Contra is a legendary run-and-gun action game developed and published by Konami in 1987. Known for its intense difficulty, cooperative gameplay, and iconic power-ups, it became one of the most recognizable arcade and NES titles of its era. The game follows two elite commandos, Bill Rizer and Lance Bean, on a mission to stop the alien Red Falcon Organization from invading Earth.
Contra combines fast-paced shooting with precise platforming, delivering non-stop action across various environments, including jungles, military bases, and alien lairs. Players must fight through waves of enemy soldiers, turrets, and deadly traps while dodging projectiles. Each level ends with a challenging boss battle that tests reflexes and memorization of attack patterns.
The gameplay is enhanced by a variety of power-ups, such as the iconic Spread Gun, Laser, and Rapid Fire, which give players different ways to handle the relentless enemies. Contra also features different perspectives, including traditional side-scrolling levels and unique pseudo-3D stages, where players move into the screen to destroy enemy bases.
One of Contra’s most famous aspects is its two-player cooperative mode, which allows friends to team up and share the chaos. The game is also notorious for its high difficulty, requiring precise timing, quick reflexes, and memorization of enemy placements. To help players, the infamous Konami Code (↑ ↑ ↓ ↓ ← → ← → B A Start) grants 30 extra lives on the NES version, becoming a staple of gaming culture.
With its tight controls, memorable soundtrack, and adrenaline-fueled gameplay, Contra became a massive success, spawning numerous sequels and spin-offs. It remains a benchmark for classic action games and is still celebrated by retro gaming fans worldwide.
Technical Details
- Developer: Konami
- Publisher: Konami
- Release Date: February 20, 1987 (Arcade), 1988 (NES)
- Genre: Run-and-gun, action-platformer
- Mode: Single-player, 2-player cooperative
- Platform: Arcade, Nintendo Entertainment System (NES)
- Composer: Hidenori Maezawa
- Graphics: 8-bit pixel art with multi-perspective levels
- Key Features: Cooperative play, power-up weapons, iconic Konami Code