The year is 1987. Arcades buzzed with the sound of frantic shooting, and soon after, living rooms exploded with pixelated action. If you were a gamer back then, you know exactly what game we're talking about: Contra. More than just a video game, the original Contra and its sequels became a benchmark for difficulty, cooperative play, and pure, unadulterated run-and-gun fun.
But why, decades later, do Contra games still hold such a revered spot in the hearts of retro enthusiasts? Let's dive into the jungle and find out.
The Birth of a Legend: The Original Contra
When Konami unleashed Contra on the NES, it was a revelation. It took the intense action of the arcade and brought it home with surprising fidelity. Players took control of Bill Rizer or Lance Bean (or both, simultaneously!), two commandos tasked with stopping an alien invasion.
What set it apart?
- Relentless Action: From the moment you pressed start, you were running, jumping, and shooting. No time for tutorials, just pure instinct.
- Diverse Levels: It wasn't just side-scrolling. Base levels offered a pseudo-3D perspective, adding variety to the frantic pace.
- Iconic Power-ups: Oh, the power-ups! The Spread Gun, Laser, Rapid Fire, Barrier – snagging one felt like winning the lottery in the middle of chaos. Getting the Spread Gun was practically a necessity for survival.
Run, Gun, and Die (A Lot)
Let's be honest: Contra is hard. Brutally, unforgivingly hard. A single hit meant instant death, sending you back to a checkpoint (or the beginning of the stage if you were low on lives). This high difficulty was part of its charm and challenge.
The Legend of the Konami Code
For many, the difficulty was insurmountable. Enter the savior: the Konami Code. Up, Up, Down, Down, Left, Right, Left, Right, B, A, Start. Inputting this sequence on the title screen granted you 30 lives, turning a near-impossible task into a merely very difficult one. It's arguably the most famous cheat code in gaming history, forever linked to Contra games and a symbol of shared struggle and triumph among players.
The Ultimate Co-Op Experience
While the single-player was intense, Contra's two-player mode was legendary. Navigating the chaotic levels side-by-side with a friend, covering each other, sharing screens (sometimes frustratingly!), and celebrating small victories against overwhelming odds created unforgettable memories. It was a true test of cooperation and controller-sharing etiquette.
Beyond the NES: The Contra Legacy
The success of the original paved the way for a series of excellent sequels and ports.
- Super C (NES) and Contra III: The Alien Wars (SNES) refined the formula with new weapons, levels, and even more impressive graphics and sound for their time.
- Contra: Hard Corps on the Sega Genesis offered a different, faster, and even more challenging take with multiple playable characters and branching paths.
Each iteration pushed the boundaries of what was possible on its respective hardware, much like the original NES game surprised players with its technical execution, handling numerous sprites and fast scrolling – a feat that required clever programming tricks like using screen coordinates for objects to optimize performance.
Why We Still Love Contra Games
Decades later, the appeal of Contra games hasn't faded.
- Pure Gameplay: They represent a time when gameplay was king. Simple controls, clear objectives, and challenging execution.
- Nostalgia Factor: For many, playing Contra is a direct link back to childhood, arcades, sleepovers, and hours spent huddled around a CRT TV.
- Timeless Challenge: The difficulty remains a draw, offering a satisfying feeling of accomplishment when you finally conquer a tough boss or level.
- Accessibility: Thanks to digital collections and emulation, finding and playing classic Contra games is easier than ever, often available on modern consoles or PC platforms like GOG.
Whether you're a veteran who knows the Konami code by heart or a newcomer looking for a taste of classic arcade action, diving into the world of Contra games is always a rewarding (and challenging!) experience.
Frequently Asked Questions About Contra
Are all Contra games equally difficult?
While most Contra games are known for their high difficulty, the exact challenge level can vary between titles and platforms. The original NES game and Contra: Hard Corps are often cited as some of the toughest.
Can I play classic Contra games on modern systems?
Yes! Konami has released several collections like the Contra Anniversary Collection which include many of the classic titles and are available on modern consoles and PC. Emulation is also a popular way to revisit these games.
What is the most famous power-up in Contra?
Undoubtedly, the Spread Gun ("S") is the most iconic and often sought-after power-up. Its wide firing arc makes clearing enemies much more manageable.
Does the Konami Code work in all Contra games?
The Konami Code famously works in the original Contra and Super C on the NES, granting 30 lives. Its effect and even the code itself can vary or be absent in other games in the series.