Retro Games Reviewer #18, Contra Review
Oh, yes... - Nostalgia coming back, again. it's good to be 31 because of the memories.
And, damn', do I remember when I played Contra the first time!
Actually, it wasn't on an original and official made in Japan NES. And it could never have been, at least in Europe, at that time. Because Contra was not released in its original vests in Europe. Instead, NES got "Probotector". German authorities didn't want a game in which two bad asses would kill other human beings, like it happens in some levels of the game.
So, in Probotector, the characters are cyborgs, and the human enemy soldiers were replaced by aliens. In theory is the same game. But I prefer the original Contra.
This is the Probotector cover:
Before I start feeling too much enthusiasm, let us get the "Contra" plot straight:
There was an Alien Invasion, and you, a Rambo-like macho hero got to kick them back to where they came from. Or terminate them during the proccess.
You can try this adventure alone, or with a partner. Hence, we have the excellent and epic two player in simultaneous mode.
Obviously, both players are half-naked. Come on, you know what half is undressed! Player one has blue pants, player two, red pants. Choose your destiny.
So, anyway, back to memorabilia. My first encounter with glorious Contra:
I remember going to a friend's place. He was a die-hard PC gamer, but he had recently got a Famiclone from his father. Lots of games built in, all NES/Famicom classics. I thought I knew them all.
However, I remember when he asked me: "Have you ever played a game called Contra?"
I had never heard of such game. So I said no. And he answered: "Oh, you're going to play it, now."
And so I did.
And, as it always happens when I play the top legendary games of my life, I will never forget the first time I laid my hands on Contra, through a Famiclone.
Thanks, Chinese pirats!
The title screen, its music, and the two bad ass heroes were a great first impression. Without further delay, I started playing the first level, "The jungle". Wow, now there's a lot going on! I'm mesmerized how such game is possible on an 8 bit console! My brain needs to be aware, because, at the same time I am admiring the game scenarios, and colors, the sprites, the great gameplay, the sound, the graphics, I need to concentrate on the intense action, that happens since minute one of this game. And yes, my friend is playing with me, and, yes, we are using the 30 lives code, but still, I don't like to go down, and I want to learn how to be great in this game, because that's what it is. A GREAT game! Contra is a fusion between a platformer, and a shoot'em up. Having good skills in both is very important, and this is no game for pussies, or for those who are searching for a game to relax. No, this game, specially if you play it without any code, will need all your concentration. The compensation is worth it, though. It's easy to forget you are playing a NES game. Well, it's easy to forget you are playing a game, period!
In the end of each level, there's, usually, a mini-boss. In the first level, there's not really a mini-boss, but a structure that you need to destroy. After Jungle, you go into the second level, which is the first Military Alien Base. There are two "bases". And within these two levels, the gameplay changes. It becomes more like a classic shoot'em up. You can still jump, to avoid shooting, but there are no platforms. In order to go further in the level, you need to destroy and shoot all the main targets of each room. There are some tough bosses in the end of these levels. And the soundtrack is amazing. - It always is. Definitely one of the game's strong points. - Hell, this game has only strong points!
Level three, you go back to enjoy some green fields and nature. It's the Waterfall.
Level four, the other base-level.
Level five, you are surrounded by mountains of snow. It's a winter environment, with a lot going on, as usual.
Level six, the "Energy Zone". You are inside what is sort of a factory/castle of electricity. This time, nothing to do with nature. It will remind you of another Industrial Revolution. And, as expected, electricity, and other surprises, will also become an obstacle.
Level seven, The Hangar. The same sountrack of the first level. The most well known Contra song. We are becoming closer to level 8, which is also the last. The "Alien's Lair." In this, you are finally dealing with an Alien-like (meaning, the Alien movies, with Sigourney Weaver) Sci-fi scenario. It's the last challenge, and you gonna have to kill lots of aliens, including the final boss, the Heart of all the others, literally.
The influence the Alien movies had on this game is very much recognized in this last level. You will see that very clearly. Even by looking at the game's cover. You can't miss it.
Anyway, this is one of my favourite games of all time. Both to be played alone, and/or with a friend. The developers were the guys from Konami. Respect. A masterpiece in all possible ways.
Before closing this chapter, some more details, and treats.
These are some very decent covers, made by some youtube artists, regarding the already mentioned mythical "Jungle theme". - Which is also "The Hangar" theme:
This one is made by Smooth McGroove. Through voice, only! A capella! Great job, he sings all the parts of the song:
And this one is a guitar/metal cover/arrangement. Some parts are improvised, but the original stuff is all there, too. By VertexGuy (I already mentioned and displayed this one in another chapter regarding videogames soundtracks, but for those who got here through this specific Contra article, and don't give a damn' about the rest of my blog, here it is):
Retro Games Reviewer, Contra Review, 22/10/2014
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