Contra: Operation Galuga – Review

If you are a fan of 2D run-and-gun shooting games, then you will definitely enjoy playing Contra: Operation Galuga. It is actually a re-imagination of the original Contra and serves as an adequate modernization of a classic game that can provide a fun time. But, you should note that the game is a little too faithful to its predecessors i.e. there have only been slight tweaks instead of big changes.

The formula

The game sticks to the same reliable formula, requiring you to fight through stages filled with enemies before taking on the boss. Even though Contra: Operation Galuga has been termed as a sequel to the original, it feels more like a remake. You will come across the same protagonists, Lance Bean and Bill Rizer and you are on the same island where you go through the same stages.

The levels are also very familiar because they were also present in the original Contra from 1987. However, there are some substantial additions in Operation Galuga that help it in distinguishing itself. These include fully voiced characters, new 2D stages in place of the pseudo-3D shooting gallery levels and new playable characters that come with their own abilities. These elements all help in refreshing in experience that sticks to its roots for the most part.

The story

While there is a lot of new stuff in Operation Galuga, not all of it works well and this is most obvious in terms of story. It is nice of the game to try and add extra context for why the characters are doing what they are doing. The problem is that the one-dimensional characters, the stilted writing and the lengthy dialogue sequences are not really interesting. In fact, they actually end up detracting from a fast-paced move through battlefields.

The action

Luckily, the classic levels, along with the new stages that have been added, provide plenty of action. Similar to Contra, you have to make the creepy journey inside a living organism and experiencing it with upgraded graphics is a lot of fun. There is also a new level where the entire team is on hovering motorbikes and this mixes things up enough to keep you on your toes at all times.

But, the one thing common in all levels, whether the classic or new ones, is something you have been doing for years; dodge enemies and jump, run and dash to reach the end. While there is nothing wrong in following the basics, it does make things predictable, which means they are a bit less exciting than you would want them to be. It would be nice to find more surprises, or to see some evolutionary changes. However, Contra: Operation Galuga has opted to follow the same gameplay recipe of the original, which means that longtime fans will not find something that will blow them away.