Hello everyone, hope you're all doing well, and welcome to my review and discussion of Contra 3 The Alien Wars! When it comes to classic run and gun games you won't find much better than the Contra series. I've been a big fan of these games for as long as I can remember, and what makes them even more special to me is the fun my Older Brother and I would have playing them two player as little kids. These are fast paced, frantic shooters, where enemies are coming at you from all angles, and they're tough as nails to beat. But that's a big part of why they're so enjoyable in my opinion. Every time you play you get a little bit further, learn what to do, and what not to do, and if you're skilled enough you just might be able to get to the end. Going back through this again for the first time in years was a great experience, even though I was by myself. So take your coat off, stay awhile, and let me tell you all about it.
Contra 3: The Alien Wars is the third console entry to the series released in 1992 for the Super Nintendo developed by Konami. But it's the fourth one overall if you count the Gameboy game Operation C, which came out a year before in 1991. People in other countries might not recognize the title because in Japan this was called Contra Spirits, and in PAL regions it was called Super Probotector: Alien Rebels. Whatever this game was titled as where you're from one thing's for sure, it was a great addition to the Super Nintendo. The Contra franchise never really strayed from it's original formula very much over the years, but to me that's a good thing. What makes these classic retro games so great is their simplicity. Titles like Contra, Castlevania, Mega Man, Sonic, and many others are best when they stick to their roots, not making any drastic changes.
That's what I love about Contra 3, it looks, feels, and plays like the original Contra games from the NES. But with the new hardware of the Super Nintendo, Konami was able to make the best looking game in the series at that point. The various levels, character sprites, enemies, and bosses are highly detailed, holding up very well even today. At the beginning you can choose to play single player, or a friend can join for local co-op. Unlike previous games in the series, where you could input the infamous Konami Code at the title screen to gain additional lives, Contra 3 doesn't have any secret codes to help you. Instead you have to rely on skill alone, and are forced to learn each level's dangers as you go. The game can be pretty challenging, but once you get familiar with each new area you should be able to beat it.
The trick to beating this game is to learn the layout of the first few levels, which are much easier than the rest. If you can make it through those without dying too much, you should also be earning extra lives as you go. Then once you get to the really tough levels you'll have a good amount of lives saved up, giving you a fighting chance of getting through to the end. It's easier said than done, but it is possible. One new addition that makes Contra 3 a little more forgiving is the ability to carry two different weapons. As you make your way through each stage weapon containers will fly overhead, and if you shoot them they'll drop a new type of gun for you. At the top left of your screen it shows what guns you have available, and you can switch between them with the press of a button. Certain guns can make all the difference, depending on the situation, so be careful what you pick up.
Making use of the Super Nintendo's power, Konami was able to upgrade the visuals significantly, but they also were able to create more complex levels. Contra 3 lets you grab on to railings or poles, you can climb ladders and walls, you can ride in a tank or motorcycle, you can destroy scenery, and there's even a level where you hang from missiles that are shooting through the air. It also features the top down style levels that help to break up the gameplay. But there are some negative aspects to take into consideration. For one thing, you still get killed in one hit, and some of the enemy's projectiles are very small. The high level of difficulty in the later levels might make some people quit altogether. There are no codes to give you extra lives, in the North American version anyway. And finally, the game is very short, with only six levels to complete.
When I finished the game the other day I was surprised it was over already. I didn't realize there were only six levels, but it took me a pretty long time to actually get that far. This game is tough as hell, and some certain areas gave me a lot of trouble, but it felt great to finally overcome the challenge. I love the look of the game, it's levels, character sprites, enemies, and bosses, are some of the most memorable in the series. The controls are super responsive, and buttery smooth, allowing you to pull off some amazing moves. For me personally this has just the right amount of difficulty. Of course you can choose from easy, normal, or hard if you want, but I always play on normal, and it's tough enough to give you a good challenge, without being overly frustrating. Even though it has it's flaws, this is probably my favorite game in the series, and I highly recommend it. I'm going to give Contra 3: The Alien Wars a grade of...……………………
B +
Thank you for reading my review of Contra 3, and taking a trip back to the past! I hope you enjoyed it!
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Thank you!