Super Contra

Score - 24

Release: 1990

Platform Played: NES

Developer: Konami

Overview

Super Contra is a classic run and gun arcade style shooter that has fast pacing and some intense action. Very much the game is a product of its time and focuses entirely on difficulty, reflexes, and repetition other than actual progression. Sadly, the game is basically a chain of short punishing experiences that rely on muscle memory rather than meaningful gameplay

The Good

The game is immediately engaging. The constant pressure creates a sense of urgency that keeps you locked in moment to moment. The controls are responsive and the game loop is clear. It’s very simple and is basically just a test of your resilience and reflexes.

The Bad

The game has no depth and the gameplay never evolves. Once you understand the loop the game is pretty much copy paste. The game has no story and no meaningful characters. I would say this is what you get from a 90s game but several games from the same time period executed on a high level.

Final Verdict

Super Contra does exactly what it’s trying to do. Fast challenging arcade-style shooting action. Outside of that, there’s nothing else. Short arcade challenges were playable in the 90s but by today’s standards the game isn’t worth playing. It’s more of a historical experience or a Nostalgia splash.