STORYLINE 3.5/5

 

In 2631, evil aliens from another planet crash landed on an island in New Zealand and launch an attack to take over the world. Their leader is a hideous monster named Red Falcon. The world government decided to send in two commandos, nicknamed Bill and Lance (Scorpion and Mad Dog in the United States), to infiltrate the island and stop Red Falcon's evil plot.

 

 

AUDIO 4/5

 

Konami did such an ear-appealing job when it came to the music. Many to this day still jam to the beat of the Jungle, Waterfall, Snowfield, and base stages, and the boss theme...true classics. Each song has its own variation, giving the user a unique environment to fight in. The first stage for example has this cool kick-ass theme music and it really drives you into character as a commando who is dropped off by helicopter into an unknown and mysterious jungle...nice imagery. Another great theme is the boss theme music. It feels like you're a war hero from a movie challenging some evil villain.

 

As for sound effects, they're good. Bullets bouncing off metal machinery make a clinking sound, while destroying a boss could cause huge explosions. Power-ups, extra lives, even the shocking sound of an electric wall. Konami put so much effort into the sound, making it one of the most addicting features in the game.

 

 

GAMEPLAY 5/5

 

Very few shooters have come close to what Contra masters: pure action. Contra was the first of its kind, featuring a real-time world of constant shooting, blasting, and limitless killing. The control system is simple: B shoots and A jumps. That's all you need. You can also crouch by pressing Down, but otherwise you're set. This is what makes Contra such an appealing game to all gamers. The learning curve is easy, and you have limitless ammo (you are a commando after all); people hardly have to take time out to learn complex weapons or skills. Contra comes down to how well you can react to incoming bullets, grenades, and enemies while countering attacks with your own firepower.

 

Each level is similar, but not in design. Basically, you'll encounter tons of enemies, jumping platform to platform. You can shoot in eight primary directions, which is great since you can pull off some angled shots. Power-ups fly along the screen, or are contained inside of enemies after you destroy them. Some power-ups give you things like a shield, increased weaponry (fire thrower, spread shot, laser shot), and an extra life. You start the game off with only three lives, but at least you're given unlimited continues. Bosses are at the end of each level, thus creating that mood that you must survive until the end. Many bosses can be over-challenging, but weak spots are usually distinguished by a flashing body part, or some type of obvious indicator. The controls are very responsive, and are probably the sole reason why you live 99% of the time. With limitless ammo and plenty of enemies to blast away, everyone can have fun with Contra.

 

Unfortunately, Contra is a difficult game. One shot kills you, meaning you have to be as agile as Spider Man. Mistiming a jump can lead to your death. But regardless, Contra is a true classic in gameplay shooters. While it may have insane difficulty, you will play this day in and day out. Contra doesn't lose any of the action elements, the game stays consistent throughout. You don't have to worry about a bonus stage or some sappy storyline, this is pure action gaming in your own hands.

 

Back to the bonus stuff in this Japanese version, there's an intro this time, as well as a map screen (like Akumajou Dracula) and short debriefings after each level. The story had been altered a bit too. In America, the Contra games are meant to take place in the present day (the 1980s), but in the Famicom version they take place in the year 2631. There's also an altered ending, a hidden message, and a sound test.

 

 

CONTROL 4/5

 

The controls are solid. But Contra's controls take a while to master. The multi-directional aiming of your gun takes some getting used to, especially when you're moving in the same direction or when there's hardly any room to move, since you're trapped by pits and enemies left, right and center. A jumps, B shoots, and the D-pad chooses the direction for fire and your movement. Start pauses the game.

 

 

FUN FACTOR 5/5

 

Ok, first off there's the infamous two-player cooperative mode that has influenced so many other games and has made Contra immortal. Every time I meander through memories, I can see my friends, brother, or whoever playing Contra with me, pumped up by the awesome music and all. And even without a partner, you have a gun with all types of bullets and action -- how can it not be fun -- unless you die all the time, but I guess that's a different story.

 

 

OVERALL 4.5/5

 

After getting swarmed with detail after detail, you must understand that Contra is one of the greatest shooters to hit Earth. Not many prehistoric video games can really exhibit how fun side-scrolling action can be. Contra is just that; it provides a rush that no other action game depicted at its time. The jumping, shooting, and saving the planet from aliens really inspires the gamer to play more and more. Konami hit the jackpot when they created this game. They knew the Famicom needed a game that was innovative. If you're looking for a must-have game for your collection, this is it. Contra is by far the most inspiring and exasperating gaming experience you'll ever have. Don't avoid it, don't even try to ignore it. Buy it at all costs. This is a true classic for anyone's gaming library.

 

 

SCREENSHOTS

 

 

 

 

 

 

ADDITIONAL INFO