description Contra (1987) Overview
Contra is a run-and-gun action game developed and published by Konami as an arcade cabinet in 1987 and later ported to the Nintendo Entertainment System. It is distinguished by its two-player simultaneous cooperative gameplay and a science fiction narrative involving space marines fighting an alien invasion. The Nintendo Entertainment System port is highly notable for its use of the Konami Code, a specific button sequence that grants players 30 extra lives. This title became a foundational pillar of the cooperative gaming genre on home consoles throughout the late 1980s and 1990s.
help Contra (1987) FAQ
How does the NES version of Contra differ from the 1987 arcade game?
The NES release reworked the arcade stages for the console and added side-view areas with longer layouts. It also became the version most closely associated with the famous 30-lives code.
What is the 30-lives code in Contra?
On the North American NES version, players enter Up, Up, Down, Down, Left, Right, Left, Right, B, A, Start at the title screen. Using Select before Start enables the corresponding two-player game.
Can two people play Contra at the same time?
Yes, simultaneous cooperative play is one of Contra's defining mechanics. Bill Rizer and Lance Bean fight together through run-and-gun stages filled with soldiers, turrets, and alien creatures.
Why was Contra called Probotector in parts of Europe?
Konami replaced the human commandos with robots for several European releases and used the title Probotector. The change is commonly associated with stricter regional attitudes toward depictions of human violence in games.
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