All the classic Contra gameplay but with enough polish, modernisation and features to make it worthy of the grand old series. We're just not sold on that price tag.
Contra: Operation Galuga is a nice return to the traditional formula of the series, which fulfills the wishes of the fans. Although at the moment we do not know what will happen, I hope that WayForward manages to take the reins of the series in the future, and then give us a similar work, but focused on The Alien Wars and Hard Corps, and regardless of whether they expand the concepts that we see here present, or choose to continue on a safe path, I'm sure I won't miss the Contra unit's next big mission.
The two most comparable games are Contra 4 and Hard Corps: Uprising (HCU). Besides those two games, there hasn't been a good Contra game since (besides this one)
I would say it's not quite as good as HCU, since there were more mechanics in there, like sprinting, vaulting and deflecting, but there are some improvements, like when you pick up a new weapon, it automatically upgrades the correct weapon type instead of throwing your old one out.
Galuga very generous with the difficulty range, with the addition of a health bar option and perks, so even if you don't intend on playing until you're good enough to beat it on hard with no health bar, you'll still be able to enjoy the game and see all the levels pretty easily.
However, as far as real difficulty (hard mode, no health bar, arcade mode), so far I would say it's more difficult than Contra 4 and maybe on par with HCU, which is great.
The story is just there for some excuse the play the game, which is fine. The cut scenes are skippable and they don't seem to pop up in arcade mode to distract from the gameplay. Arcade mode has 4 player local co-op which is great, though very hectic and hard to hold on to your weapon of choice when other players are dropping their weapons, though maybe that was intentional to make it more crazy.
Overall, I'm just glad Konami had this made, especially after that abomination that was Rogue Corps. I'll be putting a lot of hours on this game.
The game's story mode is short overall, but thankfully there's an Arcade and Challenge mode that offer great replayability. The challenge mode in particular is a highlight as it doles out mini-challenges for you to blast through, like tricky platforming or a pacifist run of a level. So, all in all, this is undoubtedly the best game the series has had in a long time, and one fans of the classic games won't want to miss out on.
Contra: Operation Galuga finally allows the series to reconnect with its origins to once again become a staple of “run & gun”. Even if its artistic direction spoils part of the experience, we definitely find the original spirit of the franchise. Weapon management has been completely redesigned and the game is now teeming with multiple bonuses and improvements to unlock. The frenzy of Arcade mode playable with 4 players in coop compensates for the lack of readability specific to certain levels as well as the lifespan 100% focused on scoring. And if the feeling of déjà vu is sometimes tenacious, it is it which makes the link with the mythical origins of the saga.
While it never transcends its own limitations and fumbles, Operation Galuga is a solid entry into the Contra franchise that is fun enough to play on its own merits.
A metroidvania adventure with immersive atmosphere and slow-paced gameplay, The Mobius Machine offers solid action in labyrinthine maps with a variety of enemies and platforming challenges. Despite minor flaws like delayed map acquisition and floaty jump controls, its striking graphics and sound design enhance the otherworldly experience, making it a noteworthy title in the genre.
Contra: Operation Galuga very quickly fell low. Not for its difficulty even arduous in Easy, because it is the DNA of the game. But for its lack of content and interest over time. The absence of online co'op and crossplay, which would have taken this game a certain step, is unacceptable, even more so when the positioning of the title for purchase is around 40 euros. Hardcore fans of the license and over scoring (not even enough to compare these stats with other players or have a world ranking, pfff) will sign at the bottom of the page. The others… not sure they read this whole contract.
(MY SCORE : 7 /10) Action-Platform Sidescroller Run-'n'-gun game that is quite exciting and challenging! Although quite short!We are the Counter Team assigned to fight Varanis, the leader of the Zagard Empire who wants to destroy Earth! At the start of each stage we will be able to choose a character, namely Bill Rider or Lance Bean! And then we can also choose Ariana, Lucia, and Stanley Ironside who are available in Stage 8. The Contra team finally succeeded in defeating Varanis. But before he died, Varanis activated Lemris Energy which was capable of destroying the earth in one attack! The Contra team tries to prevent this energy and must face Zagardian as the ENDING BOSS. At the end of the scene, Lucia sacrifices herself by activating the Wormhole Generator to open a portal so that the Varanis Device carrying Lemris Energy can be absorbed into another world. Lucia is also absorbed by the Varanis Device.There are a total of 8 stages to complete this story game!
The art direction is one of the worst ever seen in a contra game (more or less like rogue corps) with terrible 3d environments and awful character design. It's playable and level design is sometimes smart but it's a real pain for the eyes (and ears).
SummaryWhen the Red Falcon terrorist group takes over the Galuga Islands off the coast of New Zealand, elite Contra commandos Bill Rizer and Lance Bean springs into action, initiating an all-out war in which the fate of mankind hangs in the balance!
Run, jump, and shoot your way through eight levels using a devastating arsenal - including the ...