CONTRA – RELEASES
SUMMARY OF RELEASES
This page lists the initial release and briefly outlines each conversion, port and re-release. Only the key distinguishing and prominent features are described. For in-depth coverage, visit their respective pages (reachable from the game’s main page).
CONTRA
Arcade
1) Original version.
2) Port of the NES game to Nintendo’s Playchoice-10 arcade system. It is essentially an emulation of the game, with the upper half of the game screen displaying the list of games and a play timer. Inserting coins adds to the time allotted to playing.
Amstrad CPC
Ocean’s home computer conversion of Gryzor with the best audio and graphical fidelity, being the most colorful and detailed. It however, has its own setbacks. This edition isn’t a side scroller, but features flip-screen based progression (like the MSX2 version). It also lacks some stage, weapon and enemy content (especially the Snowfield stage). Sound effects and music can’t be enabled simultaneously.
The soundtrack itself consists of 2 tracks, one of which is played in all of the stages.
It features the same “2 player” mode of the arcade original Gryzor, in that it isn’t simultaneous. There are no continues and the player is awarded an extra life for each stage completed, rather than based on points.
ZX Spectrum
A heavily simplified version of Gryzor from Ocean Software that still proves to be competent in design. The game employs a limited color palette and few sound effects. Unlike the CPC version, however, the game does scroll and both sound and music play simultaneously.
The stages contain much fewer enemies and enemy types. The gun upgrade system is unique in that the player selects their gun for the whole game from the first stage. This version is strictly single player. The controls may be a bit difficult to adapt to. However, the slower pace balances this.
There are 2 main variants. The 48K variant features lower sound and music quality, but is easier due to having unlimited continues. The 128K variant provides no continues. For the most part, extra lives can’t be gained in either version. Like the CPC version, there are only 2 music tracks, arranged in the same way.
Nintendo Entertainment System
Most popular version of the game. The essentials have been retained: stages, guns and powerups, most of the enemies and bosses, simultaneous 2 player cooperative mode, as well as the soundtrack. However, much of these elements have been improved and expanded upon.
The stages are longer. There is also a greater emphasis on platforming. Controls, especially jumping, feel more precise and make the character less awkward to maneuver.
The visuals may be less detailed, but they are more vibrant, especially the colors and overall aesthetic. The soundtrack is more memorable, using instruments that bring more life to the music; likewise with the sound effects. This version is also popular for the Konami Code, which grants the player 30 lives.
The Japanese release, for the Famicom, contains additional features and enhancements over its overseas counterparts. Animations are added to many of the stages’ background and foreground elements. The most notable feature is the addition of an introductory cut scene and intermission sequences preceding each stage, detailing the player’s progress and displaying a map that connects the stages.
Commodore 64
Conversion of arcade Gryzor that is widely considered to be the lowest of the 3 main Gryzor home computer versions. Most of the arcade source material is translated to a fairly decent degree, featuring most of the stage, weapon and enemy content. The game features screen scrolling, and both sound and music are played simultaneously. The 2 player mode follows in the style of arcade Gryzor.
Despite featuring more colors than the Spectrum version, the visuals are washed-out and lower in detail; likewise, the art style is considerably simpler and strays from the overall look of the original. Sound and music tends to become jarring after a short while of play.
Other setbacks include difficult controls, which is compounded by the player’s slow rate of fire. The lives system is shared with the CPC version (see above). Like the CPC version, there are only 2 music tracks, arranged in the same way.
PC DOS
Easily the worst conversion of Contra, and worst Contra game in general. The design is based on the original arcade game. Only PC speakers are supported as the sound source, which becomes grating very quickly. The limited color palette tends to make it difficult to discern parts of the action on-screen, especially dangers such as enemy bullets.
The biggest issue resides in the control system, where the keyboard control setup, combined with inappropriately high game speeds on most hardware, makes the game nearly impossible to play. Joystick/game pad is the only recommended option. The game difficulty itself is incredibly high, providing no continues and requiring an unreasonably high number of points to gain an extra life.
Conversely, this version retains an impressive portion of the source material: stage accuracy, enemy types, guns and powerups, as well as simultaneous 2 player mode and creative use of limited color palettes to replicate the original look.
MSX2
Japan-only conversion that shares elements of both the NES and arcade versions. It is most notable for replacing screen scrolling with flip-screen based progression, as well as having a life bar and several additional, exclusive stages. Stage progression and some of the visual elements are reminiscent of NES Contra, but the overall design is based on the arcade original.
As there are no continues, the life bar itself somewhat serves as the lives reserve, while the actual lives serve as continues. Extra lives can be gained through points, however. This game is strictly single player. The overall slower pace of gameplay is compensated by certain mechanics, such as more aggressive enemies, especially the new ones.
Other differences include the lack of the Hangar stage and the replacement of the Spread Gun with a Rear Gun. The upgrade system is also different, with gun powerups still being found in pillboxes, whereas the falcon items dropped from blimps increase the player’s bullet and movement speeds.
Mobile
Note: Understandably, every mobile version of Contra lacks the dual screen gimmick. Additionally, 2 player cooperative mode could not be retained.
1) Conversion of the arcade original to the i-appli platform. This version appears to be the base for some of the ports by Konami Mobile to other mobile platforms, listed immediately below, such as for RIM-based phones. Little is known about this particular edition, except that its visuals were directly reused for those ports.
2) Conversion of the arcade original to the J2ME platform. A 3 level edition that suffers from clunky controls, collision detection problems, zoomed-in display with large sprites and a slow pace. Technically, there are 2 stages; the game just considers the Base stage’s boss battle as a separate level. On a whole, this product should have been a trial demo, and not a purchased download.
A putative i-appli based J2ME version may have been released by Konami Mobile, distributed simultaneously with the odd 3-level version.
3) Conversion of the arcade original, possibly a port of the i-appli version, to the Sprint platform. No information is available about this version.
4) Port of the i-appli version to the BREW platform. No information is available about this version.
5) Port of the arcade original to the Windows Mobile platform. The game itself is identical and emulates very well. Unique to this version is the title screen/main menu, which features a custom title logo overlaying the NES box art background.
6) Port of the i-appli version to the RIM platform. Without the source material as reference, this version is still competently designed. Boasting a faster game speed and better hit detection than the 3-level J2ME version, Contra for RIM-based mobile phones actually features all 8 stages and includes much of the enemies and guns. A difficulty selection is also included, which determines the number of enemies and the strength of bosses. There is only music, no sound effects.
7) Port of the i-appli version to the DANGER platform. No information is available about this version.
Sony PlayStation 2
Japan-only port of the arcade original by Hamster Corporation. The arcade emulation in this edition is much more accurate than most other ports, which are based on the DS compilation port. This release also features an expert demonstration run of the game.
Microsoft XBox 360
1) Port of the Windows version that was included with the Konami Live! game pad, as a download to the XBox Live Arcade. It retains the graphical enhancements and leaderboards and adds configuration options. This port allows online cooperative play, and features an achievement list.
2) The XBox Live port was re-released in retail disc format, in the compilation Konami Classics Vol. 2.
Nintendo DS
1) Port of the arcade original included in the compilation Konami Classics Series: Arcade Hits. Both the North American and Japanese releases are included. A wide variety of configuration options are available to adjust gameplay, display, sound, etc.; these settings mimic the DIP switch and other adjustments of the arcade original. Other features are available, such as a sound test menu. The emulation in this edition is said to be inaccurate; this version would be reused in various follow-up ports.
2) Port of the North American NES version as a bonus game that can be unlocked in Contra 4. It runs off of a build of the PocketNES emulator, with mild sound and graphical issues. The 2-player mode is actually not supported.
Nintendo Wii
Port of the MSX2 version to the Virtual Console, downloadable from the Wii Shop exclusively in Japan.
Nintendo Wii U
Port of the MSX2 version to the Virtual Console, downloadable from the Wii U eShop exclusively in Japan.
Microsoft Windows
1) Port of the North American edition of the NES version, as part of the compilation Konami Collector’s Series: Castlevania & Contra. It is essentially identical, while the package includes additional features, such as control and sound configuration, as well as save/load states.
2) The Konami Collector’s Series compilation was later made available for download via the Gametap service.
3) Port of the Famicom version to Konami’s web-based rental service i-Revo, exclusively in Japan and available as a download.
4) Port of the MSX2 version to Konami’s web-based rental service i-Revo, exclusively in Japan and available as a download.
5) Port of the arcade original as part of the arcade compilation on the Konami Live! game pad. It adds an enhanced graphics mode, a few configuration options, and allows online cooperative play. It also features an online leaderboards list. This edition, with the graphical enhancements, would later be ported to the more widely known Xbox 360 port.
6) Part of the Contra Anniversary Collection, released digitally, which features the Japanese and North American editions. This port is essentially identical to the original.
7) The Konami Collector’s Series compilation was yet again re-released for Microsoft Windows (7,8,10). This edition is digitally distributed through GOG, without DRM. Given that it’s identical to the original collection (ie, without any improvements or updates), this release is baffling given the Contra Anniversary Collection from the previous year.
Nintendo Switch
1) Part of the Contra Anniversary Collection, released digitally, which features the Japanese and North American editions. This port is essentially identical to the original.
2) Separate port of the arcade version, itself a port of the PlayStation 4 Arcade Archives edition of the game.
Sony PlayStation 4
1) Hamster Corporation translated their PS2 port of the arcade game, as part of their Arcade Archives line of releases, also exclusive to Japan. This edition features the North American release, in addition to the Japanese one. The higher degree of accuracy in emulation that is seen in their PS2 is retained in this edition.
2) Part of the Contra Anniversary Collection, released digitally, which features the Japanese and North American editions. This port is essentially identical to the original.
Microsoft XBox One
1) Backwards compatible, direct port of the XBox 360 version. Features the ability to stream and record game sessions.
2) Part of the Contra Anniversary Collection, released digitally, which features the Japanese and North American editions. This port is essentially identical to the original.
Dedicated Console
1) Dedicated, miniature tabletop edition of the original arcade version (NTSC-U) by My Arcade Gaming. It is identical to the original and even features simultaneous 2 player mode through a cable to link 2 of the cabinets together.
Dedicated Handheld
1) Handheld edition of the original arcade version (NTSC-U) by My Arcade Gaming. This edition includes Super Contra, making it a compilation. It is identical to the original and even features simultaneous 2 player mode through a cable to link 2 of the handheld units together.
MISCELLANEOUS
CONTRA/C
LCD Handheld Electronic
Novelty handheld mini-game with the title of Contra in Japan, and notable for its abbreviated title of “C” in North America (and parts of Europe).
Instead of a simple side-scrolling shooter, the game is played from behind the character’s back, similar to the Base stages of Contra, but at an isometric angle.
There are 3 levels where the player simply runs through a corridor, which increases in length with each level, and shoots enemy soldiers and aliens that occasionally appear. Each level ends with a boss battle that comprises turrets and targets on a wall, akin to the Base stages. The player only has 3 lives, without the ability to gain more, and without any continues. The handheld also plays a few Contra tracks with simple tones.
REMAKES
CONTRA: EVOLUTION
iOS
Original version. It is a conversion of the J2ME-based mobile game Contra: Evolution Revolution, which was exclusive to China at the time. That game, itself, is a conversion of the arcade game with the same title, which itself is also exclusive to China.
Contra: Evolution is a remake/expansion featuring an overhaul to the visuals and an upgrade to the gameplay. The latter comprises incorporating elements from Contra III, such as certain gun powerups, as well as the ability to hold 2 guns and also carry smart bombs. It also features new, exclusive characters, one of whom has a unique weapon set. Like the J2ME version, it is single player only.
While most of these elements were carried over from the J2ME and arcade counterparts, the iOS version featured its own set of additions and general innate concepts that ultimately deter its quality. Fundamentally, the game operates on the free-to-play model, being riddled with in-app purchases and micro-transactions, including for the most fundamental elements such as continues. Furthermore, Contra: Evolution serves as a candid example of fast-paced action and platforming having no place relying on touch-based controls.
Android
Simple port of the iOS version, which is essentially identical. Both likely contain the same programming code, but with a different platform-specific shell.
Mobile
Port of the China-exclusive J2ME version to the i-appli platform. No information is available about this version.
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