Contra

Contra is an action video game that was released in 1987. Even though the arcade video game craze had already began losing the popularity that it once had, Contra was well received by gamers. In the game, the player takes on the role of Bill "Mad Dog" Rizer. If two players are playing, the other player will take on the role of Lance "Scorpion" Bean. One of the greatest things about this game was that two players could play at the same time. The two militants must complete a mission of taking down a terrorist group to beat the game. There are eight areas (levels) in the game. At the end of each area, there is a boss that must be defeated in order to move on to the next area.

During game play, the player will view their charterer in a sideways angle. There are some levels that are different, and the player will view their charecters moving up toward the screen. In these levels, players will see their charterers from a back view.

Mad Dog and Scorpion are equipped with a rifle that they use to shoot down their enemies. A player can move left and right, can jump and may shoot whenever they want. When shooting, a player can fire in eight different directions and can shoot while they are jumping if they need to. There will be many moving and posted enemies shooting back. One hit from an enemies bullet, and a player will lose a life. Another way for a player to lose a life is if an enemy just touches them.

It only took one year for Contra to be picked up by the the up and coming home gaming systems. The popularity of Contra grew  in 1988 when it was released as a NES game. Contra is regarded by many as one of the best NES games of all time. It is also thought of as one of the most challenging games to complete.

Contra two player action

When Contra was released, gamers loved the fact that two players could play at the same time. Most games at the time had a two player function, but players would take turns and play one at a time. Contra was certainly not the first game that offered simultaneous two player gaming action. There were earlier games that did this such as the original Mario Brothers.

In two player games, a lagging player can sometimes cause problems for a player that is up ahead of them. The screen will not scroll forward for the player that is up ahead if the lagging player is caught up somewhere at the far end of the screen. This can many times be fatal to the player up ahead.

Weapon upgrade

During the game, players will encounter flying weapon capsules, sensors and red guards that they can get to power up their ammunition. There are seven different weapon upgrades that a player can get. Depending on the area (stage) a player is on, certain weapons may be better. For example, when fighting a boss at the end of a level, there are some weapons that will improve a player's chance of winning. Obtaining the weapon upgrade is always optional to a player. If someone is comfortable with what they have, they do not have to change it. It is possible that a player may upgrade on accident during game play. Below are the different weapons a player can upgrade to.

Contra Strategies

Shoot, shoot and shoot some more! Never stop shooting when playing Contra. Too many players only shoot when they see an enemy on the screen. There is no running out of bullets on this game so it never hurts to keep firing away. As you play more, you will notice certain patterns enemies repeat. Remember these patterns and you will do well at the game. Also, make sure that you choose your weapons wisely. It can make a big difference in your success at the game. If you know about the 30 lives code, go on ahead and use it. This is also known as the Konami code. If you have no idea what I am talking about - forget it. That is unless you want to give it a  try. At the start screen, quickly press up, up, down, down, left, right, left, right, B, A. Then start the game on two players. You will have 30 lives to play your game with.

My personal experience playing Contra

Most of my experience playing Contra came from the NES game system. Although, I did play the arcade version of Contra now and then, I was not into video games that much at this time as I had taken on new teenage interests in life. My nephew had a NES at his house, and when I would go visit my sister I would sit there with him and play Contra with him. I never passed the game or got to the last level. I was not very good due to not having much Contra experience. I do remember that I would get to the fourth level. I'm sure if I had played enough I would have passed this game. It is a very fun retro video game to play, and a lot of a person's success in a two player game is having good teamwork. I do remember that it would be funny sometimes when one of us would be up in front of the screen and couldn't go anymore because the other was stuck in back of the screen. A slowpoke can really mess you up. The player in the front would often fall and die or get shot. Contra is a classic video game that can be real fun for people to play together.

Play Contra online right now

There is a flash game of Contra that is available to play. I tried it and am worse than ever! Honestly, seems kind of hard for me to control with a keyboard. Contra is definitely a game that needs a joystick or  game controller.

Play Contra now!