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Contra

Contra is a challenging 1987 Konami arcade shooter where elite soldiers battle aliens in side-scrolling levels. This iconic Contra game is renowned for its cooperative play and the famous Konami Code, setting the standard for Contra series and influencing countless retro shooter games that followed.

RETRO ARCADE EXPERIENCE

Contra captures the authentic feel of retro arcade shooting games from the golden era of arcade gaming. Experience the nostalgic pixel graphics, challenging gameplay, and classic sound effects that made arcade shooting games legendary in the Contra series.

Category: Contra | Style: Retro Arcade | Genre: Shooting Game

GAME CONTROLS

INSERT COIN

5 / C / Right Shift

MOVE

Arrow Keys / WASD

SHOOT

Space / Z

BOMB

X / B

HOW TO PLAY

To start your Contra adventure, press C key or 5 to insert coin and start the game. Use the D-pad to move your character left and right through this classic Contra world. Press A to jump and B to shoot in the iconic Contra control scheme. You can shoot in eight directions by pressing the D-pad while shooting - a feature that makes Contra stand out among arcade shooter games of its era. In the 3D sections unique to the Contra series, use Left and Right to move side to side, and Up and Down to move forward and backward. Press Up + A to jump straight up. For an easier Contra experience, enter the famous Konami Code (↑ ↑ ↓ ↓ ← → ← → B A) at the title screen for extra lives - a cheat that has become legendary among retro shooter fans.

GAME FEATURES

  • Eight challenging levels with varied perspectives and environments that showcase the Contra series' innovative design
  • Two-player simultaneous cooperative gameplay that defined the social experience of Contra
  • Five different weapon types with unique firing patterns, establishing the weapon variety Contra is known for
  • Famous Konami Code (↑ ↑ ↓ ↓ ← → ← → B A) for 30 lives, a gaming cultural touchstone associated with this Contra arcade shooter
  • Distinctive boss battles at the end of each stage - a Contra tradition that tests players' skills
  • Pseudo-3D levels with behind-the-character perspective, adding gameplay variety rare in retro shooter games of the era
  • Fast-paced action with pixel-perfect jumping challenges that made Contra the gold standard for arcade shooter games

PRO TIPS & STRATEGIES

  • The Spread Gun is generally considered the most valuable weapon in Contra - prioritize collecting it for maximum firepower
  • In two-player mode of Contra, have one player focus on ground enemies while the other handles aerial threats
  • Learn to shoot diagonally to hit enemies positioned above or below you - an essential Contra technique
  • During the 3D base levels unique to this Contra game, stay in the middle of the corridor when possible to maximize your shooting range
  • Memorize enemy spawn patterns to anticipate attacks - a crucial skill for mastering this challenging retro shooter
  • When jumping between platforms in Contra, fire continuously to clear potential landing spots
  • Use the Konami Code at the title screen for 30 lives - essential for beginners tackling this difficult arcade shooter game

MORE Contra GAMES

Contra 3 The Alien Wars

Contra 3: The Alien Wars is a classic run-and-gun game that pits players against waves of alien enemies in a battle to save humanity. This seminal Contra title represents the series at its peak, delivering one of the most refined arcade shooter experiences of its generation and cementing the Contra series as a cornerstone of retro shooter gaming.

Contra 4

Contra 4 is a fast-paced run-and-gun game that continues the legacy of the Contra series, featuring intense action and cooperative gameplay. This modern Contra entry bridges classic and contemporary gameplay elements, delivering a retro shooter experience that honors the franchise's roots while pushing the Contra series forward.

Contra Hard Corps

Contra Hard Corps is a run-and-gun game that continues the Contra legacy with intense action, new characters, and cooperative gameplay. This revolutionary Contra title takes the series in bold new directions while maintaining the core arcade shooter elements that made Contra a household name among retro shooter enthusiasts.