Contra Operation Galuga Review

Release date: March 12, 2024

Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, Xbox Series X and Series S

Genres: Shooter game, Platform game

Developer: WayForward

Publishers: Konami, Konami Digital Entertainment

Series: Contra

“Review Copy Provided By WayForward and Konami”

My journey with the Contra series kicked off in the early '90s when I encountered my first Contra game in an arcade, eventually moving on to the NES version and its successors, Super C and Contra Force, though the latter is a topic we tend to avoid. My passion didn't stop there; I ventured through Contra 3: Alien Wars, Contra Hard Corps, the Game Boy titles, the 32-bit era missteps, and every release up to the present day. I feel compelled to share my unique viewpoint. Contra holds a special place in my heart, not because I excel at "1cc" completions or speedrunning—those who do are in a league of their own—but because I represent the gamers who savor the classic run 'n gun thrill and commit enemy patterns to memory, especially when the Konami Code is off the table. Discovering a new Contra installment in the works by Wayforward, especially with my friend Tomm Hulett at the helm, who previously developed the exceptional Spidersaurs and 2007's Contra 4, had me poised for action.

Operation Galuga marks a revival of a series once known for its internal continuity, albeit with some initial reservations due to recurring stage themes seen in Contra 4, such as jungles, waterfalls, and alien hives. While classic, these settings might feel overly familiar, possibly challenging its appeal. Nonetheless, it's been over 15 years since Contra 4's release, making it reasonable to revisit these themes. The only moment of excessive familiarity occurs during Stage 3's climb to the boss, but the boss battle itself introduces refreshing changes and innovative attack patterns, mitigating concerns over redundancy, mainly limited to the introductory level.

Operation Galuga welcomes veterans and newcomers alike with recognizable stages, including vehicular missions and a waterfall ascent, alongside a plethora of beloved weapons. The essence of Contra gameplay remains intact: navigate through stages, eliminating any obstacle, whether it be soldiers, robots, or aliens. Although there's a storyline involving a terrorist organization on an island utilizing ancient technology for global domination, it merely serves as a backdrop for the exhilarating action of two muscle-bound heroes saving the day.

The gameplay experience in Contra: Operation Galuga stays true to the franchise's roots, offering an arcade-like adventure where players can run, double jump, and dash to evade enemy fire. Surviving the barrage of bullets allows you to retaliate fiercely. Mastering evasion is crucial, as Contra is unforgiving, with every hit significantly impacting your progress.

For newcomers, the weapon arsenal includes a laser capable of piercing through multiple enemies, a short-range but potent flamethrower, and the legendary spread shot, arguably the most iconic and satisfying weapon, capable of unleashing a devastating barrage of red projectiles. Players can carry and switch between two weapons to adapt to various challenges, whether it's quickly dispatching a formidable boss or navigating intricate platforming sections with homing rockets.

Contra: Operation Galuga introduces new elements to the series. Players have the option between multiple hit points, similar to Contra: Hard Corps' original Japanese version, or the traditional one-hit kill system. Additionally, collecting two identical weapons upgrades them, enhancing their destructive capability. Overloading excess weapons in exchange for a powerful special attack adds another layer of strategy, offering various ways to annihilate enemies.

Players can customize their gameplay with up to two Perks, ranging from starting with a specific weapon to more significant enhancements like extra HP or invincibility during dashes. This flexibility allows for tailored difficulty levels and the pursuit of higher scores and improved runs. The new Overload feature, which sacrifices your weapon for a unique attack, further diversifies combat tactics.

Earning credits for the in-game shop is most efficiently achieved through challenge mode, presenting a series of tasks with unique rules that test your shooting prowess. The concise nature of these challenges makes them ideal for repeated attempts.

Despite the relatively short duration to complete Contra: Operation Galuga's eight stages, the game offers ample content through its diverse character roster, each bringing unique abilities to the mission. The visual presentation strikes a balance between clarity and aesthetic appeal, maintaining the series' signature blend of spectacle and readability. The inclusion of multiple soundtracks adds to the replay value, encouraging players to refine their skills, unlock additional Perks, characters, and music tracks.

The game's eight expansive stages provide a satisfying blend of challenge and discovery, featuring intricate designs and clever mechanics, such as navigating using reflections in hanging crystals. This innovative approach, reminiscent of a memorable segment from Rocket Knight Adventures, contributes to the game's appeal.

Contra: Operation Galuga is a triumphant return for the series, merging traditional gameplay with new features and customization options. It's a testament to the enduring appeal of Contra, promising countless hours of enjoyment and a solid justification for multiple playthroughs. As a long-time fan, I'm committed to exploring everything Operation Galuga has to offer.