1964 Operation Velvet Twins PS5 Review - Punchy NES Spy Action on a Budget

1964 Operation Velvet Twins, developed by SEEP and published by Ratalaika Games on the PS5, is a short, no-frills retro action-platformer that channels classic 8-bit arcade energy into a 1960s spy tale.

You take control of Secret Agent Mike Rogers on a mission to track down and capture the fugitive terrorists known as the Velvet Twins. The game sends you through stylish, danger-filled 1960s-inspired stages including Las Vegas, Chinatown, a Train, and even a Wild West village shootout while delivering pure side-scrolling combat with fists, found weapons, and arcade flair.

The narrative is deliberately lightweight in budget spy movie fashion. A straightforward 1960s spy yarn about hunting the enigmatic Velvet Twins. Mike Rogers is the clear protagonist, a capable secret agent, who starts with bare-handed brawling and escalates to whatever weapons he can grab. The Velvet Twins serve as the primary antagonists/targets, with the campaign structured around progressing through locations and defeating a series of eccentric bosses (eight in total) on the way to confronting them. Supporting elements are minimal. The focus stays on the action rather than deep character development or intricate plot twists.

The Gameplay ...

1964 Operation Velvet Twins is a tight 2D side-scrolling action-platformer that blends the shootouts and cover elements of Rolling Thunder with the street-brawling of Double Dragon. Core gameplay revolves around punching waves of enemies, picking up firearms (pistols, submachine guns) when the heat intensifies, and using melee options such as swords, baseball bats, crates, or other environmental objects. 

You fight across seven unique locations, defeat eight bosses, collect dollars that can be spent on power-ups or banked for higher scores, and chase high scores and achievements. Objectives are your classic arcade-style affair. You clear stages, survive enemy waves, take down bosses, and push for better performance. Controls emphasize responsive movement and combat in an authentic retro mold, with full controller support on PS5. It’s single-player only, short on filler, and built for replay through scoring and unlocking.

The Presentation ...

The game leans hard into its NES/Master System-inspired roots with authentic 8-bit pixel graphics, limited color palettes, and straightforward sprite work that evokes late-’80s arcade and console titles. Stages have distinct thematic identities (neon Vegas, dusty West, etc.) that come through clearly despite the low-fi style. The soundtrack matches with chiptune tracks that reinforce the retro spy/action vibe, and are energetic and memorable in a classic way, perfectly suited to the era and aesthetic without modern embellishment.

The Verdict ...

1964 Operation Velvet Twins succeeds as a pure dose of NES-inspired nostalgia. It features tight, punchy combat, short levels that respect your time, and an unapologetic retro presentation that feels like a lost Master System or NES cart. At a budget price of around $6, it delivers solid value for what it is, and what it is, is an arcade-style diversion rather than a deep modern experience. It won’t redefine the genre or offer lengthy campaigns, but the core loop is fun, responsive, and faithful to its inspirations.

All in all I feel it's best suited for fans of classic 8-bit action-platformers and beat-’em-ups who enjoy short, score-chasing sessions as well as for players nostalgic for Rolling Thunder, Double Dragon, or similar era titles. That and anyone looking for an inexpensive, no-nonsense retro spy romp on PS5. If you want narrative depth, modern production values, or a long campaign, look elsewhere, but for pure arcade energy in pixel form, it’s an easy recommendation.