Contra: Operation Galuga Review (Zek)
As a long-time fan of the *Contra* series, I went into *Operation Galuga* with high expectations—and I'm happy to say that it delivers on many fronts. Visually, the game is a feast for fans of the franchise, with impressive 2D side-scrolling graphics that incorporate just the right amount of 3D elements. The dynamic camera angles and shifting terrain in some levels add depth and excitement, keeping the gameplay fresh while staying true to the series' roots.
The character models strike a great balance—keeping that classic *Contra* vibe without overcomplicating the details. Lucia is a standout addition to the roster, and her version of the iconic Spreader gun, complete with a charge-up blast wave, is immensely satisfying to use. Ariana brings a fierce and fun energy to the team, while Lance and Bill are a welcome throwback for veterans of the series. I have to admit, the robot character didn’t quite click for me, but that’s more of a personal preference than a knock against the game itself.
The story keeps close to *Contra's* established lore, but with some fresh twists that make it feel modern without losing the nostalgic charm. I appreciated how the narrative played out while keeping the action fast-paced and chaotic, which is exactly what you'd expect from the franchise.
One feature I really enjoyed was the ability to pick up perks, power-ups, or start levels with specific weapons and bonuses. It adds a strategic layer to the game, giving you a bit more control over how you approach each stage, and it's a nice quality-of-life improvement that fits right in.
That said, my main gripe—and this could be more about me than the game itself—is the difficulty. *Operation Galuga* is brutally hard. It’s not unusual for *Contra* games to be challenging, but this one feels particularly intense. I found myself overwhelmed at times, with projectiles and explosions all over the screen, making it tough to distinguish what's happening. The sheer amount of chaos, paired with the complexity of some levels and the number of abilities mapped to the controller, made it hard to keep up. Maybe I’m just older and slower than I used to be, but I had to grind my way through certain sections.
Overall, though, *Contra: Operation Galuga* is a fantastic entry in the series. It stays true to its roots while offering just enough modern flair to keep things interesting. Despite the challenge, it's a must-play for fans of the franchise and anyone who enjoys fast-paced, no-nonsense action games. Just be prepared for a tough ride—you might find yourself longing for a save point or two!
As a longtime Konami and *Contra* fan, I’d still wholeheartedly recommend this one. It’s classic *Contra* through and through.