Game Statistics

• 8 levels.
• 24 stages.
• 256-kilobit cartridges.
• 1 or 2 player modes.

Game Design
I'm imagining Konami designers sitting down at a conference table, and basically saying, "If we throw physics out the window, we can make massive aliens spontaneously combust while half-naked men fire countless amounts of ammunition at them." And what do I say to this? Awesome. Nintendo was not the platform for realism. Video games were new, game genres were being explored, and imagination was the key. Coming out of the Schwarzenegger era, it only seemed fitting to have buff commandos grab the closest semi-automatic and blow the crap out of something; it made for good entertainment. Jumping while doing a somersault in the air, bolting over exploding bridges, and rampaging through alien factories gives this game its massive appeal. If the side-scrolling action quickly becomes nauseating, the game periodically changes to over-the-shoulder combat. Effective shooters quickly learn that rapid fire is a gift, while not-so-great players may want to pick up the spread weapon, firing humungoid red balls in every direction.

When it comes to levels, the variations make u want to jump up and scream "Rock me Amadeus!" Because that is exactly what they do, rock you hardcore German composer style. You start off at the bottom of a mountain, dodging rocks, climbing all the way to the top without losing your partner, or else he dies. Once you reach the top, the tentacles of a dragon extend a warm greeting to you, swaying with their steel spikes, spouting massive fireballs in your direction (sort of like my sister when I grab the remote). Once you 'cap that punk-monkey, you saddle up and leap into its carcass, which serves as an entranceway to the next stage. It all seems fair and good, working your way through the first couple of levels, until you get to the arctic level. If you don't get ravaged by the massive spike tank that plows over you twice, you'll be happy to know that the boss in this level is a reincarnation of the massive Russian cyborg from Rocky IV. Oh yeah baby, he's back, and he's ready to squash you like a trash-talking Italian boxer from Brooklyn. Unless you're packin' rapid fire, he sends you home meat-packed in little grade A packages. Once you reach the end of the game, you'll face the boss, Red Falcon. In case you're wondering what he looks like, picture Roseanne giving birth to the Queen from Aliens, and you're halfway there. That's all I can say about that.

Graphics
Varying colour and smart-draw graphics give this game the false-illusion of textures. The backdrops occasionally move with the scenery, making for a more effective world. Aliens are very well-detailed, and the bad-guys' vehicles are meticulously drawn as well.

Sound
The music in this game is great, especially for such a classic. If you ever manage to get another copy in your possession, pop it in an NES just to remind yourself of what this game exactly was. The music will guide through each level, making you remember how you utterly sucked at games as a child. And as a side note, the guns sound great too.

Control
The delay jumps make skills comprehensive, since objects move slowly and at pre-determined angles to the user. You have to time your jumps effectively to avoid objects. Gun firing is simple, since the button can be held down to produce rapid fire, or in some cases, for instant bursts.

Satisfaction
No one can take the satisfaction of blowing things to bits from an 8-year-old child. The allure of urban commandos is another great aspect of the 80's, showcasing the talent of such fine actors as Jean Claude Van Damme and Chuck Norris. Pfft, who am I kidding? Just be aware, anyone who has played this game will tell you what a great title it is.

Replay Value/Game Length
Eventually, everyone figured out how to beat Contra. But even though its full experience had been, well... experienced, avid players found it interesting to traverse the world of Contra several more times, just to see the final helicopter sequence. It's been ten years since I last played Contra, and I am still willing to take another shot at it; if only I hadn't let my parents give it away years ago. But suffice it to say, go to your local video game retailer and see how much a used copy of Contra goes for. Better yet, see if you can even find one on used retailers' shelves.

Overall
A side-scroller shooting classic. If there was ever anything that followed after Contra that even came close to its legendary status, I have yet to see it. I would end with a bang, but I have to say this for all die-hard Contra fans: Up, down, up, down, left, right, left, right, B, A, select, start.

Game Design	9.5
Mechanics	9.2
Innovation	9.7
Originality	9.8
Extras	9.3
Depth	9.6
Graphics	9.0
Character/Animation	9.1
Environment	8.3
Framerate	9.5
Sound	8.5
Music	9.3
Sound FX/Voice	7.7
Control	8.8
During Play	7.8
Menus	9.0
Functionality	9.5
Satisfaction	9.0
Challenge	8.4
Fun-Factor	9.6
Replay Value/Game Length	8.0
Multiplayer	9.0
FINAL SCORE	9.0

Review by Cheezdip

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