Contra: Operation Galuga

Contra: Operation Galuga is a side-scrolling run-and-gun for players who want tight reflex play, enemy waves, and the old Contra rhythm of moving, shooting, and surviving on the edge. By our assessment, its best quality is that it keeps the series’ fast pressure intact while giving the action a modern coat of polish. The downside is that this kind of game can be punishing, and if the player does not enjoy memorizing patterns and restarting after mistakes, it quickly stops being fun. In practice it is all about reading the screen fast and committing to movement, because hesitation gets punished immediately. Compared with slower action games, it is far more direct and far less forgiving. Contra: Operation Galuga is the kind of arcade-style shooter that rewards quick hands and a willingness to repeat stages until they click.