Contra: Operation Galuga
Top Critic Average
Critics Recommend
Contra: Operation Galuga Trailers
Contra: Operation Galuga - Reveal Trailer
Contra: Operations Galuga - Official Gameplay Trailer | IGN Fan Fest 2024
Contra: Operation Galuga character trailer
Critic Reviews for Contra: Operation Galuga
Contra: Operation Galuga is an amusing run-and-gun that met my 2D shooting expectations, but rarely exceeded them.
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.
Contra: Operation Galuga reimagines just enough to feel modern without losing the original game's identity.
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.
WayForward has done god's work in design and execution, and in rekindling the feel of Konami's blistering run-and-gun IP. It's all expertly assembled: an adrenaline-fuelled bullet ballet that knows exactly what Contra is and should be, borrowing key elements from the series' back catalogue and elevating the action with an original moveset that feels fresh, fun, and exciting to toy with. It's this undeniable accomplishment that makes the Switch version somewhat deflating. There's a great game here, and yes, it is playable, it is fun, and it can be learned. But it's damaged by so many technical setbacks that one weeps for what should have been. Unity-coded titles on the Switch don't have a great track record, but WayForward can't really blame the tools and should have ironed it out considerably. Contra: Operation Galuga stands tall amongst its peers - just not this version. If you're a serious Contra fan, we're going to drop something utterly perverse for a Nintendo-focused publication, lay down a suppressing fire, and tell you to head straight over to Steam.
Contra: Operation Galuga brings back the granddaddy of run and gun with a bang, but don't expect it to be an easy ride.
In the end, Contra: Operation Galuga wasn't the triumphant return we were hoping for, but it's certainly the best game in the series in recent years. It's difficult and has several modes and characters that will make the game last for hours, and in doubles (or fours in arcade) it's still fantastic.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
A proper "reboot" of the series, with eight interesting levels, plenty of elements to unlock, nice gameplay and weak visuals.
Review in Italian | Read full review
