Contra: Operation Galuga PS5, PS4 Reimagines an Arcade Classic

Contra has had its highs and lows over the years, but the franchise is obviously famous for its arcade debut, which is arguably one of the greatest shooters ever made. Now, developer WayForward has announced a modern reimagining of the all-time classic Contra: Operation Galuga, which promises “modern graphics and sound, new stages, new enemies and bosses, new play mechanics, an updated weapons system, and explosive co-op combat for up to two players in Story Mode or four players in Arcade Mode”.

The press release continues: “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. The intense action is customisable with three difficulty settings plus a variety of additional challenge options. The true Contra legacy begins now.”

The graphics don’t have WayForward’s trademark visual style, which is a bit of a shame, but the gameplay looks fast, frantic, and – perhaps most importantly of all – responsive. After the extremely disappointing Contra: Rogue Corps, this clearly looks like an enormous step up, and you won’t have to wait too long to pull the trigger – the game’s due out in early 2024 on PS5 and PS4.