Super Contra

Game Overview

Super Contra (released as Super C in North America) is an action-packed run-and-gun shooter developed and published by Konami for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). Building upon the massive success of the original game, the home port successfully captured the intense arcade experience while providing distinct stage adaptations and smooth cooperative multiplayer.

The plot picks up after the events of the first game, with the Red Falcon alien force returning to take over a military research base. Bill and Lance are deployed once again to annihilate the extraterrestrial threat across nine challenging stages. Gameplay shifts between traditional side-scrolling horizontal and vertical shooting action, and top-down isometric overhead stages that require strategic movement and precise aiming.

Players collect capsules dropped by flying drones or specific enemies to upgrade their firepower, featuring enhancements to the Machine Gun, Fireball gun, and the returning fan-favorite Spread Gun, alongside a devastating bomb ability that clears all on-screen enemies. With high difficulty, memorable musical scores, and thrilling two-player co-op, Super Contra stands as a high-water mark for 8-bit shooters.

Quick Specifications

Key Features

• Intense Two-Player Co-op: Team up with a friend to battle through wave after wave of alien enemies and massive bosses.

• Mixed Perspective Stages: Alternate between traditional side-scrolling action and tactical top-down overhead viewing stages.

• Upgraded Weapon Arsenal: Equip the Spread Gun, enhanced Machine Gun, Fireball, and screen-clearing bomb power-ups.

• Challenging Boss Encounters: Face off against multi-form bio-mechanical monstrosities at the end of every stage.

• Classic Cheat Code Support: Use an alternate button command on the title screen to boost your starting lives for a better chance at survival.

Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)

Q: How do you get extra lives or use the cheat code in Super Contra?

A: Unlike the original game, the North American NES version uses a different code: on the title screen, hold Right and press A, B, and then Start to begin with 10 lives instead of 3.

Q: Why was the title changed from Super Contra to Super C in North America?

A: Konami of America changed the title to Super C prior to release due to trademark concerns and regulatory considerations surrounding political associations with the word “Contra” at the time.

Q: How do the top-down overhead stages work?

A: In the top-down stages, players look down on the characters from an isometric perspective, using the D-pad to move in eight directions and specific buttons to rotate fire or drop bombs to clear surrounding threats.

Q: Is the Spread Gun still the best weapon in Super Contra?

A: Yes, the Spread Gun remains the most versatile and powerful weapon in the game due to its wide coverage angle, allowing players to deal heavy damage to both groups of infantry and large bosses.