In the golden era of video games in the 80s and 90s, the Run-and-Gun genre was one of the most popular, alongside Beat'em up in the hearts of gamers. Among the myriad of standout titles, the Contra series from Konami has achieved extraordinary popularity. However, as technology advanced and the market shifted to 3D graphics, the Run-and-Gun genre began to fade and become increasingly marginalized. The last Contra series, Rogue Corps, came under scrutiny because it was deemed to have failed to meet the expectations of loyal fans.

To restore the franchise's tarnished glory, Konami tapped WayForward, a developer that had proven itself with games like Shantae and Advance Wars, to create a game that combined the classic feel of Contra with modern innovation. This is the beginning of a new adventure in this legendary series, with the birth of Contra: Operation Galuga in 2024.

So, the author got the opportunity from Konami to try out the PC version of Contra: Operation Galuga. After playing it for more than 10 hours, here are the author's impressions of whether this game is interesting to play. Come on, check it out together, guys!

Captivating Story and Immersive Setting

This game begins in 26XX AD, the Galuga Islands, a hidden paradise off the coast of New Zealand, suddenly turned into the center of global conflict. The natural beauty and tranquility that had been the pride of this archipelago was destroyed in the blink of an eye when the Red Falcon, a cruel terrorist group, landed and established a fort. Not only did they invade, they also brought alien technology capable of changing the island's ecosystem and topography, adding a layer of mystery and danger to the rescue mission.

Two elite soldiers, Bill Rizer and Lance Bean, who are symbols of courage and strength, are assigned to this rescue operation. Their journey involves not only physical battles against terrorist and alien forces, but also internal struggles and emotions. The development of the characters and the interactions between them add depth to the narrative, making each stage of the adventure not just a challenge but also a story of friendship, sacrifice, and unwavering determination.

Gameplay: A Balance Between Nostalgia and Innovation

Contra: Operation Galuga thoughtfully blends the essence of the classic Contra series with modern elements, offering three game modes designed to satisfy different types of players. Story Mode offers an epic adventure through 8 different stages, each with unique challenges and deadly bosses. The immersive narrative and compelling visuals bring the essence of “Con” to life in a way never seen before.

Arcade Mode returns to the roots of “Contra” with an addictive simplicity, reminiscent of coin-operated hours in the arcade. It's a pure, uninterrupted experience, offering fast-paced and thrilling gameplay for those looking for a classic challenge.

Challenge Mode, on the other hand, is an innovative addition that tests players' abilities to the limit. With 30 stages offering a variety of missions, from speedruns to surviving a hail of bullets, this mode adds a new dimension to "Contra's" gameplay.

While the lack of online multiplayer support could be considered a step backwards, the presence of local multiplayer offers a chance to evoke memories of playing with friends and family, providing a strong nostalgic feel.

The biggest trait of Contra: Operation Galuga is how it celebrates the legacy of "Contra" by adding fresh innovations. Through the Perk Shop, players are given the freedom to customize their gaming experience, both in terms of character selection and weapon and ability development, bringing strategic depth never before seen in the series. This upgrade system not only increases the replay value of the game but also allows players to explore various tactics and strategies in dealing with enemies.

Character and Weapon Selection

In Contra: Operation Galuga, players can choose various characters to play, from the famous duo, Bill and Lance, to exciting new characters like Ariana and Lucia. Each character has its special abilities. For example, Ariana can dodge attacks with a sliding motion, and Lucia has a shot that can spread widely, helping to hit more enemies at once. There's also Stanley, who can fly briefly with a jetpack and use a rope to reach high places. This provides new ways to move and fight, making the game even more exciting.

Apart from the characters, the weapons in this game are also cool. There are classic weapons like the Spread Gun which can shoot in multiple directions at once, and also new weapons which can deal a big attack but then disappear, so players will have to think carefully about when is the best time to use it. Players also have to choose two weapons to carry and can change them according to their needs during the game.

Visuals and Audio

Contra: Operation Galuga is here by bringing the classic Contra into the modern gaming world very nicely through colorful 3D graphics. Even though it is not a project with a big budget like a AAA game, the visual transformation offered has succeeded in attracting attention. Instead of relying on the dark tones that often dominated previous Contra games, this time WayForward chose a brighter and more lively color palette. This not only makes the game more visually appealing but also gives a fresh new atmosphere to the series.

The change to 3D provides a new dimension to the way we enjoy and experience "Contra." Each environment and stage now feels more alive with rich details and textures, providing visual depth that is pleasing to the eye. For Contra veterans, the level design that retains the original essence of the series is a pleasant surprise, reminding them of the glory days of Contra in the past.

When the author played on a PC with a combined specification of Intel Core i5-10400 and NVIDIA RTX 3060 8 GB graphics card, Contra: Operation Galuga ran very smoothly. There are no annoying frame drops or technical glitches, even when the game features intense combat action and is full of stunning visual effects. This game's ability to maintain consistent performance adds to the overall immersive gaming experience.

The audio in Contra: Operation Galuga also deserves praise. Detailed and booming sound effects take the intensity of combat to a new level, while a soundtrack that combines classic themes from the series with modern arrangements adds passion and emotion to every action. The voiceovers for each character not only enhance the narrative aspect of the game but also make the in-game interactions and dialogue feel more real and impressive.

By combining charming visuals and stunning audio, Contra: Operation Galuga succeeds in bringing back the legendary series for old fans and also attracts the interest of generations

Verdict

In this day and age, where every day a new game appears, Konami reintroducing a classic game like "Contra" to a new generation of gamers is quite a challenge. However, Contra: Operation Galuga manages to overcome this challenge with its own uniqueness. This game not only brings back fond memories of the legendary "Contra" series, but also adds new elements that make it suitable for today's era.

The most prominent feature of Contra: Operation Galuga is the excitement of playing with friends in one place. In an era where playing games together via the internet has become a habit, this game brings back the pleasure of sitting side by side with friends or family, sharing one screen in one room. Although the lack of online multiplayer features may feel like a missed opportunity, it actually adds value in itself, inviting us to appreciate the moments together while playing.

WayForward, the team behind Contra: Operation Galuga, has shown their dedication in returning Contra to exist amidst the onslaught of AAA games. Not only have they managed to maintain the essence that made “Contra” so beloved in its day, but they have also enriched the game with innovations that make it relevant for today's players. From the graphics which have now changed to stunning 3D, to various additions to the gameplay that make every playing session more interesting.

Contra: Operation Galuga succeeds not only as a fitting tribute to the famous "Contra" series, but also as a bold step forward. The PC version of this game, with its smooth performance and stunning graphics, is an excellent choice for anyone who wants to experience the thrill of "Contra", whether they have been familiar with the series for a long time or those who just want to try it.