![]() |
Part I: The Origins
|
|
|
Contra
(ARCADE/NES/MSX2, 1988)
Although it debuted in the arcades first a year earlier, it was the home version of Contra that really started to turn heads. Ranked highly among the NES library of games (and perhaps among Japanese gamers on the MSX2 system), Contra follows the mission of Scorpion and Mad Dog, two rough-n-tumble yet dedicated commandos whose goal is to seek out and destroy Red Falcon and prevent an alien invasion of the planet. There was never a dull moment in this game as players were constantly pelted with enemies, human and alien alike, while being forced to dodge bullets and other obstacles which were often difficult to avoid (but very much possible). Armed with an infinitely supplied gun (which could be altered by collecting labeled tokens along the way), you had to battle through eight different areas, both in side-scrolling and third-person perspectives. And forget about a health meter: the Contra series isn't known for any of that wussy nonsense! You are initially only supplied with a few lives to live, and one hit will take you down. Contra was the game that popularized the Konami code, which allowed a player to start out with 30 lives. This game has also appeared on numerous systems, including on the Commodore 64 and even on Xbox Live.
Check out our Contra review for a more in-depth look!
|
|
|
|
Super C
(ARCADE/NES, 1990)
Also referred to as "Super Contra" in the arcade version, this game could easily be considered as the sequel to the original Contra game. Both have a similar premise and execution style, except that you controlled new characters, Bill and Lance, where the forces of Red Falcon have changed locations and are controlling military forces. Naturally, there is a graphical upgrade as the two commandos explore a seemingly post-apocalyptic region that has been overtaken by aliens. Another difference lies in the visual presentation: the arcade version boasted levels that were played with a pseudo-three-dimensional style in mind; these were changed to an overhead point of view in the home console editions. This title is available on the Wii's Virtual Console and on Xbox Live.
|
|
|
|
Contra Force
(NES, 1992)
Every video series has its black sheep, and in the case of the Contra series, there's Contra Force to fill that position. This game bears little ties with the rest of the series (as it was originally supposed to be a totally different game called Arc Hound, which was eventually cancelled), and boasts a much more agonizing experience overall. Contra Force follows a team of counter-terrorists whose goal here is to free Neo City from the nasty grips of a group known as D.N.M.E. who is clearly causing havoc amongst the citizens. And yes, that's the real name of the organization. Check the instruction manual if you want proof. There are no aliens to be found here -- just humans. The four members of your team are interchangeable during gameplay, and each uses specific weapons and has specific abilities deemed crucial to your mission, supposedly. Contra Force plays amazingly sluggishly for a video game, and the bosses are sometimes ridiculously difficult to defeat with the arsenal you're packin'. The game was released near the end of the NES lifespan, so thankfully many gamers overlooked this title.
|
 |
 |
|
![]() |
