Metascore
71

Mixed or average reviews - based on 14 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 14
  2. Negative: 0 out of 14
  1. May 1, 2024
    82
    Contra: Operation Galuga is the perfect follow-up to Rogue Corps. That is to say, it’s an actual Contra game that’s worth your time and money. It may not be the best game in the series, but it’s certainly up there with the original Contra and WayForward’s own Contra 4. If you have a hankering for some running and gunning on the go. Contra: Operation Galuga (on Switch at least) is well worth getting to the eshoppa for.
  2. Mar 28, 2024
    80
    Though the stages are much longer than their original forms, sometimes clocking in at around 15 minutes, playing through Story Mode only takes a couple of hours. Still, Contra: Operation Galuga packs a whole lot of action into those hours. When you add the more flexible Arcade Mode and difficult Challenge Mode, Operation Galuga is an admirable modernized reimagining of one of the most influential games of the late '80s.
  3. Mar 13, 2024
    80
    Contra: Operation Galuga is a solid retro revival. It’s got satisfying gunplay, a good balance of old school mechanics with modern tweaks and offers a good challenge. Fans of the series will have a blast, even if its visuals sometimes get in the way.
  4. Mar 13, 2024
    80
    Contra: Operation Galuga did crash on me a few times, the loading screens are longer than I'd expect for a 2.5D game, and some of the prices in the perk shop are ridiculous, but ultimately it's a great bit of fun. I've been missing run and gun action like this since primary school. Bill Rizer and Lance Bean, I salute you.
  5. Mar 11, 2024
    75
    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.
  6. Mar 11, 2024
    75
    Contra: Operation Galuga is a classic two-dimensional shooter that fully respects the gameplay cornerstones of Konami's saga. Fun, even in multiplayer, thanks to the excellent level design and the variety provided by the enemies. It is not entirely convincing due to its short longevity and some problems with the control system.
  7. 75
    If you enjoy classic Contra-style gameplay and want to wash the awful taste of Rogue Corps out of your mouth, Contra: Operation Galuga is a worthy palette cleanser. What it lacks in visual attractiveness, it does make up for with a solid run-and-gun experience that is comparable to the best Contra games of the past. The additional characters, four-player Arcade Mode, and tricky Challenge Mode extend the replay value, but some of the more fun, Easter egg-type perks that you can unlock require far too much grinding. While it may fall a bit short of being a sure-fire hit, Operation Galuga provides a fair amount of entertainment and some good ways of adjusting the difficulty of what has been a notoriously tough video game series.