Contents
Contra Spirits, also known as Contra III: The Alien Wars, is a seminal title in the genre of platform shooters. Published by Konami in 1992, this game has continued to shape the video game landscape, inspiring numerous other titles over the years.
Story and Gameplay
Set in a post-apocalyptic future, the game’s protagonists, Bill and Lance, aim to defend the earth from an alien invasion. Players navigate through six intense levels battling numerous foes, utilizing various weapons and engaging with challenging bosses. The gameplay is marked by its run-and-gun style and alternating perspective between side-scrolling and top-down stages.
The Gameplay and Features
The game boasts impressive features for its time, including multiple weapon choices, unique power-ups, and co-operative play. Diverse level design, from fast-paced city landscapes to the maze-like alien lair, adds layers of complexity and excitement to the gameplay experience.
Cheat Codes
Like many games of its era, Contra Spirits features some useful cheat codes:
| Effect | Description |
|---|---|
| 30 Lives Code | On the title screen, press Up, Up, Down, Down, Left, Right, Left, Right, B, A, then Start. |
| Stage Select | On the title screen, press X, Y, B, A, B, X, A, Y, then Start. |
Playthrough, Secrets & Tricks & Tips
The game’s difficulty requires mastering the intricate mechanics and exploiting secrets in the game environment. For instance, holding the fire button allows for continuous shooting. Another trick is to carry two different weapons at the same time and swap between them based on the situation.
All Bosses
Contra Spirits on Nintendo 64 Console Emulator hosts a series of unique bosses throughout its levels. These include:
| Level | Boss |
|---|---|
| 1 | Wall Crawler |
| 2 | Centipede Drone |
| 3 | Alien Brain |
| 4 | Giant Turtle |
| 5 | Alien Heart |
| 6 | Final Alien Leader |
Weapons
The game offers an array of powerful weapons, each suited for specific situations:
- Machine Gun
- Spread Gun
- Laser Gun
- Flame Gun
- Crush Gun
- Homie Gun
Challenging Levels and Boss Battles
The challenging nature of the game is largely due to its intense level design and formidable boss battles. Each level presents a different set of challenges, and the boss battles require strategic thinking and precise controls.
Influence on the Platform Shooter Genre
Contra Spirits online on Nintendo 64 Console set the stage for the evolution of platform shooters. Its fast-paced gameplay, intense action, and cooperative mode laid the blueprint for many successful games in the genre.
Legacy and Influence
With its challenging gameplay and memorable moments, Contra Spirits has left an indelible mark on gaming history, influencing a whole generation of game developers and players.
Review
Despite being released over three decades ago, Contra continues to provide an exhilarating gaming experience. Its high-octane gameplay, inventive level design, and memorable boss battles make it a classic that stands the test of time.
Soundtrack
Complementing the gameplay is a stirring soundtrack, one of the game’s most enduring features. The music, composed by Miki Higashino and Masanori Adachi, creates a mood that perfectly suits the game’s intense action.
Technical Achievements
Contra on Nintendo 64 was a technical tour-de-force in its time. It showcased impressive visual effects and an advanced game engine that enabled smooth scrolling and large on-screen enemy counts. The game’s Mode 7 effects were particularly noteworthy, pushing the limits of the Super Nintendo Entertainment System.
Cover & Wallpaper & Poster
The iconic cover art of Contra Spirits, featuring the two protagonists in action, has been reproduced in various forms, including wallpapers and posters, becoming an enduring symbol of the game’s legacy.
