Contra: Operation Galuga Reviews
Everything you'd anticipate from a revived classic is present in Contra: Operation Galuga, a game that successfully takes you back to the era of beloved gaming classics. Put simply, if you're an older gamer with fond memories of titles like these, you'll likely overlook some minor flaws and revel in the nostalgia that transports you back to your youth. On the other hand, if you're a bit younger, Contra: Operation Galuga might not stand out as an especially captivating title, as it targets a very specific audience of gamers with its visual style, music and gameplay. Despite this, Contra is a great video game and we're sure fans of the series will hold a special place in their heart for this one.
Contra: Operation Galuga restores the series to its former glory. Expect old-school gameplay with a steep difficulty curve and only a few innovations. Multiple modes and up to four player co-op top off a solid remake.
Review in German | Read full review
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, one of the indispensable games of the 80s, has been adapted to the present day with its mechanics and visuals. Contra: Operation Galuga is a great game that stays true to the original with new boss battles and level designs.
Review in Turkish | Read full review
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.
Contra: Operation Galuga is an amusing run-and-gun that met my 2D shooting expectations, but rarely exceeded them.
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.
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
With its excellent level design, challenging gameplay, and twists on the classic formula, Contra: Operation Galuga offers a compelling reimagining of one of the most beloved arcade games ever made. However, despite its strengths, the game's short campaign length, limited amount of content and lack of online multiplayer may deter some players, especially considering its price. While the inclusion of extra characters and a Challenge Mode adds some variety, they fail to provide a good reason to continue playing the game after having gone through the eight stages multiple times.
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.
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.
Con: Operation Galuga successfully recreates the original game released in 1987 and elevates the show to a new level, but a number of issues (the controls, mainly) make the experience very frustrating.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
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.
How might Contra: Operation Galuga disappoint fans of the series? Nobody. How could it bring in new players who don't know the arcade? With adrenaline-pumping action through challenging levels where you can fight your way through with a devastating arsenal, advancing meter after meter until the boss challenge. We are faced with a bare and raw run and gun platformer, in which the few extra contents are a real added value and not a formality because nowadays everyone must have them. These are Bill and Lance's best adventures, and the two new characters are also very charismatic. Do you just want to shoot like crazy? You'll love it.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Contra has returned and Wayforward offers us a master class on how to respect and manage a beloved IP, it is not the first time he has done it. Cons: Operation Galuga, is a must-see, whether or not you are a fan of this franchise, one of the pleasant surprises of March and 2024.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
Contra: Operation Galuga brings back the granddaddy of run and gun with a bang, but don't expect it to be an easy ride.
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 returns in a new reimagining, with a very odd story but with the same great Run-N-Gun gameplay, the series is known for. Despite some issues with the audio mix and not being a fan of the visuals, this is the type of gameplay I've missed, and I'm glad to see that Konami has finally realized the Contra series had more than enough in the tank for another go.
The moment-to-moment action is terrific, level designs and boss battles are mostly great, character and weapon diversity provide high replay value, and customization options allow for an adventure as dangerous or approachable as you like. With a more interesting story, a less tedious progression model, and nicer artistic assets, it would enter that next tier of greatness.
Contra: Operation Galuga might have been an unexpected remake of an ancient classic, but it’s definitely a remake we needed. For those who want to relive their childhood or want a little blast from the past without being there, this release might be the best remake we’ve had in years. Between the upgraded visuals, new cinematics, and voice acting, Contra: Operation Galuga will most likely take a spot next to its predecessor in the Hall of Fame for years to come for both new and old gamers.