Contra: Operation Galuga Reviews
Contra: Operation Galuga very quickly fell low. Not for its difficulty even arduous in Easy, because it is the DNA of the game. But for its lack of content and interest over time. The absence of online co'op and crossplay, which would have taken this game a certain step, is unacceptable, even more so when the positioning of the title for purchase is around 40 euros. Hardcore fans of the license and over scoring (not even enough to compare these stats with other players or have a world ranking, pfff) will sign at the bottom of the page. The others… not sure they read this whole contract.
Review in French | Read full review
This is a very mediocre shooter that plays it too safe and lacks the charm of the originals. There are far better options out there like Blazing Chrome or Gunlord X that will scratch that itch far better and those are priced more fairly than Contra: Operation Galuga.
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.
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.
Contra Operation Gulag is a good attempt to bring the first Contra game to the modern market, it offer a solid run and gun action that will please the hardcore fans, but it definitely lacks the polish or artstyle to bring in new ones and the price it ask for is more than what the game has to offer
Review in Arabic | 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.
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
Contra: Operation Galuga reimagines just enough to feel modern without losing the original game's identity.
A disappointingly timid reboot/remake that while competently made does little to add to the Contra formula or move beyond the original games.
Contra: Operation Galuga is an amusing run-and-gun that met my 2D shooting expectations, but rarely exceeded them.
A new score and weapon mechanic compliments Contra: Operation Galuga’s fun gameplay, but they can’t cover for levels that feel poorly paced and uninteresting enemy design.
Contra: Operation Galuga is a fun title that can be a good direction for the franchise going forward, keeping the best parts of what it has to offer to the genre. Though it plays too safe and doesn't bring many novelties, I believe it to be what we need after years without something we could call at least decent. Unfortunately, the audiovisual presentation significantly hinders the final quality and its price isn't justified by the content it offers.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Although the remake went through the HD process and offered the old good gameplay with modern graphics, bonus perks, new characters and a challenge mode, but for that exorbitant price, the player would expect more than just 8 levels and around three hours of gameplay.
Review in Slovak | Read full review
Contra: Operation Galuga, though nothing new and has some story issues, is still a love letter to Contra fans just wanting to shoot stuff.
Galuga may not live up to those first two NES/Arcade titles by a long shot, but the fact it manages to be just a bit better than Contra III and Hard Corps for me more than makes it worthy of being part of the 2D lineage.
A run and gun in which there is no shortage of tributes and nods but that does not waste the opportunity to build around that pure and crystalline subgenre that has its two main pillars in its name.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
Returning to the roots of the series, Contra Operation Galuga offers an entertaining experience for dedicated fans. However, it may lack innovation and fail to introduce fresh elements to captivate a broader audience.
Review in Persian | Read full review
The soldiers of Contra: Operation Galuga have the right moves for this mission, but the steep cost, short length, and awkward perspectives lead to a less-than-perfect execution.
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.
Review in Italian | Read full review