Contra: Operation Galuga

All the classic Contra gameplay but with enough polish, modernisation and features to make it worthy of the grand old series. We're just not sold on that price tag.

I’m so glad Konami are in the business of publishing good video games again. Entrusting the Contra franchise to WayForward for Operation Galuga was an incredibly smart decision, resulting in a thoroughly replayable and enriching return to the grandfather of the run-‘n’-gun franchise. There is so much fun to be had learning levels, dying and grinding it out as you become familiar with level design patterns and weapon skills. Challenge levels are also fantastic gauntlets that’ll make any seasoned Contra player sweat. Though the story is neither here nor there and the HUD driving it is a bit barebones, none of that gets in the way of the romping and stomping good time you’ll have fighting for liberty and taking it to the alien threat once more. Contra is back.

I loved Contra: Operation Galuga. The run-and-gun gameplay is perfect, and all the new levels, characters, modes, and gameplay additions add lots of depth. I just wish there were some options with the graphics. And I wish there was online co-op in addition to the classic couch co-op. But what’s here is great. I hope WayForward makes a Contra: Operation Galuga sequel, or maybe gives Super C similar treatment in the near future.

Contra Operation Galuga brings back the fast and delicious gameplay of yesteryear with a new approach: avoiding the frustration brought by many of its predecessors.

Contra: Operation Galuga is a nice return to the traditional formula of the series, which fulfills the wishes of the fans. Although at the moment we do not know what will happen, I hope that WayForward manages to take the reins of the series in the future, and then give us a similar work, but focused on The Alien Wars and Hard Corps, and regardless of whether they expand the concepts that we see here present, or choose to continue on a safe path, I'm sure I won't miss the Contra unit's next big mission.

Contra: Operation Galuga brings the essential Contra experience into the modern era. It retains the classic’s white knuckle challenge, awesome level designs, boss creativity and firepower while adding some modern touches to make the game palatable and enjoyable by more people. It’s not particularly long, but playing through once has never been the draw of a Contra game. It’s a game that begs to be re-played and perfected. If you’ve ever been curious to try Contra, this is a great way to get into the franchise.

Although it may grate on the most nostalgic players, the truth is that Contra: Operation Galuga is a good reinterpretation of the original classic with enough new features to keep things interesting. The story mode does its job, although it slows down the frantic pace of the game, while the extra modes are a nice addition to get more out of it and satisfy the more demanding players. Meanwhile, for those who are looking for a lesser challenge, they can always switch to an easier game mode. Contra: Operation Galuga delivers on its adaptation, so let's hope that they don't stop here and continue with new reinterpretations of one of the most iconic sagas in the world of video games.

Contra: Operation Galuga is a treat for both fans of Contra and run ‘n’ gun shooters in general. And thanks to its Perk system and multiple difficulty levels, it’s one of the most accessible entries in the genre. An absolute blast from beginning to end, Contra: Operation Galuga’s campaign might be quite brief, but with its additional modes and wealth of unlockables, there’s hours upon hours of arcade fun to be had here.

The game's story mode is short overall, but thankfully there's an Arcade and Challenge mode that offer great replayability. The challenge mode in particular is a highlight as it doles out mini-challenges for you to blast through, like tricky platforming or a pacifist run of a level. So, all in all, this is undoubtedly the best game the series has had in a long time, and one fans of the classic games won't want to miss out on.

Contra: Operation Galuga is a refreshing return to Contra's roots. The story might be lacking, but the high-octane run and gun action that made the classic games great is back. Contra: Operation Galuga relies heavily on nostalgia to appeal to Contra fans by incorporating several classic level designs and boss fights. It can get away with this by adding enough variety to the gameplay and some fights where the end result feels like a proper re-imagining and not simply a hodgepodge of random past Contra highlights. It does have its shortcomings with dated-looking graphics and an inconsequential story, but when it comes to delivering the classic run and gun Contra action, Operation Galuga is the title fans have been waiting for.

A reimagining rather than a remake, Operation Galuga is a fun way to rediscover the 8-bit classic. The developers kept the gameplay foundations of the original, but included a lot of welcome additions. For Contra veterans, it’s a great sentimental journey, for younger players – a blast from the past in a bearable, modern form.

The big factor that will make or break Contra: Operation Galuga is how you feel about the game structure. Eight stages might not sound like much, but this is a game all about replaying – something which is no doubt a tradition for the series.

Contra: Operation Galuga finally allows the series to reconnect with its origins to once again become a staple of “run & gun”. Even if its artistic direction spoils part of the experience, we definitely find the original spirit of the franchise. Weapon management has been completely redesigned and the game is now teeming with multiple bonuses and improvements to unlock. The frenzy of Arcade mode playable with 4 players in coop compensates for the lack of readability specific to certain levels as well as the lifespan 100% focused on scoring. And if the feeling of déjà vu is sometimes tenacious, it is it which makes the link with the mythical origins of the saga.

My gaming chum and I had a ton of fun with Contra: Operation Galuga and although it doesn't live up to classics such as the peak of run 'n' gun action, Hard Corps, there's certainly a lot to love here, especially with its varied assortment of playable characters.

Contra: Operation Galuga stays true to its roots but makes changes to appeal to old and new players. The result is a good arcade experience that adapts to the player and appeals to nostalgia to convince classic game lovers. While it delivers on being fun and challenging, it fails in its presentation with soulless designs and a less-than-stellar technical side. It is ideal for fans of retro games but for action lovers there are better options to choose from.

Many pretenders and contenders have attempted to lay claim to Contra’s run-and-gun throne over the years, with some glowingly successful and others failing abysmally, but Contra: Operation Galuga largely preserves its legacy with this faithful recreation of the much-loved 1980s classic. While Operation Galuga won’t offer fans anything shocking or out of the ordinary, it’s still a pleasing upgrade they’ll be clamouring for. There’s plenty in here to relish, and it’s not bloated with new features and ideas that could otherwise jeopardize this renewed relic. Yes, more could’ve been done to reinvent the classic gameplay, but one shouldn’t fix what isn’t broken, and so Operation Galuga is a successful if formulaic return for one of gaming’s most hardcore franchises.

While it never transcends its own limitations and fumbles, Operation Galuga is a solid entry into the Contra franchise that is fun enough to play on its own merits.

Contra Operation Galuga is a welcomed return to form for this classic franchise, but it is also a 101 scrolling shooter that takes very few risks. We sincerely hope to see Wayforward again at work with this brand and to see them unleash their talent without restraints.

Contra: Operation Galuga is a fine retelling of the game that kicked the run-and-gun formula into mainstream gaming. It retains that arcade feeling along with the bells and whistles you’d expect for a console release, and the introduction of more multiplayer slots would make this a great party game, or one to play late at night when you just want to switch your brain off and talk about life. Where it falters is how memorable it is, as when you’ve rolled credits it’s unlikely you’ll be eager for a second playthrough unless you fancy upgrading the challenge with the difficulty settings.

I’m not the world’s biggest fan of Contra in the first place, but I’ve always admired the series for challenging and inspiring so many players over the decades. Likewise, I understand what WayForward’s done with this remake of the original. I appreciate the effort to try and find a broader audience. But if that was the goal they should have properly built the game around that kind of experience, rather than half-measuring it and then giving players the ability to just ignore it all. The complete lack of confidence in actually following through with whatever creative vision WayForward took into this project, unfortunately, leaves the entire experience feeling soulless.

A metroidvania adventure with immersive atmosphere and slow-paced gameplay, The Mobius Machine offers solid action in labyrinthine maps with a variety of enemies and platforming challenges. Despite minor flaws like delayed map acquisition and floaty jump controls, its striking graphics and sound design enhance the otherworldly experience, making it a noteworthy title in the genre.

Contra: Operation Galuga tries above all to impress with nostalgia, but this cannot conceal the sterile graphics and the sometimes irritating collision detection. Indie homages have now overtaken the arcade forefather, even if it can be a lot of fun in 4-player co-op.

A disappointingly timid reboot/remake that while competently made does little to add to the Contra formula or move beyond the original games.

For a brief moment of brilliance, Contra: Operation Galuga is the modern interpretation of a 2D run ‘n’ gun that we always wanted. But it's a fleeting moment, and what comes after is a deeply onerous experience that proves a trudge to see through to completion.