Released in 1987 by Konami, Contra quickly became a legendary title in the world of arcade games. It redefined the action genre with its fast-paced, run-and-gun gameplay, co-op multiplayer, and infamous difficulty. Featuring militaristic themes, intense action sequences, and memorable characters, Contra has become synonymous with the very best of 1980s arcade gaming. The game’s legacy lives on as it paved the way for a wide range of action-packed shooters, inspiring countless sequels, spin-offs, and imitators.
The Story of Contra: A Battle for the Survival of Earth
The story of Contra takes place in the near future, where the world is under siege by an evil terrorist organization known as Red Falcon. The player controls Bill Rizer and Lance Bean, two soldiers from the elite counter-terrorist team called Contra. The two warriors are tasked with infiltrating the enemy’s base, battling hordes of enemies, and ultimately defeating the leader of Red Falcon to prevent global destruction.
The game’s plot is simple but effective, driving the intense action as players fight their way through jungles, caverns, enemy camps, and futuristic military facilities. The narrative may be secondary to the action, but it provides an engaging backdrop that sets the stakes for the non-stop combat.
Contra is a perfect example of a game that relies on pure gameplay rather than heavy storytelling, focusing on tight mechanics, fast-paced combat, and cooperative action between players. As the game progresses, the difficulty ramps up, challenging players to maintain their focus and skill to overcome seemingly insurmountable odds.
The Gameplay of Contra: Run, Gun, and Survive
What set Contra apart from other action games was its combination of run-and-gun mechanics with side-scrolling gameplay. Players move through varied environments, battling enemies that come from all directions. The game is structured into stages, each with unique settings and enemies, from jungles filled with soldiers to massive alien-infested alien bases. As players progress through the stages, they must avoid incoming bullets, defeat waves of enemies, and utilize weapons and power-ups to survive.
One of Contra’s defining features is its two-player cooperative mode, allowing friends to team up and tackle the game’s challenges together. This multiplayer aspect was revolutionary at the time, adding a layer of camaraderie and strategy to the high-intensity gameplay. The second player controls Lance Bean, and the duo must work in sync to defeat the enemy forces and avoid taking unnecessary damage.
The controls in Contra were simple yet precise, with players using a joystick or D-pad to move and buttons to shoot and jump. The game was challenging, but its responsive controls made it feel fair, rewarding players who learned the enemy patterns and optimized their movements. The variety of weapons available also added depth, giving players a range of options for tackling each stage. From the standard gun to the powerful spread shot, the arsenal allowed players to find the right tool for the job.
Interesting Facts About Contra
- The Infamous Konami Code: One of the most famous video game cheats of all time, the Konami Code, was first used in Contra. This cheat code, which grants players extra lives, became a legend in the gaming community. By entering the sequence Up, Up, Down, Down, Left, Right, Left, Right, B, A at the title screen, players could receive 30 extra lives, which was essential for surviving the game’s brutal difficulty.
- Brutal Difficulty: Contra is notorious for its difficult gameplay, which required precision and timing to complete. The enemies are relentless, and the stages are filled with hazards that make it nearly impossible to survive without taking damage. This level of challenge is part of what made the game so iconic, but it also made it infamous for its high level of difficulty.
- Influence on Action Games: The combination of run-and-gun action and cooperative gameplay in Contra was groundbreaking and influenced a whole genre of action games. Its high-speed gameplay and co-op features inspired later games like Metal Slug, Broforce, and Commando, and it remains a benchmark for intense action gameplay.
- Ported to Numerous Consoles: After its success in arcades, Contra was ported to numerous home consoles, including the NES, Commodore 64, and Sega Genesis. The console versions of the game proved just as popular, bringing the action-packed gameplay to a wider audience and further cementing Contra’s place in video game history.
- The Development Team: The game was developed by a talented team at Konami, including Koji Igarashi, who later became famous for his work on the Castlevania series. The team’s dedication to creating a fast-paced, engaging experience helped Contra become one of the most beloved titles in the action genre.
Secrets and Easter Eggs in Contra
- The Secret Boss: In the final stage, players can encounter a secret boss that’s tougher than the standard enemies. The secret boss, hidden in a specific spot in the level, offers an additional challenge for players who are looking to test their skills.
- Unlimited Continues (in some versions): In some versions of the game, players can access unlimited continues, allowing them to continue from where they left off after losing all their lives. While the arcade version typically limited players to a set number of continues, home console versions often featured this cheat, making the game more accessible to casual players.
- The Hidden Weapons: Throughout the game, players can find hidden weapons and power-ups that can dramatically improve their chances of survival. From laser guns to the fireball weapon, these weapons add variety to the combat and give players an edge in the heat of battle.
- The Konami Code: Aside from giving players 30 extra lives, the Konami Code also has other effects in various Konami games. Its inclusion in Contra made it an iconic part of gaming culture, and it is often used as a fun throwback in modern games.
- The Jungle Stage Secret Area: In the jungle stage, there is a hidden secret area that can only be accessed by shooting certain parts of the level. This hidden area contains bonus points or health power-ups, making it a useful secret for players looking to get ahead.
Tips and Tricks for Playing Contra
- Master the Jump and Shoot: The key to surviving Contra’s brutal levels is mastering the basic controls. Be prepared to jump over obstacles and shoot enemies at the same time. Quick reflexes and the ability to multitask are essential for making it through the game.
- Use the Spread Shot: One of the most powerful weapons in Contra is the spread shot, which fires multiple bullets in different directions at once. This weapon is incredibly effective against groups of enemies and is particularly useful for taking on bosses.
- Learn Enemy Patterns: As with many action games, Contra is all about learning the enemy patterns. Study how the enemies move and attack so you can plan your strategy accordingly. The more familiar you are with the enemy AI, the easier it will be to avoid damage and fight effectively.
- Work Together in Co-op Mode: If you’re playing with a friend, teamwork is critical. Coordinate your movements and attacks to cover each other. There’s no better way to deal with the overwhelming number of enemies than by having another player to back you up.
- Don’t Waste Your Lives: Contra is notorious for its difficulty, so don’t waste lives unnecessarily. Be patient, take your time, and try to avoid unnecessary risks. The more careful you are, the further you’ll get in the game.
The Legacy of Contra
Contra remains one of the most iconic and influential games in video game history. Its combination of fast-paced run-and-gun action, co-op gameplay, and intense difficulty set the standard for action games in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Even today, Contra’s impact can be seen in a variety of modern games, and its place in gaming history is secure.
The game’s difficulty, exciting gameplay, and cooperative mode have ensured its place in the hearts of gamers around the world. Even as gaming technology has evolved, Contra’s simple yet effective formula continues to resonate with players. Whether you’re revisiting this classic or experiencing it for the first time, Contra offers a thrilling, action-packed experience that remains just as enjoyable today as it was back in 1987.