由 Bandai 於 1988 年 10 月 22 日在任天堂 Famicom Disk System（紅白機磁碟機）上推出的《怪獸超人俱樂部：地球奪回作戰》（ウルトラマン倶楽部 地球奪還作戦），是整個「奧特曼俱樂部」系列在任天堂平台上的開端之作，同時也是該系列最早期的原型。

與後來廣為人知、以回合制為核心的 RPG 續作不同，本作是一款融合動作與地圖探索的小品型作品，其玩法更接近早期的橫向動作遊戲，並帶有些許冒險解謎的元素。由於採用磁碟機格式，讓它在系列歷史中顯得格外特殊，也反映出當時遊戲設計仍在探索方向的階段。

在技術表現方面，展現 Famicom Disk System 相較卡帶的優勢。畫面首次將超人力霸王角色轉化為 SD（二頭身）造型，雖然點陣細節仍顯簡單，但那種頭大身小的可愛比例成功建立「奧特曼俱樂部」系列日後的視覺風格。音效方面則運用磁碟機額外的音源通道，重現經典的變身音效，對當時的影迷而言具有相當高的情懷價值。另一方面，磁碟需要反覆讀取正反面的設計，雖然帶來較長的等待時間，但也讓遊戲能容納更多關卡與資料內容。

故事背景設定在地球遭到大量怪獸入侵後的末日狀態，人類文明幾近崩潰。來自光之國的奧特戰士觀測到這場危機，決定派出戰力展開「地球奪回作戰」。玩家扮演初代超人力霸王，降臨荒廢的地球，逐步清除各個區域的怪獸勢力，最終挑戰盤踞核心地帶的首領，為地球帶回希望與秩序。

在操作系統上，與系列後期作品有著明顯差異。在地圖上移動時，一旦接觸敵人便會進入戰鬥畫面，進行橫向動作對抗。攻擊方式以拳擊與踢擊為主，並保留招牌的光線技能，但需要消耗能量條，因此必須在關鍵時刻使用。整體節奏偏向直接且簡單，但也因此對玩家的反應速度與操作精準度提出較高要求。

此外，包含一定程度的探索要素。各區域之間透過傳送點或隱藏路徑相連，需要在迷宮般的地圖中尋找前進方式，有時還需取得關鍵道具或資訊才能解鎖新區域。由於缺乏現代遊戲常見的引導設計，初次遊玩時容易產生迷路感，也成為本作的一大特色與挑戰來源。

在市場評價上，被普遍視為一款「概念新穎但仍顯青澀」的起點之作。評論者認為其最大貢獻在於成功塑造 SD 化的奧特曼形象，這種風格後來不僅延續到遊戲續作，也擴展至玩具與扭蛋等周邊市場。雖然操作手感與關卡設計尚未成熟，但它為系列後續轉型為 RPG 奠定了基礎。

從歷史角度來看，本作的重要性不在於完成度，而在於其開創性。它標誌著「奧特曼俱樂部」系列的誕生，也為後續如《怪獸超人俱樂部 2》與《怪獸超人俱樂部 3》這類成熟作品鋪路，成為整個系列不可忽視的原點。

Released by Bandai on October 22, 1988, for the Nintendo Famicom Disk System, Ultraman Club: Chikyuu Dakkan Sakusen (Earth Recovery Operation) stands as the very first entry in the “Ultraman Club” series on Nintendo platforms and serves as its foundational prototype.

Unlike the later entries that became well known for their turn-based RPG systems, this early title is a hybrid of action gameplay and overworld exploration. Its design leans more toward a side-scrolling action game with light adventure elements, reflecting an experimental phase before the series fully established its identity. The use of the Disk System format also makes it a unique entry in the franchise’s history.

Technically, the game takes advantage of the Disk System’s capabilities. It marks the first time Ultraman characters were წარმოდ as SD (super-deformed) sprites, featuring large heads and small bodies. Although the pixel art is relatively simple by later standards, this visual style became the defining look of the entire “Ultraman Club” series. On the audio side, the additional sound channel allowed the game to recreate iconic transformation sound effects, which held strong appeal for fans at the time. However, the need to load both sides of the disk resulted in longer loading times, even though it enabled more content to be included.

The story is set in a post-apocalyptic scenario where Earth has been overrun by monsters and humanity is on the brink of collapse. Observing the crisis from the Land of Light, the Ultraman warriors dispatch a mission to reclaim the planet. Players take on the role of the original Ultraman, descending to Earth to clear out monster-infested regions one by one, ultimately confronting the final boss controlling the invasion and restoring peace to the world.

In terms of gameplay, the system differs greatly from its RPG successors. While moving across the map, encounters with enemies trigger side-view combat sequences. Players rely primarily on basic attacks such as punches and kicks, while signature beam attacks are available but consume energy, requiring strategic use. The overall gameplay is straightforward but demands quick reflexes and precise control.

The game also incorporates exploration elements. Areas are interconnected through hidden paths and teleport points, requiring players to navigate maze-like environments to progress. Key items and information must sometimes be discovered to unlock new regions. Due to the lack of clear guidance, players can easily become lost, which adds both challenge and a distinct old-school charm.

Critically, Earth Recovery Operation is often regarded as a conceptually ambitious but somewhat unrefined starting point. Its greatest contribution lies in establishing the SD-style Ultraman aesthetic, which later became widely popular not only in games but also in merchandise such as toys and capsule figures. While its controls and level design show early limitations, it laid the groundwork for the more polished RPG direction seen in later entries.

From a historical perspective, the game’s importance lies less in its execution and more in its role as the origin of the series. It paved the way for future titles like Ultraman Club 2 and Ultraman Club 3, making it an essential cornerstone in the evolution of Ultraman games.