Contra: Operation Galuga

About

"Contra: Operation Galuga" is a modern reimagining of the classic run-and-gun series, bringing new stages, enemies, and bosses, as well as updated mechanics and weapons. As elite commandos Bill Rizer and Lance Bean, you must defeat the Red Falcon terrorist group that has taken over the Galuga Islands. The game features eight levels of intense action, with a wide range of customizable difficulties and a devastating arsenal of weapons at your disposal. The Contra legacy is reborn with modern graphics and sound, while maintaining the classic spirit of the series.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

88%

Audience ScoreBased on 756 reviews

story32 positive mentions

stability8 negative mentions

The game successfully captures the nostalgic feel of the original Contra games while introducing modern gameplay mechanics.
The character selection and perk system add depth and replayability, allowing players to customize their experience.
The graphics and sound design, while not perfect, provide a vibrant and engaging atmosphere that appeals to both new and veteran players.

The game is considered overpriced for its short length, with many players feeling it should be priced lower.
There is no online multiplayer option, which disappoints fans who expected this feature for a modern game.
Some players find the story mode and cutscenes to be unnecessary and detracting from the overall gameplay experience.

story
260 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
12%
83%
5%
The story in "Contra: Operation Galuga" is generally viewed as simplistic and somewhat cliché, serving primarily as a backdrop for the gameplay rather than a compelling narrative. While it attempts to incorporate elements from various Contra games and features decent voice acting, many players find the story mode too short (around 1.5 to 2 hours) and filled with unskippable dialogue that disrupts the flow of action. Overall, the story is seen as a nostalgic nod to the franchise, but it lacks depth and may disappoint those seeking a more intricate narrative experience.
- “I liked that it attempts to incorporate characters and plot points from many different Contra games across the decades and it sets up a sequel that seems to be based on Contra III: The Alien Wars for the SNES.”
- “The story keeps close to Contra's established lore, but with some fresh twists that make it feel modern without losing the nostalgic charm.”
- “Wayforward knows the story of Contra is ridiculous and leans into that with purposefully cheesy writing and voice acting that makes it feel almost satirical.”
- “If you approach it expecting a modern gaming experience with a multitude of complex mechanics and a deep story, you're going to be sorely disappointed.”
- “40 dollars is outrageous to charge for a story that you can complete in about 2 hours.”
- “The story mode is pretty bad, not because the story is particularly bad, but there are unskippable dialogue sequences lasting a minute or so that repeat when you continue from checkpoint.”
gameplay
206 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
31%
65%
4%
The gameplay of "Contra: Operation Galuga" is praised for its nostalgic run-and-gun mechanics, tight controls, and modernized features like weapon upgrades and character-specific abilities. While some players appreciate the addition of new mechanics such as the overload system and varied gameplay modes, others feel the experience can be shallow and lacks depth compared to modern gaming standards. Overall, it successfully captures the essence of classic Contra games while offering a fresh take that appeals to both veterans and newcomers.
- “If you’re aching for some classic Contra gameplay, I think this new entry perfects the ingredients that made the old ones so iconic.”
- “Developed with a clear love for the series, this game reimagines the retro run-and-gun gameplay with tight controls, explosive action, and an updated visual style that stays true to its roots.”
- “Much like the original titles that defined the run-and-gun genre, it captivates with its fast-paced action and cooperative gameplay, making every session with friends not just a blast from the past but an exhilarating new adventure.”
- “If you approach it expecting a modern gaming experience with a multitude of complex mechanics and a deep story, you're going to be sorely disappointed.”
- “But then I realized that it was just great graphics but not great gameplay.”
- “The gameplay leaves much to be desired while providing short and shallow entertainment.”
music
152 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
28%
67%
5%
The music in the game has received mixed reviews, with many players finding the new tracks bland and forgettable compared to the nostalgic appeal of the original Contra soundtracks. While some appreciate the orchestral renditions and the option to unlock classic tracks from previous games, others feel that the overall soundtrack lacks the impact and excitement expected from a Contra title. The ability to switch to retro soundtracks is a highlight for fans, but many agree that the current music does not live up to the series' legacy.
- “Epic boss battles: each level concludes with unforgettable encounters that test your skill and strategy, all accompanied by heart-pumping music.”
- “The music is a nice rendition of already familiar tunes from the original Contra game, but extended and richer in progression.”
- “Nostalgia hits hard; the music and gameplay are every bit as I remembered from my childhood days.”
- “New music is bland.”
- “The music is also incredibly boring and forgettable.”
- “I think my biggest issue with this game is that it doesn't adhere to the old philosophy of contra design... and the soundtrack being so forgettable.”
graphics
144 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
35%
62%
3%
The graphics of the game receive mixed reviews, with many praising the vibrant, hand-crafted pixel art and modern effects that evoke nostalgia for the classic Contra series. However, some players note inconsistencies in quality, with certain elements feeling low-budget or dated, particularly in the 3D graphics. Overall, while the visuals are generally considered an improvement over previous titles, they are not without their flaws, and some players feel they could have been executed better.
- “Stunning visuals: vibrant, hand-crafted pixel art combined with modern effects makes every stage a feast for the eyes without losing the classic Contra vibe.”
- “Visually, the game is a feast for fans of the franchise, with impressive 2D side-scrolling graphics that incorporate just the right amount of 3D elements.”
- “The graphics are fantastic - with a resolution of 2560×1440 you simply see more than with the oldies at 300×200... plus 100 fps at 100 hz (on my monitor) and a great soundtrack and voice output.”
- “History mode graphics feel low budget, especially the ending sequence.”
- “The mobile game style graphics don't help, as it all looks very clean and sterile, lacking any of the style and grit that the 16-bit Contra games had.”
- “There's ultra difficulty and extreme ultra difficulty modes for hardcore players but the controls and graphics are so jank, I can't even see this being remotely enjoyable... it's chalk full of bugs and glitches, controls just decide to not work randomly and the level design and enemy placement is a complete disaster.”
replayability
50 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
48%
46%
6%
Overall, the game offers significant replayability, particularly for fans of the Contra series, with various difficulty modes, unlockables, and arcade/challenge modes enhancing the experience. While some players feel the game lacks fun in its core mechanics, many appreciate the challenge and the potential for replay through different character options and in-game rewards. Despite some criticisms regarding pricing and art style, the consensus is that the game remains engaging enough to warrant multiple playthroughs.
- “Plus, it’s got replay value, making it a must-play for any Contra fan!”
- “Just beat the game, but tons of replay value (like any Contra title) and more options/difficulties and achievements remaining.”
- “Highly replayable, and just all around awesome.”
- “It's just not fun enough to have any real replay value, in my opinion.”
- “There are some nice options, but the only real differences between arcade and story modes are dialogue and cutscenes in the latter, while arcade has two more playable characters (maybe three based on the demo, but that third character is not available here at first).”
- “Short campaign: like its predecessors, the game isn’t incredibly long, but the replay value and different difficulty modes make up for it.”
humor
10 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The game is generally considered funny, featuring chaotic humor and clever references like the Konami code, which adds to its charm. However, some players feel it takes itself too seriously at times, and the artistic design has received criticism. Overall, while there are humorous moments, the balance between humor and seriousness varies.
- “Funny enough, entering the Konami code grants players an achievement and unlocks the 30 lives perk, although it still requires purchase.”
- “Chaotic, but also incredibly funny.”
- “There's a few funny bits, but for the most part, it seems like it takes itself way too seriously.”
stability
10 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
20%
80%
The game's stability is a mixed bag; while some players find it runs well on specific platforms like the Steam Deck, many report significant bugs, glitches, and performance drops that can disrupt gameplay. Controls are often described as unreliable, contributing to a frustrating experience, particularly in higher difficulty modes. Overall, while some aspects are balanced, the presence of technical issues detracts from the overall stability.
- “Runs great on Gabe Gear (Steam Deck).”
- “The game is buggy.”
- “Some bugs and glitches currently exist that can hinder a playthrough, along with performance drops with some weapons on some stages.”
- “There's ultra difficulty and extreme ultra difficulty modes for hardcore players, but the controls and graphics are so janky that I can't even see this being remotely enjoyable. It's chalk full of bugs and glitches, controls just decide to not work randomly, and the level design and enemy placement is a complete disaster.”
monetization
6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The monetization strategy of the game has been criticized as a blatant cash grab, with users highlighting signs of laziness in its execution and labeling it as a scam. Overall, the approach appears to prioritize profit over quality, leading to negative perceptions among players.
- “There are clear signs that this was a lazy cash grab too.”
- “Is this a cheap cash grab?”
- “Scam advertisement.”
optimization
4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
25%
50%
25%
The game's optimization is hindered by existing bugs and glitches that can disrupt gameplay, alongside noticeable performance drops with certain weapons in specific stages. However, players can enhance weapon performance through upgrades.
- “Weapons can be improved in their performance if we pick up an upgrade for them.”
- “Some bugs and glitches currently exist that can hinder a playthrough, along with performance drops with some weapons on certain stages.”
grinding
4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be enjoyable, as it allows for the unlocking of content after just a few arcade runs. The inclusion of optional power-ups and bonus credits from the demo or other classic games adds incentive to engage in grinding, making it feel rewarding rather than tedious.
- “Unlocking stuff feels a bit grindy, but it's fun. After 3-4 arcade runs on any difficulty, you can unlock almost all of the items.”
- “There are optional power-ups and more to justify constant grinding to earn credits. If you play through the free demo first (and/or if you have the Contra, Castlevania, and/or arcade classics compilations also available on Steam), you can get either bonus credits for a head start (for the demo) or alternate soundtracks (for the other games).”
atmosphere
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The atmosphere in the game has been criticized for lacking the original's energy and enthusiasm, leading to a diminished overall experience.
- “None of the original contrast in atmosphere and enthusiasm.”
- “None of the original contrast in atmosphere and enthusiasm.”
emotional
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The emotional impact of the game is generally viewed as lacking, with the exception of the jungle mission, which stands out as a notable moment. Overall, players feel it does not successfully capture the emotional depth of the original game.

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2h Median play time

2h Average play time

2-2h Spent by most gamers

*Based on 4 analyzed playthroughs

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