Electronic Gaming Monthly's Top 10 Contra Games

C: The Contra Adventure (PlayStation)

#10

"I don't know about your, but when I upgraded from a Super Nintendo to a PlayStation three years ago, one of the reasons I did so was to play better games with better graphics and, you know ... more "oomph" as a plastic spoon. The graphics suck big time, and to be honest, Contra III both looked and played much better. It's dull, unimaginative and a disgrace to the Contra franchise. Avoid like the pox." (3.4 out of 10)

Contra Advance: The Alien Wars EX (Game Boy Advance)

#9

"If you're old enough to remember digesting Contra III: Alien Wars on the Super Nintendo over several weeks of gaming bliss, you're gonna be a little miffed at our new friend here. True, EX runs like a dream on the GBA, bucking any slowdown problems plaguing its SNES granddaddy. But some of the original (and best) Alien Wars features got dropped off of EX's bottom line. You can no longer hold and switch between two power-ups. Oh, and super bombs? Kiss 'em goodbye. Plus, with the GBA's teeny screen, you've got even less room to maneuver when it comes to avoiding enemies and bullets. For Contra virgins, EX is a solid, if not daunting introduction; nostalgic Alien Wars fans are better left living in the past." (6.5 out of 10)

Contra: Hard Corps (Genesis)

#8

"Contra heads into a new direction in the Genesis version of the classic military shooter. I like having to choose between four new characters and the weapons are very cool. The graphics and special effect are done well and the music gets you totally into the action. On the down side, I thought there were too many mid-bosses and not enough real enemies. It's also really difficult. Overall, a good game." (7.25 out of 10)

Neo Contra (PlayStation 2)

#7

"Why must Neo Contra be so short? I want to see more giant plant-things with baby heads and talking dogs wearing Kaiser helmets. Seriously, there's some crazy enemy design in the game and most of the levels are equally insane. The only problem is that there aren't many of them, and while Neo Contra can be difficult initially, you'll play through it in a few hours, especially if you get the new weapon set after seeing the wrong ending. Still, it's a pretty fun few hours at least." (7.3 out of 10)

Contra: The Alien Wars (Game Boy)

#6

"For a Game Boy, this version of Contra is pretty darn good. The graphics, although inferior to the 16-bit version, look great and when you use the Super Game Boy, the sound is very impressive. Even though you miss some of the cool Mode 7 effects from the Super NES, this one still holds its own. I just wish that the fire and jump buttons were closer together when you use the Super NES controllers. A fine game." (7.75 out of 10)

Contra 4 (Nintendo DS)

#5

"In the 20 years since its debut, Konami's arcdae-bred run 'n gun Contra franchise has seen its share of ill-advised series "reboots." This time, Contra 4's developers have eschewed innovation in favor of unadulterated mimicry -- and it's a winning choice. Contra 4 looks, plays and sounds like some long lost 16-bit sequel. Everything from the power-up arsenal to the towering bosses feels like a throwback to the classic titles. Likewise, the demanding difficulty and rollicking co-op gameplay ensure that you'll want to return to it again and again." (7.8 out of 10)

Super C (Super NES)

#4

"Super C doesn't represent a drastic change from the original, nor a totally unique entry into the running/shooting library of games. The cart is executed extremely well, however, with graphics that are fantastically detailed and play that is intense. A good game supported by great features." (8 out of 10)

Contra: Shattered Soldier (PlayStation 2)

#3

"If may look fancy, but Shattered Soldier is old school in every possible way. It's got old-school level design, old school challenges, and most importantly, kick ass old school gameplay. Contra fans will be beside themselves when they see just how cool it looks and plays on the PS2. Muster up your patience, though -- these pattern-based boss encounters demand extremely precise play. In fact, this ends up being my only real qualm with the game. I wish it had more simple, run 'n gun Contra gameplay." (8.7 out of 10)

Operation C (Game Boy)

#2

"The ultimate Game Boy game! While similar to the NES version it has new features that make it fresh. Everything is perfectly done -- weapons, power-ups, graphics and sound! Game Boy games just don't come any better. Nuf said." (9 out of 10)

Contra III: The Alien Wars (Super NES)

#1

"You can't do an action game much better than this. Konami has packed a lot into Contra 3 and it shows! From the incredible boss encounters to the overhead rotation levels, this cart has challenges as well as eye-popping visuals. The game play is still Contra, but in a suit like this the game has never looked better." (9 out of 10)