The Definitive Guide to the Contra Series: Three Decades of Alien-Blasting Action
Run, gun, and survive in one of gaming's most iconic action franchises
The name "Contra" has been synonymous with challenging gameplay, cooperative alien-blasting action, and expertly crafted level design for over three decades. Few franchises have maintained such a devoted following while staying true to their original formula. In this comprehensive retrospective, we'll chronologically explore every major entry in Konami's legendary Contra series, tracing its evolution from arcade origins to modern platforms.
Contra (1987) - Where It All Began
Developer: Konami
The game that started it all, Contra introduced players to commandos Bill Rizer and Lance Bean (though they were unnamed in the original arcade version). Set in the fictional Galuga archipelago in the year 2633, these elite soldiers were tasked with stopping an alien invasion masterminded by the terrorist organization "Red Falcon."
The original Contra established the core gameplay elements that would define the series:
- Side-scrolling run-and-gun action
- Two-player cooperative play
- Multiple weapon power-ups
- Varied perspectives (including the pseudo-3D base levels)
- Punishing difficulty balanced with precise controls
The NES port became particularly legendary, introducing the famous Konami Code (↑↑↓↓←→←→BA) that granted players 30 lives instead of the standard 3 - a much-needed advantage given the game's notorious difficulty.
Super Contra/Super C (1988) - Raising the Stakes
Developer: Konami
Just one year after the original, Konami delivered Super Contra (renamed Super C for the NES version in North America). The alien forces of Red Falcon returned, this time having infected a military base.
Super C refined the formula with:
- New top-down stages replacing the 3D corridor sections
- More varied and powerful weapons
- Enhanced graphics and larger enemy sprites
- New environmental hazards and boss encounters
While slightly less iconic than its predecessor, Super C is widely regarded as an excellent sequel that maintained the challenging gameplay while adding enough new elements to keep the experience fresh.
Contra III: The Alien Wars (1992) - 16-Bit Evolution
Developer: Konami
The leap to 16-bit hardware allowed Contra to reach new heights with The Alien Wars. Set in 2636, the game follows Bill and Lance's descendants Jimbo and Sully as they battle alien forces in the devastated "Neo City."
Contra III showcased the SNES hardware with:
- Dramatically improved visuals with larger, more detailed sprites
- Innovative top-down rotating stages
- The ability to dual-wield weapons
- Climbing mechanics and more movement options
- Screen-filling boss encounters
- Mode 7 effects for rotating backgrounds
Many fans consider The Alien Wars to be the pinnacle of the series, perfectly balancing classic Contra gameplay with 16-bit innovation.
Contra: Hard Corps (1994) - Sega's Turn
Developer: Konami
The only mainline Contra game developed exclusively for Sega hardware, Hard Corps took the series in a more experimental direction. For the first time, players could choose between four unique characters, each with different abilities and weapon sets.
Hard Corps innovations included:
- Multiple playable characters with unique weapons
- Branching story paths with multiple endings
- More anime-influenced art style
- Some of the most challenging gameplay in the series
- Dash moves and other mobility options
The Japanese version featured health bars that were removed from the Western release, making the international version notoriously difficult even by Contra standards.
Contra: Legacy of War (1996) - The Rocky Transition to 3D
Developer: Appaloosa Interactive
The series' first attempt at 3D gameplay was unfortunately not well-received. Developed by Appaloosa Interactive rather than Konami's internal team, Legacy of War featured isometric 3D gameplay that many felt strayed too far from Contra's strengths.
The North American release even came packaged with 3D glasses, though the effect was minimal at best. Generally considered one of the weaker entries in the franchise, Legacy of War showed the challenges of transitioning a beloved 2D series into the new 3D era.
C: The Contra Adventure (1998) - Another Misstep
Developer: Appaloosa Interactive
The second Appaloosa-developed Contra title continued to struggle with the series' identity. The game mixed traditional 2D side-scrolling stages with awkward 3D sections that failed to capture the tight controls and precise action the series was known for.
Like its predecessor, The Contra Adventure received poor reviews and is often overlooked in discussions of the series' history.
Contra: Shattered Soldier (2002) - Return to Form
Developer: Konami
After two disappointing entries, Konami brought development back in-house and returned to the series' 2D roots with Shattered Soldier. While utilizing 3D graphics, the gameplay was strictly side-scrolling, focusing on what made the original games great.
Shattered Soldier introduced:
- A hit-rate scoring system that influenced the ending
- Three main weapons that could be charged up
- A narrative that continued the original Contra storyline
- Challenging boss-focused design
The game was praised for its return to classic Contra gameplay while utilizing the PS2's power for impressive visual effects and massive boss encounters.
Neo Contra (2004) - Experimenting Again
Developer: Konami
Neo Contra attempted to blend traditional Contra elements with a top-down perspective reminiscent of games like Smash TV. Set in the far future, the game featured an even more over-the-top science fiction storyline.
While retaining the charged weapon system of Shattered Soldier, Neo Contra's shift in perspective received mixed reactions from fans, though it's generally considered superior to the earlier 3D attempts.
Contra 4 (2007) - Celebrating the Roots
Developer: WayForward Technologies
Released to coincide with the series' 20th anniversary, Contra 4 was a love letter to the franchise's NES origins. Developer WayForward created a game that bridged the gap between Contra III and the original games, both in terms of storyline and gameplay.
Notable features included:
- Dual-screen gameplay that expanded the playing field vertically
- The return of the grappling hook from Contra III
- Classic weapon power-ups alongside new additions
- Unlockable content including the original NES Contra and Super C
- Challenge modes with specific gameplay objectives
Contra 4 was praised for its understanding of what made the classic games great while adding modern refinements.
Hard Corps: Uprising (2011) - Prequel with a Twist
Platforms: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360
Developer: Arc System Works
While not carrying the Contra name in the title, Hard Corps: Uprising was a prequel to Contra: Hard Corps. Developed by fighting game specialists Arc System Works, the game featured beautiful hand-drawn graphics and a more anime-inspired visual style.
Uprising introduced:
- An RPG-like Rising mode where players could purchase upgrades
- A more traditional Arcade mode for purists
- Multiple playable characters with unique abilities
- Refined movement controls including dashing and dodging
The game received positive reviews for its gorgeous visuals and deep gameplay, though some criticized its extreme difficulty.
Contra: Rogue Corps (2019) - A New Direction
Developer: Toylogic
The most recent mainline entry took Contra in yet another new direction with a top-down 3D perspective and more of a twin-stick shooter approach. Set several years after Contra III, Rogue Corps featured a cast of unusual characters fighting through the "Damned City."
The game's departure from traditional Contra gameplay, along with its weapon cooldown system replacing limited ammo, resulted in mixed reviews from critics and fans alike.
Contra: Operation Galuga (2024) - The Latest Revival
Developer: WayForward Technologies
Returning to its side-scrolling roots, Operation Galuga is a modern reimagining of the original Contra. Developed by WayForward (who previously worked on Contra 4), the game features updated graphics while maintaining the classic run-and-gun gameplay.
The Legacy Continues
The Contra series remains one of gaming's most influential action franchises. Its demanding gameplay, cooperative experience, and alien-blasting action have inspired countless other games across the decades. Whether you prefer the pixel-perfect challenge of the original games or the more modern takes, Contra's core appeal remains the same: test your reflexes, master the patterns, and save Earth from alien invasion... if you're skilled enough.
While the series has seen its ups and downs, each entry has contributed something to Contra's evolving identity. As gaming hardware continues to advance, one thing remains certain - there will always be a place for the pure action experience that Contra pioneered.
What's your favorite Contra game? Let us know in the comments below!