Contra (XBOX Live Arcade)
- November 27, 2006 16:15 PM PST
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The minute you start the Xbox Live Arcade version of Contra you'll realize that you're in for something different.
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30 Men vs. Alien Hordes
PROTIP: Though they look fun, the fireballs are an unwieldy weapon. Get the spread instead!
This is not the beloved NES shooter that popularized the Konami code, but the less polished arcade game that preceded it. The graphics are a lot better, but the gameplay's got some rough edges that'll take some getting used to.
The basic idea is still the same: run left-to-right (and occasionally into the screen) while shooting up the alien forces of the vile Red Falcon. You heard us, that guy is vile. Arcade Contra's stages are shorter than the NES game's, though they retain the same basic themes, as well as the classic tunes that the NES version has probably burnt into your mind.
Hey, the Game Cheated!
PROTIP: In the 3D stages, all you gotta do is aim for the round sensor. Duck to avoid bullets!
It's the controls that'll throw you for a loop. Super-commandos Bill and Lance are not as agile here, making diagonal aiming a chore. You'll have to hold the d-pad for a second or more before their bullets finally arc into the intended target. Aiming takes practice and forethought, and you'll die more than a few frustrating deaths because your commando just couldn't be bothered to fire straight. Honestly, we're not sure how they graduated from the Marine Academy.
Despite that, Contra Arcade is still a blast, albeit one with sluggish controls. You can even play a co-op game online, though synchronization issues seem to screw up the fun every other session. If your partner starts acting crazy, odds are you just got hit by the sync bug. Konami is supposed to be preparing a patch to address this, but we're still waiting.
A Modest Classic
Despite all the caveats, fans of the better-known Contras should find the original arcade game an enjoyable curiosity, and it's also pretty cheap at only 400 Microsoft points. Throw in the prospect of 200 easy achievement points and you've got an couple fun hours of shootin' on your hands.
PROTIP: When you have a buddy, split up -- it's easier to dodge the shots.
