Contra (NES)

What would you say to Contra?

Developed by Konami in 1987, Contra is basically an iconic run-and-gun arcade game which later descended onto the platform of Nintendo Entertainment System with computer ports into the MSX2 among others. Called Probotector in Europe and Gryzor in Oceania, this franchise has been a stomping ground for retro gaming and has lately spawned a number of sequels that look to further cement that legacy. Players take the role of Bill 'Mad Dog' Rizer and Lance 'Scorpion' Bean, who are highly trained military commandos trying to stop Red Falcon Organization from taking over the world. Ailing and sick with inconsistency, the story changes its narrative from one version to another-while the Japanese version is set in the year 2633 on an archipelago called Galuga near New Zealand, the American version has rearranged the story as though it were currently happening on some unnamed South American island. The criminal Red Falcon Organization is replaced by the alien menace in the U.S. version, thus providing an alien sci-fi angle to the game.

How to Play

Contra offers a challenging yet rewarding attempt to test reflexes and strategy. You control Bill and Lance in the game who can move with the shooting being in eight directions with unlimited ammunition being lodged inside a rifle. The game presents no quarter; facing a hit either by an enemy or a bullet is definite instant death, which implies you have to be very fast with your feet. The game entails a level count of over 10 and breaks into three main types: side-view stages where you gun down waves of enemy, 3D maze-stages where you make your way around an enemy base, and 3D fixed stages in which you have to destroy key sensors at the base heart.

Tips and Tricks

• Save Your Lives: Collecting lives is important as you begin with very few. Look out for the "Lives" bonus, which appears as a blue tank.
• Use the Pause Button: The pause button is a best friend. Use the time to strategize and organize yourself before entering a tight corridor or just before an intense firefight.
• Cooperative Mode: If you are with your buddy, communication should be paramount. Stick together, cover each other, and make sure you maximize two-player power-ups.
• Fire Control: Practice aiming; since you can shoot in eight directions, avoid shooting your teammate while maximizing the damage done against the enemies.
• Avoid Getting Hit: Time your jumps and movements perfectly to dodge enemy fire and bullets because this game will kill you from one hit.

History

Its internal division at Konami handled the development of Contra and released it in Japan as an arcade game in 1987. It grew in popularity in Japan and was hence ported onto various systems, where it became a sure-fire hit on the NES. The game's uniqueness with respect to its story and gameplay made it in many ways a cult classic and hence paved the way for the plethora of subsequent action games. The regionalized versions of the game, such as Probotector and Gryzor, ensured their longevity by localizing the adaptations of the storyline for their particular audience.

Play Unblocked

Being an old game, Contra will not be under some of the more draconian online restrictions that modern titles face; however, some schools or workplaces would still prefer to block the access to such classic games. If you are having difficulties playing it, an avenue worth looking at is finding emulators or ROMs that can run on your computer or gaming console. However, remember to respect copyright laws and only use those ROMs of a game you own.

Game Developer

Contra was developed by Konami, a company from Japan that is famous for a multitude of gaming experiences ranging from arcade classics to modern consoles. Konami has a rich history in the gaming industry and has spawned many iconic titles over the years.

Game Platforms

Contra first saw release on the arcade system and after that got translated on:

• Nintendo Entertainment System
• MSX2
• Amstrad CPC
• Commodore 64
• Sega Master System
• TurboGrafx-16

FAQ

Q: Is Contra on any modern console?

A: Yes, Contra is available on modern consoles, the Nintendo Switch being one through the Nintendo Classic Mini series and some digital storefronts.

Q: Can you play Contra online with a partner?

A: The original arcade version has no support for online play, but some emulators and modern ports do provide online coop play.

Q: What key differences separate Contra from Probotector?

A: The main differences are the story and the names of the characters: Probotector has a sort of sci-fi story and different names for characters, while Contra has the original story and names for characters.

Q: Are there any follow-ups to Contra?

A: Yes, several games follow-up on Contra, including Contra: The Alien Wars, Contra: Shattered Soldier, and Contra 4: New Blood, each one a continuation of the legacy of the original game.

Have fun; have a retro action time!

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