Contra is back in a new game published by Konami (Metal Gear Solid, Castlevania) and developed by Wayforward (Shantae, Advanced Wars) for today’s modern consoles and PC. Those who’ve played Contra since 1987 know the drill, a 2D side-scrolling that helped define the run ‘n gun genre. With the help of Wayforward’s development team, you can expect an exciting title.
The game offers up to two players in Story Mode and up to four in Arcade Mode. You’ll adventure through eight levels, each one keeping you on your toes. Like the classic titles, you’ll run, ride and more through each level by attacking enemies and avoiding their projectiles to take you out. Each level contains a boss-level at the end where you’ll have to fire and dodge massive and multiple projectiles. New players will want to start off the game on easy mode to get used to the run ‘n gun action along with a life bar. Veterans looking for a challenge, the game offers a higher difficulty mode and one-hit kill from enemies, just like the retro days on the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES).
Those who remember the Konami Code, it exists in the latest Contra title. You can’t call it a Contra game without it. When the fire “C” lights up on the screen, enter the Konami Code (Up, Up, Down, Down, Left, Right, Left, Right, B, A). However, different platforms will need to enter a different button input for B and A. For example, for the PlayStation, it’s Square and X. Do this before the menu screen pops up and if you hear the chime, you’ll unlock the secret of various things in the game’s perk shop: extra currency and extra perks to purchase, including the automatically starting 30 lives. To gain currency, play through the game in any modes to be rewarded. However, it feels like it’ll take a long amount of time to earn enough for just one perk.
There are additional items such as the ability to keep special weapons after perishing or 8-bit music from the original Contra, Castlevania and more. This gives additional replay value for those wanting to unlock everything.
Levels are detailed with a 2.5D environment with a depth of field in the background, such as helicopters crashing, and the levels turning to give more depth. For example, motorbike chases going back and forth between side-scrolling and angled views. It certainly adds more action and excitement in each level.
Music certainly has energy to give each level more action vibes. As explained earlier, you can purchase 8-bit music to play instead, giving an additional bonus to nostalgia players.
If you’re on the fence of picking up Contra, it’s well worth diving into. With Wayforward behind the wheel, you can surely trust their skill to bring another classic title to life once more. Contra: Operation Galuga available now for the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and PC (Steam).
A PlayStation 5 code provided for this article.