Super Kontora: Eirian no Gyakushû

If you're craving some good old hardcore run-and-gun action, where bullets fly from every direction and you still charge forward with a smirk on your face - "Super Contra" (1987) is exactly the game to scratch that itch.

The story? Classic genre stuff: the world is in danger, alien invaders are wreaking havoc, and only two badass guys with lightning reflexes and deadly aim can save the day. Minimal dialogue, maximum shooting - just the way it should be.

The graphics, for its time - and honestly, even today - are pretty solid and charming. Bright explosions, stylish pixel-art characters, and slick level designs are a treat for the eyes. Each stage feels like a mini-adventure of its own, getting progressively darker and more intense. You start under sunny skies and end up deep inside a creepy alien hive.

The music hits the mark. A punchy "battle march" that keeps your adrenaline pumping and your trigger finger twitchy. It perfectly sets the tone for nonstop "run and gun" mayhem. Without the soundtrack, the experience just wouldn't be the same.

Major props to the arsenal. You've got your standard shots, rapid-fire bullets, lasers, and spread-fire that blasts in all directions - something for every taste. Personal shoutout to the legendary S-type weapon. It covers a wide area, making it perfect for wiping out anything trying to kill you.

The level variety is great too: jungles, enemy bases, weird alien constructions. Just like the original *Contra*, some missions switch to a top-down view - a sort of pseudo-3D. The controls get trickier, and you can't jump, but it adds nice variety. In what I think was the second-to-last mission, it was genuinely cool to blast your way deeper and deeper into the villains' lair, literally shooting out the floor beneath you. Level design really delivers. And of course, the bosses - each one with their own wild mechanics. Some spray bullets nonstop, others summon minions, and one looks like a giant metal spider. Boredom? Not a chance.

Bottom line for me: "Super Contra" is a fantastic game. Fast, flashy, tough, and still a blast to play. A perfect way to enjoy a nostalgic evening - and back in the day, I remember being totally glued to it.

9 out of 10.

The first time I played this game, I couldn't get past the first level without losing at least two lives. Yes, the game can be extremely frustrating at times, and yes, you will want to throw your controller out the window. Super C is one of those games where the more you play it, the better you get at it. If you can get past the fact that the game is not forgiving of mistakes and the fact that there are no continues if you get a game over, there is a fun, difficult game to be played here. And unlike other games, this game doesn't give you any hints on how to beat the level and holds your hand. Bottom line, this game is awesome and if you don't like it, go play Animal Crossing or something.

I remember being in the arcade and seeing this game and its rather funny cut scene where the one Contra guy asks, "What is this place?" Then they put it out on the NES and it was basically a different game. I got it and it was fun, but it was also extremely difficult and the cut scenes were of course gone. There are basically no new weapons here as they are all the same as the first game. It does boost rather good graphics for an 8 bit system though and is fun, but like the first game it is rather short once you get the hang of it. These days, though, all games take an eternity so it is nice to play a quick game such as this as a quick distraction.

The story has the Red Falcon organization on the attack again, and it is up to the two heroes to blast their way through their army bases that get less militaristic looking in nature and more alien looking as you progress. It is kind of sad that such a powerful foe cannot afford tanks and weapons that do not shoot in such easy to define and dodge patterns, but hey, if they did your man who can only take one hit would not stand a chance. Once again, us Americans get two human dudes while in Japan they were robots. The game play is the same, about the main difference is they took out the 3D stages and inserted a couple of over the top stages to the mix.

So this game is fun and is hard. You can once again play with two characters; however, you will have an easier go of it if you go it alone. This is especially true in any levels where you have to move upward or where the floor collapses underneath you. This is the final Contra for the NES as the next one would come out on the SNES and then there would be another one for the Genesis. The SNES adds more wrinkles, but still plays like a Contra game while the Genesis one is a bit more out there. This one will have you cussing a bit and you get no 30 lives code (only 10), but is still a pretty enjoyable game that is basically exactly like the first one with new stages and enemies to defeat and conquer.

The Contra series is one of the most different shoot em up video games! The characters, the monsters, the action, and the sure thrill of excitement makes this game a fun non-stop playing time! Below is a brief look how I think the game is!

Game Play: The game play is very good. There is really basic controls here and is easy to perform. Novice gamers should have a good time here!

Graphics: The graphics are wonderful especially for the original Nintendo system! The backgrounds are really beautiful!

Difficulty: The game is easy but as it goes on you find out that it will become more difficult!

Music: The music is great! Just fantastic catchy tunes through out the game! In My opinion its some of the best music ever in a video game!

Sound: The sound is great. Nuff said!

Overall: I have always loved Super Contra! If you like excellent shoot em up games that has aliens and more then I strongly recommend you play this game!

To purchase this video game check out Amazon.com!