Contra: Operation Galuga marks a thrilling resurgence of the iconic run-and-gun series, blending nostalgia with contemporary gameplay and narrative depth.
Developed by WayForward and published by Konami, the game is set to redefine the Contra experience for both veterans and newcomers when it launches.
Here’s everything we know about it so far.
Setting and story
The game unfolds on the once-peaceful Galuga Islands, now overrun by the nefarious Red Falcon terrorist group.
Players will step into the boots of elite Contra commandos, Bill Rizer and Lance Bean, to thwart the enemy’s dark ambitions.
Unlike its predecessors, Contra: Operation Galuga deepens its narrative, providing a richer story that enhances the classic battle between good and evil, adding layers of drama and tension.
Gameplay evolution
Contra: Operation Galuga stays true to the franchise’s run-and-gun roots while introducing modern elements.
Players will navigate through eight varied levels, each offering unique themes and challenges, including dense jungles, cascading waterfalls, and high-speed hovercycle chases.
The game resurrects beloved Contra weapons like the spread shot, laser, and homing missiles, now with innovative upgrades and “Overload abilities” to bolster firepower temporarily.
Character diversity is a significant addition, with each hero boasting unique abilities, encouraging different playstyles.
Co-op play is also a cornerstone, allowing two players in Story Mode and up to four in Arcade Mode, promising intense multiplayer action.
Enemies and arsenal
The game introduces a broad array of adversaries, from armed terrorists to formidable machines and extraterrestrial threats.
The enemy roster includes the Red Falcon soldiers, the Super Wall fortress, the telekinetic Guldaf Dagra, the alien Gromaides, the robust Big Bot Gordea, and the enigmatic General Varanis.
Weapons are a critical part of the Contra arsenal, and Contra: Operation Galuga expands on this with new and alt versions of iconic arms, allowing players to customize their destructive capabilities further.
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Development insights and musical score
The collaboration between WayForward and Konami is a blend of respecting the series’ roots while propelling it into the modern era of gaming.
Developers have focused on re-establishing the classic Contra essence, ensuring that long-time fans and new players alike can enjoy a game that feels both familiar and fresh.
The musical score, aiming for a cinematic quality while nodding to the original Contra’s adrenaline-pumping tunes, is crafted to complement the game’s intense action and nostalgic appeal.
Additional features
Beyond the main story and arcade modes, Contra: Operation Galuga includes a Challenge Mode with 30 demanding missions, ranging from speedruns to survival battles against relentless enemy waves.
The Perk Shop is another notable feature, allowing players to use in-game credits to enhance abilities, weapon starts, and gain other advantages without resorting to microtransactions.
Release date and platforms
The game is set to release on March 12, 2024, across PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, and PC.
Contra: Operation Galuga is a testament to the enduring appeal of the Contra series, promising to deliver a mix of nostalgia and innovation.
With its expansive gameplay, deepened narrative, and modernized features, it stands as a compelling chapter in the saga, eagerly awaited by fans worldwide.