A from-the-ground-up reimagining of the revolutionary Contra NES/arcade game from the 1980s, Contra: Operation Galuga lets players choose from a group of elite commandos, including hardcore protagonists Bill Rizer and Lance Bean, as they blast their way through eight stages of mayhem against an alien horde controlled by the Red Falcon terrorist group.

Wielding iconic weapons like the Spread Shot, Crush Bombs, and Laser Beam, as well as character-specific abilities including double-jumps, sliding, and grappling, plus the new power to Overload weapons for even more offensive and defensive options, players can expect relentless excitement and intensity as they tackle the game's Story, Arcade, and Challenge modes , featuring 30 nail-biting missions to overcome. These include speedrunning through stages, fighting with limited ammo, surviving relentless enemy hordes, and more.

To help even the odds, players can also enhance their capabilities in the Perk Shop, where they can use in-game credits (no microtransactions) to upgrade character abilities, start stages with specific weapons, increase invulnerability after respawning, and gain other helpful bonuses. Up to two Perks can be equipped per player.

The adrenaline-pumping experience is further fueled by the amazing music, artwork, and narrative from an all-star group of collaborators. Combining summer blockbuster energy with classic inspiration, the main score is created by composers Yuko Komiyama and Norihiko Hibino of Scarlet Moon, and features cinematic interpretations of familiar Contra tunes as well as original compositions. Meanwhile, the story and plot of the game were drafted in conjunction with Dai Sato and Naruki Nagakawa of Storyriders Inc., and the game's key illustration is provided by renowned comic book artist David Nakayama.

Other collaborative partners, including the game's sensational voice cast, will be announced at a later date.

Konami and WayForward announced that Contra: Operation Galug has an official mission-start date of March 12, 2024, when it launches digitally on Nintendo Switch, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (Steam).

Digital preorders for Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox One are available today, with wishlisting available for PS5, PS4 and Steam.

Physical preorders from Limited Run Games will begin on March 1.

To prepare players for the action that awaits them, an explosive Contra: Operation Galuga playable demo is also now available for download in digital storefronts.

Featuring a sampling of content from the first and third stages of the game and gameplay for 1 to 4 players, the demo, when completed, will unlock bonus content in the final, full game.

Key Features:

• The granddaddy of the run-'n'-gun genre is back, reimagined and more action-packed than ever!
• A variety of explosive stages!! Infiltrate the jungle, ascend the waterfall, speed through an enemy base on a hovercycle, and more!
• Team up! Up to two-player co-op Story Mode and four-player Arcade Mode.
• Multiple playable characters with distinct abilities!
• As the Story Mode unfolds, more than six hardcore heroes become playable, including:
  • Bill Rizer: Field leader of the Contra unit, possessing exceptional physical strength, agility, and mental fortitude. Proficient in all manner of armaments and well-versed in military science.
  • Lance Bean: An expert marksman adept with machinery. Was active as a guerrilla fighter before being recruited into the Earth Marine Corps by Bill Rizer.
  • Ariana: A tremendously skilled warrior from the Galuga Archipelago. After her village was nearly wiped out by Red Falcon's attack, she wages a one-woman war against the enemy forces.
  • Lucia: Deputy commander in the Earth Marine Corps and also a talented field operative. She is equally proficient at combat missions and covert intelligence.
  • Lt. Stanley Ironside: A veteran who leads an armored platoon in the GX Army. He wears a powered Hercules exosuit to supplement his already formidable combat skills.
  • Probotector: Autonomous training robots used by the Contra Unit. Utilizing cutting-edge tech, they are every bit as capable in the field as their human counterparts.
• Epic, screen-filling boss battles!
• New and fan-favorite weapons, now with stackable upgrades and incredible Overload abilities!
• Multiple difficulty options and a wealth of extra content

Contra: Operation Galuga is coming to Nintendo Switch, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (Steam) on March 12, 2024 at $39.99 and rated T by the ESRB.