Contra
Main Game
RELEASED
8.0
Feb 1, 1987
ArcadebyKonami
Overview:|
Contra is a foundational 1987 run-and-gun action main game where players control commandos fighting the Red Falcon Organization across side-scrolling levels. The core gameplay loop involves relentless forward movement, precise shooting against overwhelming enemy waves, and mastering pattern recognition. Distinctive features include acquiring powerful weapon upgrades like the spread shot and a challenging two-player cooperative mode. The setting varies by region, ranging from a future archipelago to a present-day island conflict.
Released in 1987, this title is a foundational entry in the run-and-gun action genre, originally debuting as a coin-operated arcade machine. Developed and published by Konami, this main game established a high-octane standard for side-scrolling shooters, later seeing ports across various computer formats. The core experience centers on intense, non-stop combat against overwhelming enemy forces.
Core Premise and Setting
The narrative places the player in the role of an elite military operative—one of two armed commandos, Bill "Mad Dog" Rizer or Lance "Scorpion" Bean. These soldiers are deployed on a critical mission to neutralize the threat posed by the hostile Red Falcon Organization, which seeks global domination. Depending on the regional version, the setting shifts; some iterations place the action in the distant future (2633) on the fictional Galuga archipelago, while others situate the conflict in the present day on an unnamed South American island, sometimes implying an alien entity behind the organization.
What defines the gameplay experience?
The gameplay loop is defined by relentless forward momentum and precise shooting mechanics. Players navigate complex, side-scrolling environments, engaging waves of enemies that attack from all angles—on the ground, in the air, and even from the background. Success relies heavily on quick reflexes and pattern recognition.
Unique Features and Mechanics
A defining feature of this shooter is its power-up system. Players can acquire various weapon upgrades, such as spread shots or laser beams, which drastically alter their offensive capabilities. Furthermore, the game is renowned for its cooperative element, allowing two players to tackle the mission simultaneously, often leading to chaotic but synchronized action. The atmosphere is characterized by fast pacing and challenging difficulty, demanding mastery of movement and weapon switching.
Content Availability
As a main game release from 1987, this title focuses purely on its core arcade experience. There are currently no officially released downloadable content (DLCs) or expansions associated with this original version. However, the game has seen at least one official remake since its initial launch, offering a modern interpretation of the classic action.
How challenging is this classic arcade title?
This game is historically recognized for its demanding difficulty level, a common trait of its era in the arcade scene. Players must manage limited lives and utilize the environment strategically to survive the escalating waves of enemy soldiers and alien threats.
Game Details
Primary Name: Contra
Alternative Names:
Kontora (Japanese title - romanization)
魂斗羅 (Stylized title)
Type: Main Game
Series: Contra
Developer: Konami
Publisher: Konami
Release Information
Release Date: Feb 1, 1987
Genres & Themes
Genres: Shooter, Platform, Arcade
Themes: Warfare, Action, Science fiction
Platforms
Arcade
Game Modes
Perspective: Third person
Player Modes: Offline Co-op, Campaign Co-op, Multiplayer
Game Modes: Single player, Multiplayer, Co-operative
Age Ratings
ESRB:E10+ (Everyone 10+)
PEGI:7+
CERO:A (All Ages)
Soren