Contra for the NES is a side-scrolling shooter starring two generic rambo-type characters, best known for it's insane difficulty and the birth of the "Konami Code", Contra has made even the toughest gamers cry, and still return to it. Why? Because Contra adds fun to the challenge.
Graphics
Graphically, the game is about average by 8-bit standards, but still looks pretty good. NES fans won't be blown away by the graphics, but they will enjoy the graphics and scenery.
(3/5)
Gameplay
Contra has side-scrolling 2d levels, and some 3d shooting stages. Both stages are great fun and very hard. In 2d, players dodge bullets flying all over the screen and shoot everything in desperation to survive, searching for the spread gun to be able to kill more enemies, and dying constantly, even with the thirty life code. 3d is just as hard, but the movement is less frantic.
The game is fun even with the challenge because it manages to have gameplay to match. This is where many difficult games fail, game like the hated Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, where the challenge is broken and boring.
Contra has it's flaws, but gameplay is fun.
(4/5)
Sound
The game has some memorable music that will be stuck in your head for a while, along with some nice sound effects. For 8-bit sound, it's pretty awesome, and It makes the game even more of a pleasure to play, but the one flaw is that the sound of bullets can interrupt with music.
(4/5)
Replay value
It has an end, but it's difficulty adds to replay value by making it so hard to beat, and even then, having you try to do different things. Beating the game is near-impossible, leaving you challenged enough, then try it without cheating, then try it without dying, and you will be stuck to your NES for years.
(4/5)
Challenge
Contra is HARD! Really really hard, Contra makes Ninja Gaiden look like a cake-walk. Contra's difficulty will make you cry. I have slammed my controller to the ground playing, only to pick it up. Dodging bullets, shooting, getting power-ups running, killing, dodging, and being blown away by bullets are impossible. There's a reason why there's a 30 life code for this game, it's necessary.
(5/5)
Contra is a great game, it's hard as hell, fun, and sounds great. Give it a go, unless you are a girly man who cannot handle difficulty.
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Nintendo
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Linear Mode
