If you grew up in the 80s, 90s, or at least captured those times in a video game format, then you probably know the game called "Contra" from 1987. I remember how she literally burst into my life, turning me into a fearless soldier ready to save the world from an alien invasion. This game is like a sip of strong coffee for a gamer: invigorates, ignites and does not let you relax.
I didn't think much about the plot as a child, but after reading about it as an adult, I noticed that it was quite suitable for a blockbuster. And the game is quite up to this rank in its segment.
The action takes place in the distant year 2633, when the Earth was threatened by the sinister organization "Red Hawk" and a mysterious alien creature. Two elite fighters, Bill Riser and Lance Bean, are sent to protect the planet, armed to the teeth and ready to destroy everything in their path. Yes, the plot cannot be called multi-layered, but, frankly, it is not necessary. The main thing here is action, and "Contra" copes with it with a bang.
The game world consists of a variety of locations, each of which is unique in its own way and requires different approaches from the player. We begin our journey in the jungle, where enemies are waiting for literally every bush and tree. This will be followed by the enemy base with its complex "labyrinths" and automatic turrets. There are also futuristic stages in the style of space stations, and, of course, alien tunnels, where the design of the locations seems to echo the films of the Alien series. Each location is not just a backdrop, but a full-fledged challenge. The gameplay constantly pushes you to move forward, firing at everything that moves (and almost everything moves).
The arsenal of weapons in the "Kontra" was one of the reasons why this game is so memorable. In addition to the standard machine gun, the player can get at his disposal: a laser, something like a rocket launcher, a non-stop firing machine gun and my favorite weapon, marked "S", which shoots in several directions at once and covers a large area of the terrain ahead.
Contra wouldn't be so memorable without its bosses. Each battle is a separate test of reaction and endurance. Who doesn't remember giant turrets, alien things, or biomechanical monsters? The bosses were not only visually impressive, but also required precise coordination: it was necessary not only to dodge attacks, but also to look for the weak points of the enemy.
The final boss is especially memorable - a giant alien brain surrounded by hordes of small dangerous aliens, visually similar to scorpions. This battle has become a classic of the genre and sets the bar for epicness for all retro games.
The gameplay successfully combines two camera views. Most of the time, the player moves from left to right in the classic platform format, jumping and shooting. But in some levels, the camera goes behind the hero's back, creating the illusion of three-dimensional space. These moments add dynamics and variety, forcing you to adapt to a new management style.
The music in "Contra" is pure adrenaline. Each track pushes you to move forward, making your heart beat faster. Konami's composers have created not just a background, but a full-fledged musical accompaniment that perfectly matches the dynamics of the game. These melodies stay in my head for a long time, evoking nostalgia even decades later.
"Contra" is one of those games that have become a symbol of the era. Simple but incredibly addictive, it set the standards of the action genre for many years to come. Despite the difficulty, every loss only encourages new attempts. The love of alternating intense shootouts, diverse locations and epic bosses makes the game a true masterpiece of its time. It remains iconic, reminding us that games are not only about graphics or complex plots, but also about the pure pleasure of the process.
8 out of 10.
