Konami’s legendary Contra franchise has seen numerous attempts at revival over the years, with mixed results. However, their latest effort, Contra: Operation Galuga, seems to be striking a chord with critics, offering a faithful return to the series’ explosive roots. Let’s delve into what reviewers are praising (and critiquing) about this upcoming title. A Celebration of Classic Run-and-Gun Gameplay Contra: Operation Galuga takes players on a nostalgia trip through eight diverse levels, each packed with the fast-paced, side-scrolling action that made the series famous. Reviewers across the board commend the game’s core gameplay loop, highlighting the satisfying gunplay mechanics and ... Read more
Konami's legendary Contra franchise has seen numerous attempts at revival over the years, with mixed results. However, their latest effort, Contra: Operation Galuga, seems to be striking a chord with critics, offering a faithful return to the series' explosive roots. Let's delve into what reviewers are praising (and critiquing) about this upcoming title. A Celebration of Classic Run-and-Gun Gameplay Contra: Operation Galuga takes players on a nostalgia trip through eight diverse levels, each packed with the fast-paced, side-scrolling action that made the series famous. Reviewers across the board commend the game's core gameplay loop, highlighting the satisfying gunplay mechanics and the strategic use of power-ups to mow down enemy hordes. Visually Striking and Musically Familiar The developers haven't just relied solely on nostalgia. Several reviews commend Operation Galuga's visuals, noting a successful blend of modern aesthetics with the classic Contra style. The environments are varied and detailed, offering a visually engaging backdrop for the chaotic action. Additionally, the soundtrack seems to capture the essence of the series with a pumping musical score that complements the frenetic gameplay flawlessly. A Short Burst of Explosive Fun While the core gameplay receives high marks, a recurring critique is the game's length. Reviewers report that Contra: Operation Galuga can be completed in as little as two hours, leaving some wanting more. This brevity might be a concern for players seeking a lengthy campaign. A Solo Mission (for Now) Another point of contention is the lack of online cooperative play, a staple of the Contra series. Operation Galuga currently offers local co-op only, potentially limiting the replayability factor for some players. Technical Hiccups Mar the Experience While not a widespread issue, some reviewers mentioned longer-than-desired loading times disrupting the game's flow. Hopefully, these technical aspects can be addressed through updates. The Verdict – A Promising Return with Room for Improvement Contra: Operation Galuga, based on initial reviews, appears to be a solid return to form for the franchise. The game delivers a faithful recreation of the classic run-and-gun experience with modern visuals and satisfying gameplay. However, the short campaign length, lack of online co-op, and occasional loading times hold the game back from achieving true greatness. FAQs: Q: What sets Contra: Operation Galuga apart from previous Konami attempts? A: Contra: Operation Galuga distinguishes itself with varied levels, impressive graphics, and adept execution of the beloved run-and-gun style gameplay. Q: What are the notable drawbacks of Contra: Operation Galuga, according to reviews? A: Criticisms include a minimalistic plot, a relatively short completion time of 2 hours, the absence of online co-op, and extended loading times. Q: How is Contra: Operation Galuga performing on the Opencritic portal? A: As of now, Contra: Operation Galuga boasts a commendable score of 75% on the Opencritic portal, based on 20 reviews.