Contra
Konami - 1988Dutch Schaefer and John Rambo ? Nah, just their lesser known brothers Bill and Lance. |
Freaking Contra ! What more needs to be said really ? If you missed this game back in the heyday of the NES it might not seem like quite the masterpiece it is, but I assure you that everyone was raving about this game in the late 80's and with good reason.
Contra is an arcade port of the Konami classic run and gun side scrolling action game of the same name. The conversion to the NES, in my opinion, was one of those rare instances where the home version actually exceeded the arcade in terms of play-ability and quality of execution. The control is more fluent and easier to control, the difficulty strikes a better balance between challenge and fun and while the graphics have taken a hit, I actually find the NES sprites more visually appealing.
Action takes place on a multi level play-field where you will guide your Schwarzenegger or Stallone look alike character through relentless enemy fire to confront each of the stage bosses. Some levels switch things up to a pseudo 3D perspective where you will control your character from behind and engage enemies in the foreground. The 3D stages aren't much to look at any more, but in the day they were quite impressive and still do an effective job of providing some variety to the gameplay.
Not Oculus Rift compatible. |
Forgot my snowboard ! |
The control is spot on and the tight play control gives you a fighting chance against the endless waves of enemy combatants. There are a variety of weapon upgrades available ranging from awesome (spread gun) to borderline useless (laser). You start play with 3 lives but gain extra's after racking up a certain number of points. One hit from an enemy will defeat your character however, so watch those projectiles. For an easier time you can enter the famous Konami code to start the game with 30 lives for one or both characters (2 players).
Contra is one of the best games on the NES and arguably one of Konami's finest achievements in video game art. Sadly I never owned this game during the NES lifecycle, but enough of my friends and family owned the game that I never really lacked for any opportunity to play it while I concentrated on getting games that either no-one had or I had an interest in (though unfortunately most of those games were not of the caliber of Contra).
If you like run and gun 8-bit games, or even just a good old NES challenge, Contra is a worthy addition to your library and any one who appreciates old school games needs to play it.
Helpful Codes and Game Genie cheats -
30 Lives - (enter at title screen before demo)
one player- Up, Up, Down, Down, Left, Right, Left, Right, B, A, Start
for 2 players - Up, Up, Down, Down, Left, Right, Left, Right, B, A, Select, Start
Game Genie -
Effect | Code |
Unlimited Lives | SLAIUZ |
Keep weapons after death | GXIIUX |
Start new life with MG | PEIIXZ |
Start new life with Spread gun | LEIIXZ |
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