Publisher Konami and developer WayForward have revealed the official release schedule for Contra: Operation Galuga, the latest instalment in the beloved 2D run-and-gun series. Alongside the announcement, the playable demo of the game and pre-orders are now available.

In this reimagined version of the classic NES action game Contra, players can expect to encounter new stages set in diverse environments ranging from jungle landscapes to enemy military bases. The game will also feature a variety of new enemies, mechanics, and an updated power-up system. Plus, the modernized visuals and audio will bring the game’s intense gameplay experience to new heights. To ensure that players of all skill levels can enjoy Contra: Operation Galuga, the game will offer 3 difficulty levels with various options to further increase the challenge.

Players have the opportunity to choose from a group of highly skilled commandos, such as Bill “Mad Dog” Rizer and Lance “Scorpion” Bean. These commandos are fully prepared to battle the alien terrorist threat known as the Red Falcon. Throughout the game, players will utilize iconic Contra weapons, such as the Spread Shot, Crush Bombs, and Laser Beam.

In addition to the firearms, each character possesses unique abilities that can be utilized to their advantage. These abilities include double jumps, grappling, and sliding, as well as the power to overload weapons, granting them an extra boost of power in the game’s Story, Arcade, and Challenge modes.

With a price tag of $39.99 (RM191.01), digital pre-orders are available today on most platforms. The game will also have a physical release courtesy of Limited Run Games, starting on 1 March 2024.

The demo version of the game has been released, which includes stages from the first game and third game, allowing players to explore the gameplay mechanics and multiplayer mode (1 to 4 players). Konami also announced that players who complete the demo will unlock bonus content for the full game, which is scheduled to be released in a few weeks.

Contra: Operation Galuga is set to launch on 12 March 2024 for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam.

Watch the trailer below.