WinBack: Covert Operations

 PlayStation 2
  • Publisher: Koei
  • Release Date: Mar 27, 2001
Metascore
66

Mixed or average reviews - based on 11 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 11
  3. Negative: 0 out of 11
Buy Now
Buy on
  1. GamePro
    80
    Despite its averageness, WinBack: CO is fun, satisfying stealth/action fare. If it were the only game you had, it’d be great.
  2. GamerWeb Sony
    80
    The new multi-player options and superb gameplay could actually keep you playing until MGS 2 in October. I've played precious few PS2 titles that are better, and Winback is certainly one of those games that will seem impossible to put down.
  3. IGN
    73
    This is a pretty good cake, albeit of a flavor you've probably never tried...I'd put Winback ahead of "X-Squad," on the strength of its better-thought-out gameplay and far longer mission (not to mention the replay value all the multiplayer modes add).
  5. GameSpot
    72
    Once mastered, the inventive gameplay mechanics have a way of becoming addictive, and the no-frills graphics get the job done.
  6. Yahoo!
    70
    While the control system is straightforward to pick up, it can also be ultimately frustrating - in fact, annoying enough to take a sparkle off the otherwise solid and enjoyable gameplay.
  7. Core Magazine
    67
    An above average effort on the PS2. Basically an enhanced port of the N64 sleeper.
  8. GamePower
    62
    There is a feeling of tension derived from negotiating through the bee's nest of enemies, regardless of how stupid the AI may be at times or how bad the voice acting.
    All this publication's reviews
  9. PSX Nation
    60
    Compared with the sights/sounds/gameplay of "MGS2", the technical flaws that were present on the N64 version (and haven't been fixed in this PS2 port) stand-out like a sore thumb on Roger Ebert's hand (there's a lovely image for you!).
  10. Happy Puppy
    60
    Sheesh, this clunker might as well be subtitled "Interactive Espionage Game Design Basics for Dummies." How retailers can live with such rubbish polluting their shelves isn't apparent.
  11. Game Revolution
    50
    Neat gameplay is marred by a tough camera system and the lack of interesting toys is a letdown, but the game is a solid appetizer for another certain espionage game that's on the way.
  12. Daily Radar
    50
    The controls are incredibly stiff, the locales are boring and rectangular, and the enemies will stand stock still until you shoot them.
    All this publication's reviews

Awards & Rankings

50
#50 Most Discussed PS2 Game of 2001
81
#81 Most Shared PS2 Game of 2001

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 23 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 23
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 23
  3. Negative: 6 out of 23
  1. BrandonBlake
    Oct 17, 2022
    9
    Operation Winback is a insanely engaging stealth shooter with memorable characters and cutscenes full of charm borrowing influences fromOperation Winback is a insanely engaging stealth shooter with memorable characters and cutscenes full of charm borrowing influences from classic action movies of the time. The cover system is enjoyable and doesn't run stale due to the beautiful level design. Definitely a hidden gem deserving of more praise.… Full Review »
  2. AmadeusE
    Feb 1, 2021
    4
    This game is badly designed and horribly flawed almost to the point of unplayable. It's not an unenjoyable game. But it has too many cripplingThis game is badly designed and horribly flawed almost to the point of unplayable. It's not an unenjoyable game. But it has too many crippling flaws.

    First thing is the aiming. Which is very unreliable and untrustworthy. Manual aim is of course out of the question in most combat situations, because it's too slow. And lock-on aim is very bad. You can't really trust it. You never know if you're going to lock on under pressure, since the enemy may be out of range, too much to the side or a number of other problems. Also, if an enemy is out of range, they can still shoot you. There is also this weird thing that if an enemy is slightly to the side and your character aims straight ahead but then locks on, he aims the gun towards the enemy very slowly and you'll miss the first few shots and can get shot yourself first.

    Second is the overwhelming amount of laser traps in this game. The moving ones are the worst ones, since your only way to get past those is by timing a roll under them. And if you don't, you're instantly dead and lose all your progress. Unfortunately, I didn't have the patience to get past one in Stage 10(I think), where you have to roll under a laser way too many times. That one was somehow so damn hard and I kept dying there.

    There's a certain strategy to the combat. And once you nail it, the game can be pretty satisfying. But sadly, the experience is too flawed and a single mistake can also make you lose too much progress sometimes.    … Full Review »
  3. wesker2012
    May 27, 2012
    10
    One of my favorite games of all time. I played the 64 version. Put so many hours into this game.
See all user reviews »