Konami’s legendary Contra franchise has seen numerous attempts at revival over the years, with mixed results. However, their latest effort, Contra: Operation Galuga, seems to be striking a chord with critics, offering a faithful return to the series’ explosive roots. Let’s delve into what reviewers are praising (and critiquing) about this upcoming title.
A Celebration of Classic Run-and-Gun Gameplay
Contra: Operation Galuga takes players on a nostalgia trip through eight diverse levels, each packed with the fast-paced, side-scrolling action that made the series famous. Reviewers across the board commend the game’s core gameplay loop, highlighting the satisfying gunplay mechanics and the strategic use of power-ups to mow down enemy hordes.
Visually Striking and Musically Familiar
The developers haven’t just relied solely on nostalgia. Several reviews commend Operation Galuga’s visuals, noting a successful blend of modern aesthetics with the classic Contra style. The environments are varied and detailed, offering a visually engaging backdrop for the chaotic action. Additionally, the soundtrack seems to capture the essence of the series with a pumping musical score that complements the frenetic gameplay flawlessly.
A Short Burst of Explosive Fun
While the core gameplay receives high marks, a recurring critique is the game’s length. Reviewers report that Contra: Operation Galuga can be completed in as little as two hours, leaving some wanting more. This brevity might be a concern for players seeking a lengthy campaign.
A Solo Mission (for Now)
Another point of contention is the lack of online cooperative play, a staple of the Contra series. Operation Galuga currently offers local co-op only, potentially limiting the replayability factor for some players.
Technical Hiccups Mar the Experience
While not a widespread issue, some reviewers mentioned longer-than-desired loading times disrupting the game’s flow. Hopefully, these technical aspects can be addressed through updates.
The Verdict – A Promising Return with Room for Improvement
Contra: Operation Galuga, based on initial reviews, appears to be a solid return to form for the franchise. The game delivers a faithful recreation of the classic run-and-gun experience with modern visuals and satisfying gameplay. However, the short campaign length, lack of online co-op, and occasional loading times hold the game back from achieving true greatness.
FAQs:
Q: What sets Contra: Operation Galuga apart from previous Konami attempts?
A: Contra: Operation Galuga distinguishes itself with varied levels, impressive graphics, and adept execution of the beloved run-and-gun style gameplay.
Q: What are the notable drawbacks of Contra: Operation Galuga, according to reviews?
A: Criticisms include a minimalistic plot, a relatively short completion time of 2 hours, the absence of online co-op, and extended loading times.
Q: How is Contra: Operation Galuga performing on the Opencritic portal?
A: As of now, Contra: Operation Galuga boasts a commendable score of 75% on the Opencritic portal, based on 20 reviews.
