Contra (NES) Review

Let's kick start with a bit of history lesson; the game technically starts 30 years before it was created (1988) so it's the late 1950's and a humongous UFO has crash landed on Earth in the Amazon Basin close to the lost Mayan civilisation. However scientists from across the globe decide to ignore the impact as they believe it to be of no real importance. They are of course completely wrong, but won't know it for another 30 years. So we're back to the 'present' day and rumours are spreading of an evil presence emanating from the crash site. A full-out assault is decided to be out of the question and in true Arny style two of America's most efficient soldiers are sent instead. It is soon discovered that there is an entire alien race breeding, its ruler: Red Falcon, a being that, as per usual, is hell bent on conquering the earth and then the entire galaxy. Will you succeed in destroying the aliens or will they succeed in destroying you!? Cue lots and lots of shooting...

So there you have it, not the deepest of plots but as you are no doubt aware that is somewhat superfluous given the essence of the game. It is the seamless game play that makes Contra such a wonderful gaming experience and what allows it to be enjoyed nearly 20 years after its creation. The game has two main elements first and foremost the violent obliteration of enemies but to go with that there is a lot of 'platofrming' to be done. Jumping plays a key part in movement and survival throughout the game and should not be ignored. Controls are delightfully simple; players can move left and right, jump to different levels as well as crouch beneath gun fire. Those unsure about Nintendo's current ethos of simplifying player input (as highlighted with the 'Revolution' controller) should go back to basics and play games like this. It really shows how well games can work without complex button combinations and the like, pure unadulterated fun with a gun.

With such a basic premise for the game, developers have had to rely on an upped difficulty and variation of levels and enemies to create a game that never becomes too arduous. Contra consists of 8 main levels each with a tough boss to slaughter at the end. Now that might not sound like a great amount compared to other games but only the most hardened of gamers will ever reach the end anyway. If your character comes into contact with a single sinister object such as a bullet or adversary, one life is automatically lost. Meaning that as much as it sounds like a game to run about guns blazing without a thought, doing so really is going to get you very far. Powerups are given throughout the duration of levels to provide you with a bit of help, these come in the form of weapon upgrades or things like invincibility. Once you pick up a new weapon you loose your old one and cannot change back without picking up the same gun again later on. This can be slightly irritating if you end up losing a gun you get on very well with, but after a bit pf practise you can easily differentiate between weapons and just avoid the ones you don't like.

Now, there isn't usually a great deal of point in dwelling on the audio and visual elements of a game like this given its age. However, luckily both factors in this instance still do just what they should even after such a long period of time. The graphics are some of the finest from the era on the NES and represent different locations, such as jungle and underground areas without a problem. Animations are excellent and explosions are just as beefy as you might want them to be. Equally the audio ups suspense every step of the way and really explodes nicely at the appropriate points, such as end of level bosses. Compared to its sequels, Contra is a little tamer in terms of how much is happening on screen at any one time but don't let that put you off. For a NES title it is still a tremendously entertaining and impressive slice of digital entertainment and there will always be plenty of action to be had at any given moment. As mentioned the difficulty is pretty intense, and it starts straight away and lasts all the way to the end. Given that there is no save option this can be off putting for many people but those who persevere will find a very rewarding gaming experience to be had.