Contra is a hugely influential and beloved run-and-gun action game, originally released by Konami in arcades in 1987, and then ported to the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) in 1988. It’s a cornerstone of gaming history, known for its challenging difficulty, iconic power-ups, and cooperative gameplay. Here’s a comprehensive look at Contra:
Core Gameplay & Story
- Premise: The game is set in a dystopian future where Earth is under attack by a terrorist organization called the Red Falcon. You play as Bill “Mad Dog” Rizer and Lance “Scorpion” Bean, two members of Contra, an elite military unit tasked with stopping Red Falcon’s plans for world domination.
- Run-and-Gun Action: Contra is defined by its fast-paced, side-scrolling action. Players run, jump, and shoot through levels filled with enemies, obstacles, and bosses. It demands quick reflexes and strategic thinking.
- Cooperative Play: Perhaps the most iconic aspect of Contra is its two-player cooperative mode. Playing with a friend significantly increases your chances of survival and adds a layer of chaotic fun. The game is notoriously difficult solo.
- Power-Ups: Contra is famous for its power-ups, which dramatically alter your abilities:
- Spread Gun: Fires a wide spread of bullets, devastating to groups of enemies. Considered the most powerful weapon.
- Laser Gun: A powerful, straight-firing laser beam.
- Fire Gun: Shoots a stream of fire.
- Machine Gun: Rapid-fire, standard weapon.
- Shield: Provides temporary invincibility.
- Rapid Fire: Increases the firing rate of your current weapon.
Key Features & Why it’s Important
- Difficulty: Contra is hard. Enemies are relentless, and a single hit kills you. This difficulty, combined with the limited continues, made it a significant challenge for arcade players and NES owners. The “Konami Code” (Up, Up, Down, Down, Left, Right, Left, Right, B, A, Start) was famously included to give players 30 lives, making the game more manageable.
- Level Design: The levels are varied and memorable, ranging from jungles and alien bases to underwater sections and fortresses. They are designed to test your skills and require memorization to overcome.
- Boss Battles: Each stage culminates in a challenging boss battle, requiring players to learn attack patterns and exploit weaknesses.
- Graphics & Sound: For its time, Contra boasted impressive graphics and a driving soundtrack. The music is instantly recognizable and contributes to the game’s intense atmosphere.
- Influence: Contra heavily influenced the run-and-gun genre. Games like Metal Slug, Gunstar Heroes, and Cuphead all owe a debt to Contra’s design. It also popularized the concept of cooperative gameplay in action games.
Versions & Sequels
- Arcade Version: The original arcade version had slightly different levels and enemy placements compared to the NES port.
- NES Version (Contra): The most well-known version, and the one most people associate with the game. It’s often referred to simply as “Contra.”
- Contra II: Super Contra (NES): A sequel released in 1988. It introduced new weapons, a more complex storyline, and a more forgiving difficulty curve. It also allowed for vertical scrolling in some sections.
- Contra III: The Alien Wars (SNES): Considered by many to be the best in the series. It featured stunning graphics, a dynamic soundtrack, and even more intense action.
- Contra: Operation Galuga (Game Boy): A handheld version that maintained the core gameplay.
- Contra: Legacy of War (PlayStation/Saturn): A departure from the traditional side-scrolling format, offering a more tactical, top-down perspective.
- Numerous sequels and spin-offs have been released across various platforms over the years, including mobile games and more recent console titles. The quality varies significantly.
Legacy & Modern Relevance
Contra remains a beloved classic, frequently appearing on “best games of all time” lists. Its influence can still be seen in modern games, and it continues to be enjoyed by players of all ages.
- Retro Gaming: Contra is a staple of retro gaming collections and emulators.
- Speedrunning: The game’s challenging nature and memorization requirements make it a popular choice for speedrunners.
- Cultural Impact: The Konami Code, popularized by Contra, has become a widely recognized gaming Easter egg.
Where to Play Today
- Nintendo Switch Online: The NES version of Contra is available through the Nintendo Switch Online service.
- Emulators: You can play Contra on various emulators for PC and mobile devices.
- Arcade Archives: The arcade version is available on PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch through the Arcade Archives series.
- Contra Anniversary Collection: A collection of classic Contra games available on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC.
In conclusion, Contra is more than just a video game; it’s a cultural icon that defined a generation of gamers. Its challenging gameplay, cooperative mode, and iconic power-ups have cemented its place in gaming history. If you’ve never experienced it, it’s well worth checking out!