The re-imagining of the OG Contra lets up to four players work together to complete the game.
- Konami is reviving the iconic ’80s run-and-gun game, Contra, under a name that’s set for release in 2024.
- Contra: Operation Galuga will maintain the game’s essence while introducing modern features.
- Konami’s decision to reboot Contra aligns with their interest in reviving some of its classic franchises.
The beloved run-and-gun action game Contra from the 1980s is about to make a spectacular comeback to the spotlight.
Early in 2024, a contemporary adaptation of the classic game called Contra: Operation Galuga will be made available on a number of platforms.
The choice by Konami to bring back the classic game is a sentimental homage to its 1987 arcade debut and 1988 NES adaptation. The original Contra, also known as Probotector and Gryzor in Europe, had a solid reputation for causing players to lose their hard-earned tokens or coins in arcades. Because to Contra’s punishing complexity, one of the most well-known cheats in gaming history—the Konami Code, which gives players 30 lives—became famous. For many players, this was a necessary evil in order to progress through the game.
The new title aims to continue the legacy of the iconic work. As hinted at in the game’s press announcement, “Run, jump, and shoot your way through eight levels using a devastating arsenal – including the spread shot, laser, and homing missiles – now with stackable upgrades and awesome Overload abilities.”
It is up to WayForward, the well-known developer behind highly praised games like the Shantae series, to bring this cherished franchise back to life. Its impressive history, which includes the 2007 release of Contra 4, which received an 83 on Metacritic, raises expectations.
Contra: Operation Galuga is not a mere replica of its forerunner. With the addition of modern technologies, this ambitious project aims to bring back “iconic weapons and environments” from the original game. Players may expect new bosses and stages, updated play mechanics, updated power-ups, and new play mechanics in it. More significantly, it will include modern audio and visuals to improve the game experience. Konami provides comfort to individuals who found the original intimidating. Three scaled difficulty settings will be included in the reboot to ensure accessibility for novice players and offer challenging alternatives for more experienced players.
Although the game appears to have fast-paced gameplay, some players have voiced dissatisfaction with the graphics, arguing that they do not match WayForward’s signature style. Though the release date is still a year away, it’s possible that finishing touches are being worked on.
Throughout history, the core of the Contra experience has been multiplayer. It is the same as this iteration. While Story Mode allows for cooperative play between two players, Arcade Mode increases the action by supporting up to four players. With this cooperative gameplay, it’s certain that newcomers and diehard Contra fans will both receive the thrill of excitement that the game is known for.
Contra: Operation Galuga will launch as a digital download for devices such as the Switch, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, Xbox One, and PC. However, a physical console release is also planned.
The choice to bring Contra back is consistent with Konami’s expressed desire to bring their venerable titles back to life. There has been conjecture on the potential resuscitation of other classics, including Castlevania, following their recent resuscitation of Metal Gear and Silent Hill. However, it’s probable that Konami is hesitant to bring back such a beloved series again because its die-hard supporters are just as passionate about criticizing it as they are about supporting it. We can only hope that Konami will stay true to the franchise’s basic values and not stray too far from its origins if it decides to venture into the world, especially with Castlevania: Nocturne scheduled to debut on Netflix shortly.