Introduction:

Contra is the game that is often looked at as the pinnacle of run-n-gun arcade-style gameplay. Best of all, one can invite a friend over and have all sorts of crazy co-op fun with this visceral classic sidescrolling shooter. In the spirit of this legendary game, I will try to make my review as straight-forward, to the point, and balls out as possible. Let's rock.

Story:

Does it matter in this sorta game? Something about fighting an army, some sort of alien invasion, and kicking lots of ass.

Gameplay:

Run. Shoot. Run. Shoot. Jump. Shoot some more. Shoot alot more. Jump. Dodge bullets. Dodge some more bullets. Get powerup. Try not to die. Shoot. Shoot. Shoot. Shoot some more. Awesome

I give the gameplay: 8/10

Graphics:

Solid for the NES. Lots of nice explosions and cool looking weapons' fire. Bosses look totally sweet.

I give the graphics: 8/10

Sound:

Lots of nice explosion sound effects. Weapon sounds have a nice ring to 'em. Rockin' tunes with some solid and memorable boss music.

I give the sound: 8/10

Replayability:

Short but tons of fun to play again and again. Two player co-op only manages to multiply the fun even more.

I give the replayability: 10/10

Challenge:

Merciless. You have to dodge weapons' fire from all directions while avoiding enemy soldiers or disgusting aliens coming at you from all directions. Oh yeah, and one hit kills you.

I give the challenge: 10/10

Value:

Good to have on standby for when friends come over. Short but tons of fun for replaying. In terms of monetary value, it is often sought after, but not too pricy. I got my copy for about 10 Washingtons.

I give the value: 9/10

Overall:

up up down down left right left right B A start

I give Contra: 10/10

Conclusion:

It's the legendary Contra. No ifs, ands, or buts about it. Come get some.