CONTRA – FAMICOM SAMPLE
STORE SAMPLE PROTOTYPE (FAMICOM)
A sample version of the Famicom release of Contra was originally used as a demo that can be played in stores in Japan. It is now in public circulation.
This prototype of Contra is similar to many “sample” versions of Konami’s NES/Famicom titles. The game functions like the final game; however, a splash screen prompt appears partway through the game (approximate translations follow each image):
Warning!
Alien Approaching!
3 Way Scroll
High Position Visual
Weapon Capsule System
Contra
February 9
Release
¥5300 [5300 yen]
Most of the game is intact and can be unlocked via hacking or patch codes. However, playing past the lock-out point produces various graphical glitches in the levels that follow. For example:
This is the result of data (including sprites and stage tiles) being removed to make space for the advertising messages.
Understandably, since only the first 2 levels are intended to be played, the level select cheat code is disabled.
Credit to Nintendo Player for the in-game screenshots.
Note: This version is considered both a public sample (since it was demoed in stores for the public to try) and a prototype (the demo cartridges entered public circulation in a manner similar to how prototypes generally do).
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