Contra Analysis: Operation Galuga – Xbox Zone

Konami’s legendary IP, Contra, returns strongly to the present in a title that aims to respect the essence of the original game and adapt to current times. With Contra: Operation Galuga, Go forward takes over the franchise with force. Are they going to have a good match? Well, if you want to know, keep reading this analysis.

The success of Contra in Europe

Contra This is perhaps one of the most legendary shooter games of the 80s. The arcade version was released in 87, but in 1988 it arrived in home format on the legendary NES/Nintendo. In Europe, Contra It was a real revolution for something very curious. In our country, the distribution of the NES was somewhat chaotic and rare: it was practically only found in department stores during its first years of existence. Europe was a country dominated by personal computers and consoles were viewed with some suspicion.

Indeed, the poor distribution of the Nintendo console until 1990, which passed from Erbe to Spaco, caused NES clones to proliferate. These can be reproductions of all types, almost identical or already accompanied by two controls and a clone of the legendary Zapper gun. Many of these pirated consoles (before the concept existed) carried games in memory. One of the most common, if not the most common, was the same Contra. A fun and spectacular game (with pseudo 3D phases) which allowed cooperative play. All of this means that a lot of kids played it in the 80s and early 90s and it stuck in the memories of a good handful of players.

An ancient saga that differs depending on the region

Contra is a shooter game featuring two strong protagonists. However, Nintendo censorship in the 90s transformed the saga into Probotector. Games with the same playable base but in which the soldiers have not been killed. The protagonists and enemies have been transformed into robots/mechas. A curiosity which serves in this game to refer to the two sagas.

The success of the original game led to several sequels to the saga. Since the original game in 1987, no more than 4 to 5 years have passed without a game being released on a platform belonging to the saga. This gives an idea of ​​his success. The last few matches were not spectacularly successful and went somewhat unnoticed. Against: Return (2017) and Con: Rogue Corps (2019) were not great successes and the saga has been somewhat dull so far.

Contra: Operation Galuga, a tribute to the classic Contra

As soon as you start playing Contra: Operation Galuga we can appreciate the respect and homage to the original game. The first phase is very similar to that of the 1987 arcade. A jungle populated with enemies and the final boss of the phase are nothing more than updates of the originals. A beautiful tribute that will make the veterans of the title smile. We start from a similar story, in which a strange event happened on a small island and seems to affect the earth. The mythical agents of Contragiven the disappearance of the regular troops sent, are called to investigate and arrest the perpetrator of the crime.

In general, the game exudes admiration for the classic. That’s why the references are continuous: characters, sounds, settings, enemies, etc. But the good news is that they are using the classic as a basis to expand and improve the possibilities of this new title.

Flag set

On a playable level, it is also very similar to its origin. Although it has some improvements that make the title more varied and dynamic. Being able to activate a life marker so as not to die on first contact (as in the original) allows you to break with the difficulty of the 1987 title. We also have certain special abilities of each character.

They are joined by a skills and upgrades shop to make our lives a little easier in the game (more lives, appearing with more powerful weapons from the start, momentary invulnerability…) In the store you pay with coins that we will get from each game and its results .

The controls and hitboxes are very precise, something very important in this type of game in which there is also platform play. We have 3 difficulty modes, each more demanding. Hard mode is difficult but not frustrating, and should be the one chosen for those of you who are somewhat proficient in this type of game.

Duration and game modes

The original game was a marvel of gameplay, using barely 2 buttons. In this one, Wayforward managed to maintain that, with the addition of a weapon change, precise aim or special use that will destroy the weapon in exchange for a powerful destruction effect or temporary protection.

Even though the game’s story can last around two hours, Contra: Operation Galuga contains more options to replay. Local co-op for up to 4 people, unlocked characters, arcade mode so you don’t have to stop in cutscenes or story, and a fun Challenge mode. In this document we will have to meet the requirements to achieve this objective. These are associated with overcoming a challenge in a phase using a single weapon, going below a certain time (great for speedrunning enthusiasts) and others. We can assure you that they are the most addictive and will make you try again and again until you succeed.

Cons: Operation Galuga with private label graphics

Everyone who will play Double Dragon Neon, you will recognize the particular graphic style of Wayforward in Contra: Operation Galuga. The animations are very recognizable and represent, as in those mentioned previously, an excellent update in terms of pixels.

The designs are very attractive and the the scenarios are full of details this does not make them mere funds. 2D and 2.5D are used in spectacular camera tricks. The game runs with total fluidity and at no time are there any slowdowns, I put objects and effects on the screen with a very high number of characters. THE bosses are giants occupying almost the entire screen, and details such as the fact that when shooting into water each ball causes a splash, are examples of the care with which the graphic aspect of this game has been treated.

Luxury FX and music

The sound effects are really good, they repeat and update those of the classic game, a detail that will delight veterans. The dubbing, in English, is also of a high level. The melodies are very noticeable, reminiscent of compositions like the soundtrack of legendary films like Robocop or Terminator with a similar theme.

Conclusions Contra: Operation Galuga

Contra: Operation Galuga It takes up a game concept that has almost disappeared today, 2D shooters. Wayforward made a texcellent work with an updated title in tune with the times but using a solid classical basis which make the title a real gift for fans of this almost extinct genre.

The level is very high in all sections. All we are missing (a lot, yes) is an online cooperative mode which would give the title an exceptional rating and would be the icing on the cake. Despite this, from Xbox Area we can only recommend this title.