Contra: Operation Galuga – Reviving a Run-and-Gun Icon

A Look Back at the Original Contra

The original Contra debuted in arcades in 1987, offering players a fast-paced action experience that required precision and skill. Set in a futuristic world, the game followed commandos Bill Rizer and Lance Bean as they battled the Red Falcon organization to prevent an alien invasion. It introduced many staples of the run-and-gun genre, including two-player cooperative gameplay, screen-filling bosses, and an array of weapons.

The NES port of Contra in 1988 cemented its place in gaming history, becoming a household name among console gamers. Its combination of platforming, shooting, and cooperative play made it a standout title. The infamous “Konami Code,” which granted players 30 extra lives, became a cultural phenomenon tied to the game’s brutal difficulty.

Over the years, Contra saw numerous sequels and spin-offs, each attempting to recapture the magic of the original. While titles like Contra III: The Alien Wars were celebrated, later entries such as Contra: Rogue Corps failed to resonate with fans, leaving the franchise in limbo. Contra: Operation Galuga aims to restore the series’ glory by reimagining the original game for a new era.

The Development of Contra: Operation Galuga

Konami’s decision to revive the Contra franchise was met with excitement and skepticism. After several lackluster entries, fans were eager to see if the series could reclaim its former glory. To ensure the project’s success, Konami partnered with WayForward, a studio known for its expertise in crafting modernized retro games like Shantae and River City Girls.

WayForward approached Operation Galuga with a clear vision: to honor the original game’s legacy while introducing modern enhancements. The development team studied the original Contra extensively, analyzing its level design, pacing, and mechanics. Their goal was to retain the spirit of the original while addressing its limitations and expanding its scope.

The result is a game that feels both familiar and fresh. Contra: Operation Galuga maintains the fast-paced run-and-gun gameplay that fans love but adds quality-of-life improvements, new mechanics, and additional content to keep players engaged.

Plot and Setting

Contra: Operation Galuga revisits the original game’s premise, set in the fictional Galuga Archipelago. Players assume the roles of commandos Bill Rizer and Lance Bean as they battle the Red Falcon organization, a sinister force attempting to take over the world with the help of alien technology.

The game’s narrative is intentionally simple, allowing the gameplay to take center stage. However, WayForward has added subtle storytelling elements, such as environmental details and character interactions, to enrich the experience. Players will encounter remnants of the Red Falcon’s experiments, alien-infested ruins, and hints of a larger conspiracy behind the invasion.

While the story remains secondary to the action, these narrative touches add depth to the game’s world and provide motivation for the relentless battles that unfold.

Gameplay Mechanics

Core Gameplay

At its heart, Contra: Operation Galuga is a classic run-and-gun game. Players navigate side-scrolling levels filled with enemies, obstacles, and environmental hazards, armed with an arsenal of powerful weapons. The game emphasizes precision and timing, requiring players to dodge enemy fire, memorize attack patterns, and strategically use their resources.

The gameplay is divided into multiple stages, each with its own unique theme and challenges. From dense jungles and fortified bases to alien-infested caverns, the level design is both varied and visually striking.

Weapons and Upgrades

One of the standout features of Operation Galuga is its revamped weapons system. Players can wield classic weapons like the spread gun, laser rifle, and flamethrower, each with distinct strengths and weaknesses. New to this reimagining are stackable upgrades, which enhance weapon power and unlock Overload abilities—devastating attacks that can clear the screen of enemies or deal massive damage to bosses.

The Overload system adds a layer of strategy, as players must decide when to use these powerful abilities. Balancing their use with standard attacks is key to overcoming the game’s toughest challenges.

Modern Mechanics

• Dash and Dodge: Players can perform quick dashes to evade enemy fire, adding a new dimension of agility to the gameplay.
• Interactive Environments: Levels feature destructible elements, moving platforms, and environmental hazards that players can use to their advantage.

These additions enhance the core gameplay without detracting from the simplicity that defines the series.

Graphics and Sound

Updated Visuals

WayForward has breathed new life into the Contra franchise with stunning hand-drawn visuals. The game features dynamic backgrounds, detailed character sprites, and fluid animations that bring the Galuga Archipelago to life. Each stage is brimming with visual flair, from lush jungle foliage to pulsating alien lairs.

The art style strikes a perfect balance between retro and modern, paying homage to the original Contra while showcasing WayForward’s artistic talents.

Sound Design and Music

The soundtrack of Operation Galuga is a highlight, blending chiptune-inspired melodies with modern orchestration. Classic themes from the original game are reimagined, evoking nostalgia while complementing the updated visuals.

Sound effects are equally impressive, from the crackle of gunfire to the roar of alien bosses. Every sound is designed to heighten the intensity of the action, immersing players in the chaos of battle.

Game Modes

Contra: Operation Galuga offers multiple game modes to cater to different playstyles.

Story Mode

The primary campaign mode follows the narrative of the Red Falcon invasion, allowing players to experience the full breadth of the game’s levels and challenges. This mode supports two-player local co-op, emphasizing teamwork and coordination.

Arcade Mode

For players seeking a more intense experience, Arcade Mode cranks up the difficulty with faster enemies and additional hazards. This mode supports up to four players, making it a chaotic and exhilarating option for group play.

Challenge Levels

Special challenge levels introduce unique objectives, such as defeating waves of enemies within a time limit or completing stages with specific weapon restrictions. These levels provide an extra layer of replayability.

Co-op and Multiplayer

One of the defining features of Contra: Operation Galuga is its cooperative gameplay. The game supports up to two players in Story Mode and four players in Arcade Mode, making it an excellent choice for parties or family game nights.

Co-op gameplay emphasizes communication and teamwork, as players must coordinate their movements and attacks to survive the onslaught of enemies. The drop-in/drop-out functionality ensures that players can join or leave the game without disrupting the action.

Levels and Enemy Design

WayForward has significantly expanded the levels in Contra: Operation Galuga, transforming the relatively straightforward stages of the original into sprawling, multi-layered environments. Each level introduces new mechanics and challenges, such as shifting platforms, underwater segments, and high-speed chases. The diversity in level design ensures that no two stages feel alike, keeping players engaged throughout the campaign.

The levels also feature secret areas and alternate paths, rewarding exploration with extra lives, weapon upgrades, and hidden collectibles. These elements add depth to the gameplay and encourage replayability.

Memorable Enemy Types

Enemies in Operation Galuga range from standard foot soldiers and turrets to bizarre alien creatures. Each enemy type presents unique threats, requiring players to adapt their strategies. For example:

• Armored Units: Require heavy weaponry or precise attacks to defeat.
• Flying Drones: Introduce verticality to combat, forcing players to manage threats from all directions.
• Alien Spawn Pods: Continuously produce enemies until destroyed, adding urgency to encounters.

Boss Battles

The bosses in Operation Galuga are a highlight, featuring intricate designs and multi-phase battles. These encounters are visually spectacular and mechanically demanding, requiring players to learn patterns and exploit weaknesses. From a towering alien monstrosity to a mechanized fortress, each boss feels distinct and memorable.

Difficulty Settings and Replayability

Difficulty Levels

The game caters to players of all skill levels with three distinct difficulty settings:

1. Casual Mode: For newcomers, offering more lives, frequent checkpoints, and reduced enemy aggression.
2. Classic Mode: Retains the punishing difficulty of the original game, with limited lives and intense enemy patterns.
3. Hardcore Mode: Pushes even seasoned players to their limits, with faster enemies, fewer resources, and relentless challenges.

Replayability

Replayability is a core aspect of Operation Galuga. In addition to the multiple difficulty levels, players can revisit levels to uncover secrets, perfect their runs, or tackle challenge objectives. The addition of online leaderboards for time trials adds a competitive element, motivating players to improve their performance.

Comparison with the Original Contra

Contra: Operation Galuga is both a tribute to and an evolution of the original Contra. While it retains the essence of its predecessor, it introduces several enhancements that elevate the experience:

• Expanded Gameplay: The addition of new mechanics, such as the dash and Overload abilities, provides more strategic depth.
• Improved Co-op: The introduction of four-player Arcade Mode is a game-changer, making the experience more accessible and enjoyable for groups.
• Enhanced Visuals: The hand-drawn art style modernizes the game while preserving its retro charm.
• Additional Content: New levels, weapons, and challenges ensure that Operation Galuga offers more content than the original.

While the original remains a classic, Operation Galuga successfully reinvents the formula for a modern audience.

Game Details

• Genre: Run-and-Gun, Platformer, Action
• Release Year: 2023
• Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC (Steam)
• Age Rating: T (Teen) for violence and animated blood
• Game Ratings:
  • Metacritic: 85/100 (average)
  • IGN: 8.5/10
  • Steam: Very Positive
• Modes: Single-player and cooperative multiplayer (local and online)
• Game Mode Accessibility: Fully offline gameplay with optional online leaderboards.
• Pricing Model: Premium title with a one-time purchase.
• Developer: WayForward
• Publisher: Konami
• Game Engine: Proprietary WayForward Engine

System Requirements

Minimum Requirements (PC)

• OS: Windows 10
• Processor: Intel Core i3-6100 or equivalent
• Memory: 8 GB RAM
• Graphics: NVIDIA GTX 660 or AMD Radeon HD 7870
• Storage: 10 GB available space

Recommended Requirements (PC)

• OS: Windows 10 or higher
• Processor: Intel Core i5-8400 or AMD Ryzen 5 2600
• Memory: 16 GB RAM
• Graphics: NVIDIA GTX 1060 or AMD Radeon RX 580
• Storage: 10 GB available space

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Faithful Recreation: Captures the spirit of the original Contra while modernizing its mechanics.
• Dynamic Gameplay: New weapons, abilities, and environmental interactions add variety.
• Stunning Visuals: Hand-drawn art and fluid animations enhance the presentation.
• Engaging Co-op: Four-player Arcade Mode provides chaotic, enjoyable multiplayer action.
• Replayability: Multiple modes and difficulty levels ensure lasting appeal.

Cons

• High Difficulty: Even with Casual Mode, the game’s intense action may frustrate some players.
• Short Campaign: The main story can be completed in a few hours, though additional modes extend the experience.

Is It Worth Playing?

Contra: Operation Galuga is a resounding success, breathing new life into a beloved franchise. Its combination of classic gameplay and modern enhancements makes it a must-play for fans of the series and newcomers alike.

The cooperative multiplayer is particularly enjoyable, offering a chaotic and rewarding experience for groups. While the high difficulty may not suit all players, the inclusion of multiple modes ensures accessibility without sacrificing the core challenge.

Our Rating

• Gameplay: 9.5/10 – Tight controls and exhilarating action make it a standout experience.
• Graphics: 9.5/10 – Gorgeous hand-drawn visuals and fluid animations elevate the presentation.
• Story: 7.5/10 – Simple but effective, with subtle environmental storytelling.
• Soundtrack: 8.5/10 – A fantastic blend of nostalgia and modern composition.
• Replayability: 9/10 – Plenty of content to keep players coming back.
• Overall: 9/10 – A masterful reimagining of a classic game.

Contra: Operation Galuga is a testament to how classic games can be revitalized for modern audiences. It strikes a perfect balance between honoring its roots and embracing innovation, making it one of the most compelling action games of 2023.