old-school action franchises. You have Lucia from Galuga, Bill Rizer and Lance Bean from Contra Force, and more. Aside from the 11 new characters, these games also inspire new weapons: from homing missiles to experimental prototypes. Lastly, iconic stage designs such as the Alien Zone and Neo City will surely strike nostalgia to those who played the originals.

To complete the experience, the DLC also comes with a soundtrack filled with classic Contra tracks and remixes. Visually speaking, each of the new characters retains their individuality despite being reworked in a smaller resolution of the base game’s pixel art style. The design of the characters, plus the new attack animations, further adds to the nostalgia — like playing a survivor-based Contra spinoff.

As a DLC, you’ll need the base game in order to play. Also, like other add-ons to the hit genre-defining game, there are requirements to unlock the characters. They are not available immediately upon purchase. Lastly, some players might find the new additions thematically inconsistent or out of place, although it does open up the game to more types of content in future updates.

A definite must-have

In conclusion, Vampire Survivors: Operation Guns injects fresh vitality into classic shooter franchises with 11 new characters, a plethora of inspired weapons, and nostalgic stage designs. The DLC completes the immersion with a retro Contra soundtrack and pixel-perfect character redesigns. While unlocking characters requires gameplay dedication, it enhances replayability. Yet, potential issues with the DLC's integration into the base game remain unexplored.