Contra: Operation Galuga - Review : TechGoggles

Contra: Operation Galuga injects new life into the classic run-and-gun franchise, offering a faithful recreation of the spirit of the originals with a modern twist. Here’s a deep dive into this side-scrolling shooter:

Campaign: A Familiar Fight

Back to Basics: Operation Galuga ditches the narrative complexities of some recent Contra titles and focuses on what fans loved about the classics – pure, unadulterated action. You control Bill Rizer and Lance Bean as they battle through enemy-infested jungles, alien bases, and other familiar environments.
New Doesn’t Mean Forget Old: While the core gameplay loop stays true to the series’ roots, Operation Galuga throws in some new power-ups and weapon pickups to keep things fresh. Familiar favorites like the Spread Gun and the Laser Rifle return alongside some new surprises.
Boss Rush Bonanza: The campaign throws multiple boss fights at you, keeping the adrenaline pumping. These encounters offer unique challenges and require mastery of movement and shooting to overcome.

Gameplay: Run, Gun, and Never Stop

Classic Contra Controls: The tight controls and responsive shooting mechanics that defined the series are back in full force. You’ll be mastering jumps, dodging enemy fire, and unleashing a hail of bullets on anything that moves.
The Art of Sliding: A new slide maneuver adds a layer of depth to the movement system. You can use it to dodge attacks, reposition yourself quickly, and even perform stylish takedowns on enemies.
Co-Op Chaos: Team up with a friend for local co-op, adding to the fun and mayhem. Just like in the old days, working together and reviving fallen comrades becomes crucial for success.

Presentation: A Modern Take on Pixelated Perfection

Pixel Perfect with a Polish: The game retains the classic pixel art style but with a modern touch. Animations are fluid, and the environments are detailed and colorful, breathing new life into the familiar visuals.
A Soundtrack Fit for Heroes: The music is a perfect blend of classic Contra tunes and new, energetic tracks that complement the action perfectly.
Difficulty That Bites: Operation Galuga stays true to the series’ challenging nature. Expect to die often, but with a satisfying sense of accomplishment when you finally overcome a tough stage.

The Verdict: A Love Letter to Fans

Contra: Operation Galuga is a fantastic trip down memory lane for fans of the classic games. It delivers everything you expect from a Contra title – intense action, over-the-top bosses, and a difficulty that will test your skills. However, it might not offer enough innovation for newcomers to the genre.

Here’s a quick summary of the pros and cons:

Pros:

Faithful recreation of classic Contra gameplay
New power-ups and weapons keep things fresh
Exciting boss fights
Responsive controls and satisfying shooting mechanics
Beautiful modern pixel art style
Excellent soundtrack

Cons:

Story takes a backseat to action
High difficulty might frustrate newcomers
Limited innovation for the genre

Final Verdict:

If you’re a Contra veteran looking for a new challenge, or simply want to experience the thrill of the classic games with a modern touch, Contra: Operation Galuga is a must-play. However, if you’re new to the series and crave a more forgiving experience with a deeper narrative, you might want to explore other titles first.