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.