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NES
2 Player
Shooter/PlatformerEveryone has played Contra; it turned out to be the kind of game that was permanently attached to the NES name. Contra was the kind of game that did everything right, or close to it. This is the game that set a standard that hasn’t been fully matched to this day.
Aliens are invading the Earth, and it’s up to two soldiers to infiltrate their base and destroy the alien heart. What this translates into is unadulterated action where quick thinking and an itchy trigger finger are the skills you’ll need to survive.
The Contra plays like any other side-scrolling game with bullets, expect here the bullet count reaches Robotron portions. In Contra, there really isn’t a reason to stop shooting (especially with turbo fire). Kill enemies, overcome obstacles, collector power-ups, and beat the level boss; that’s really all there is to it. In looking back, that’s all there needed to be to it.
The power-ups provide great assistance throughout the game. You start with a standard rifle, and can acquire machine guns, flamethrowers, and lasers. The weapons all have their own distinct advantages to match the player’s style. Smart bombs and invincibility power-ups are also available.
In between side-scrolling levels, players will have to shoot there way through enemy bases from a behind-the-character view. This mode is an interesting diversion from the rest of the game, though is arguably not as enthralling as the side-scrolling portions. Players must hit certain targets to blow open security doors while avoiding enemy fire, bombs, and rolling canisters. This mode involves ducking fire, waiting for the right moment, and attacking. It’s unique, but not as mindless as the rest of Contra.
Contra’s graphics are definitely top-notch. The beautifully rendered surroundings breath personality, and characters and enemies animate well. Save for some flicker and the occasional plain boss, the graphics are perfect.
The game’s sound is everything a game should strive for. Weapon effects are all unique and sound great, and all of the other effects (explosions, mostly) bring the game together. The music is highly memorable, with every track well composed and appropriate for each situation. This is the pinnacle of NES music.
The controls perform very well. Shooting and jumping are all has to be worried about. The heroes can shoot in seven directions while standing, six while running, and eight while jumping; the options are vast and flexible. The only hiccup is the base levels, where more deaths result than necessary due to the sometimes-finicky controls.
Deaths, of course, are common in any case. Contra is a challenging game, with three lives, a handful of continues, and one-hit kills on your side, guarantee ample resistance. Unless you use the Konami Code, this Contra will put up a tough fight.
Like all NES children of the eighties, I played Contra whenever I got the chance. I purchased a copy of my own a few years back for six dollars, a price that still holds today. I can’t imagine all of the hours this game would have eaten up if I owned it when I was younger.
......BOTTOM LINE: Contra is phenomenal fun that can’t be overestimated. It’s one of the best NES games and a testament to the NES library. A must-have masterpiece.
-The Collector
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