Contra: Operation Galuga
March 12, 2024
A new entry in the legendary Contra series is here! Contra: Operation Galuga is a thorough reimagining of the classic run-&s;n&s;-gun action game from the &s;80s, featuring modern graphics and sound, new stages, new enemies and bosses, new play mechanics, an updated weapons system, and explosive co-op combat for up …
Critic Score
71.4
38 critic reviews
User Score
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Critic Reviews (38)
Graphics
70.0
Gameplay
68.0
Story
42.0
"For a brief moment of brilliance, Contra: Operation Galuga is the modern interpretation of a 2D run &s;n&s; gun that we always wanted. But it&s;s a fleeting moment, and what comes after is a deeply onerous experience that proves a …"
Read original reviewGraphics
75.0
Gameplay
80.0
Story
25.0
"Contra: Operation Galuga is a worthy entry in the Contra series. The run-&s;n&s;-gun action is addictive; combined with great visuals and music, this is a game to check out and replay."
Read original reviewGraphics
80.0
Gameplay
80.0
Story
80.0
"Although it may grate on the most nostalgic players, the truth is that Contra: Operation Galuga is a good reinterpretation of the original classic with enough new features to keep things interesting. The story mode does its job, although it …"
Read original review"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."
Read original reviewGraphics
82.0
Gameplay
88.0
Story
64.0
"Though the stages are much longer than their original forms, sometimes clocking in at around 15 minutes, playing through Story Mode only takes a couple of hours. Still, Contra: Operation Galuga packs a whole lot of action into those hours. …"
Read original 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."
Read original reviewGraphics
85.0
Gameplay
90.0
Story
40.0
"I&s;m so glad Konami are in the business of publishing good video games again. Entrusting the Contra franchise to WayForward for Operation Galuga was an incredibly smart decision, resulting in a thoroughly replayable and enriching return to the grandfather of …"
Read original reviewGraphics
55.0
Gameplay
82.0
Story
45.0
"Contra: Operation Galuga is a refreshing return to Contra&s;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 …"
Read original reviewGraphics
60.0
Gameplay
70.0
Story
30.0
"Fans going into Contra: Operation Galuga will be very bored and repulsed by the hideous mobile-like graphics. Anyone else who just wants to mindlessly run and gun while taking it easy, might have a few hours of amusement. The lack …"
Read original reviewGraphics
85.0
Gameplay
95.0
Story
70.0
"How might Contra: Operation Galuga disappoint fans of the series? Nobody. How could it bring in new players who don&s;t know the arcade? With adrenaline-pumping action through challenging levels where you can fight your way through with a devastating arsenal, …"
Read original reviewGraphics
75.0
Gameplay
80.0
Story
60.0
"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, …"
Read original reviewGraphics
35.0
Gameplay
68.0
Story
72.0
"Contra: Operation Galuga stays true to its roots but makes changes to appeal to old and new players. The result is a good arcade experience that adapts to the player and appeals to nostalgia to convince classic game lovers. While …"
Read original reviewGraphics
62.0
Gameplay
48.0
Story
31.0
"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 …"
Read original 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;s short campaign length, limited …"
Read original reviewGraphics
85.0
Gameplay
90.0
Story
65.0
"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 …"
Read original review"Sticking to the past can sometimes be counterproductive, and the risk of inheriting its strengths and weaknesses is high."
Read original reviewGraphics
65.0
Gameplay
68.0
Story
62.0
"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 …"
Read original reviewGraphics
70.0
Gameplay
80.0
Story
30.0
"Many pretenders and contenders have attempted to lay claim to Contra&s;s run-and-gun throne over the years, with some glowingly successful and others failing abysmally, but Contra: Operation Galuga largely preserves its legacy with this faithful recreation of the much-loved 1980s …"
Read original reviewGraphics
68.0
Gameplay
84.0
Story
73.0
"What it lacks in visual attractiveness, it does make up for with a solid run-and-gun experience that is comparable to the best Contra games of the past. The additional characters, four-player Arcade Mode, and tricky Challenge Mode extend the replay …"
Read original reviewGraphics
75.0
Gameplay
90.0
Story
60.0
"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 …"
Read original review"Contra: Operation Galuga brings back the granddaddy of run and gun with a bang, but don&s;t expect it to be an easy ride."
Read original reviewGraphics
55.0
Gameplay
65.0
Story
35.0
"In the end, Contra: Operation Galuga wasn&s;t the triumphant return we were hoping for, but it&s;s certainly the best game in the series in recent years. It&s;s difficult and has several modes and characters that will make the game last …"
Read original reviewGraphics
70.0
Gameplay
45.0
Story
25.0
"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. …"
Read original reviewGraphics
65.0
Gameplay
45.0
Story
30.0
"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."
Read original reviewGraphics
68.0
Gameplay
68.0
Story
72.0
"It&s;s a solid entry to the series, but it has its issues beyond its slow-paced story. There are some noticeable performance issues, especially as the screen fills up with more and more enemies and effects. Operation Galuga has a tremendous …"
Read original reviewGraphics
65.0
Gameplay
70.0
Story
45.0
"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."
Read original review"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 …"
Read original review"A cracking return for Konami&s;s iconic run &s;n&s; gun series, Contra: Operation Galuga is both nostalgic and new – an unfettered shot of adrenaline-fuelled arcade action, and an unbridled joy."
Read original reviewGraphics
45.0
Gameplay
38.0
Story
52.0
"That said, it certainly isn’t unplayable, and if you can get past the glitches and warts, there’s a solid, enjoyable Contra game here. Operation Galuga might be flawed, but the heart and devotion that WayForward is known for shines through. …"
Read original reviewGraphics
80.0
Gameplay
92.0
Story
68.0
"The game&s;s story mode is short overall, but thankfully there&s;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 …"
Read original reviewGraphics
78.0
Gameplay
82.0
Story
68.0
"Contra: Operation Galuga is a nice return to the traditional formula of the series, which fulfills the wishes of the fans. Although at the moment we do not know what will happen, I hope that WayForward manages to take the …"
Read original reviewGraphics
38.0
Gameplay
47.0
Story
62.0
"A proper "reboot" of the series, with eight interesting levels, plenty of elements to unlock, nice gameplay and weak visuals."
Read original reviewGraphics
70.0
Gameplay
85.0
Story
35.0
"I loved Contra: Operation Galuga. The run-and-gun gameplay is perfect, and all the new levels, characters, modes, and gameplay additions add lots of depth. I just wish there were some options with the graphics. And I wish there was online …"
Read original reviewGraphics
50.0
Gameplay
50.0
Story
50.0
"Contra: Operation Galuga brings the essential Contra experience into the modern era. It retains the classic&s;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 …"
Read original review"Contra: Operation Galuga reimagines just enough to feel modern without losing the original game&s;s identity."
Read original reviewGraphics
75.0
Gameplay
70.0
Story
60.0
"WayForward has done god&s;s work in design and execution, and in rekindling the feel of Konami&s;s blistering run-and-gun IP. It&s;s all expertly assembled: an adrenaline-fuelled bullet ballet that knows exactly what Contra is and should be, borrowing key elements from …"
Read original reviewGraphics
70.0
Gameplay
65.0
Story
30.0
"Contra: Operation Galuga is an amusing run-and-gun that met my 2D shooting expectations, but rarely exceeded them."
Read original reviewGraphics
70.0
Gameplay
80.0
Story
45.0
"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 …"
Read original review