Konami has officially revived the legendary Contra franchise, enlisting retro-specialists WayForward to bring the iconic run-and-gun series back to its roots with Contra: Operation Galuga. While the franchise has suffered through years of lackluster releases, this new title successfully captures the spirit of the 1980s original while injecting just enough modern design to create a fast-paced, albeit brief, action experience.
Classic Gameplay with a Modern Twist
The core mechanics remain faithful to the source material, focusing on smooth platforming and precision 2D gunplay across eight challenging missions. Players have access to a variety of familiar power-ups, such as the spread gun, flamethrower, heat-seeking missiles, and lasers. WayForward introduces a strategic layer by allowing players to stack power-ups for increased potency. Furthermore, a new “Overload” system lets players sacrifice their current weapon to trigger powerful ultimate abilities like shields, drones, or wide-reaching cluster attacks, adding a layer of risk-reward management to intense combat encounters.
Reimagining Iconic Level Design
WayForward demonstrates a masterful understanding of classic Contra design, using the original levels as a foundation while expanding them with modern setpieces. While the game retains the nostalgia of classic stages like the waterfall ascent, it keeps things fresh by introducing new elements, such as hoverbike sequences and unique train-based combat in ice levels. While the game excels in its stage variety and unlockable characters with unique abilities, it notably lacks the 3D-style shooting gallery levels that were a hallmark of the original NES title.
A Challenge That Stays True to Its Roots
True to the franchise’s reputation, Operation Galuga is punishingly difficult. Certain sequences lean heavily into “bullet hell” territory, requiring multiple attempts to master the necessary patterns for survival. Fortunately, the game offers accessibility options, allowing players to choose between the traditional one-hit-kill style or an HP-based system. These settings make the game more approachable, though they certainly don’t turn the campaign into a walk in the park.
Modes, Perks, and Progression
Beyond the main Story Mode, players can test their skills in Challenge Mode, which features 30 bite-sized objectives ranging from speedruns to boss rushes. Arcade Mode provides a more streamlined experience, removing cutscenes and allowing for four-player co-op. Completing these tasks rewards players with credits, which can be spent in an in-game shop to unlock perks, additional characters, and even bonus soundtracks. However, the high cost of these items can lead to a tedious grind, making the progression system feel somewhat unbalanced.
Despite a short campaign that can be finished in a few hours, Contra: Operation Galuga delivers a dense, high-octane experience. With its blend of flexible gameplay modes and challenging combat, it stands as an admirable and necessary modernization of one of the most influential titles of the late 1980s.
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