Contra - Nintendo NES/Famicom

Detailed Game Description

Contra is a classic run-and-gun action game developed and published by Konami in 1987. Originally released as an arcade game on February 20, 1987, it was later ported to home consoles in 1988, most notably the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). The game also saw releases on various computer platforms, including the MSX2. In regions using the PAL system, the game was localized under different names: "Gryzor" on computer platforms and "Probotector" on the NES.

After the success of the original Contra, several sequels were developed.

In the game, players control one of two armed soldiers: Bill "Mad Dog" Rizer or Lance "Scorpion" Bean. Their mission is to neutralize a terrorist organization known as the Red Falcon, which is plotting to take over the Earth. The setting and story details vary depending on the region and version of the game. In the Japanese version, the events take place in the year 2633 on a fictional archipelago near New Zealand called Galuga. The NES version released in North America, however, is set in modern times on an unnamed South American island. In the American storyline, the identity of the "Red Falcon" is also altered, being portrayed as an alien entity rather than a terrorist organization.

The main character is equipped with a rifle that has unlimited ammunition. The player can jump, move, and shoot in eight directions, with the ability to move or jump while firing. A single hit from an enemy, bullet, or obstacle instantly kills the player’s character and causes them to lose their current weapon. The game spans more than 10 unique areas and offers two different types of levels. In addition to the standard side-scrolling levels, there are stages where the player’s character is viewed from behind and must move forward to advance through the level. These "3D maze" stages are set inside enemy bases, where players must battle defensive forces to reach the heart of the base. During these levels, a map of the base and a time limit are displayed at the top of the screen. Each maze is followed by a stage where the player must destroy a series of flashing sensors to reveal and eliminate a larger central sensor.

Contra also features a two-player cooperative mode, where both players share the same screen and must coordinate their movements. If one player falls behind, it can cause problems for the other, as the screen won’t scroll forward, which can be deadly for the second player. The European version of the game, Gryzor, does not include this simultaneous two-player mode. Instead, players take turns, and control switches to the second player whenever the first player dies.