Contra Series: Only The Strong Survive

[RegSNES]

I was reading a Contra 4 thread over at the shoryuken.com forums and all the talk on the game got me in the mood for some Contra action. So I popped on Contra: Shattered Solider. Been a while since I played the game. It really is quite the beast. I managed to pass one level, the stage where you run into Lance at the end. The next level I played has you riding a missile. That's where I pretty much got my stuff wrecked up. I was reminded that unless you're really familiar with a Contra game, you will get raped. I don't have much problems with Contra or Contra III. Contra: SS, is just too much for me to handle.

Funny thing is, my rexperience with Contra: SS reminded me of my intoduction to the series back with the NES Contra. When I first played the game it was with a buddy and I sucked horribly. Even so, I liked the game. In time I would better my skills. This is something I have to do with every Contra game I play for the firs time.

Hard Corps also brings a serious case of own just like Contra: SS. Did anyone actually get all the endings to that game? While I liked the game, the whole thing really does feel like a suicide mission sometimes.

[E Nice]

Contra Hard Corps is mostly about memorizing patterns. I found using Browny in Contra Hard Corps to be the easiest. He's tiny, has a double jump, and most of his guns have a homing ability. I got all the endings playing as him. I don't recall how many for each of the others, but Wolf is the toughest. He's tallest of the group, while he has powerful guns they're also oddly placed due to his height or just short ranged and slower compared to anyone else's.

Contra Shatter Soldier is somewhat the same, just memorize patterns and which gun goes best for the situation. It however becomes much more difficult on the last level or so when it gets to the end of a boss endurance area.

[retroman]

I also love the Contra series. Contra SS after a few plays i thought was kind of easy once u knew where everything was. Contra Hard Corps i can say i never beat it. I gave a go but end up getting pissed off and turning off the Genny. I highly recomend Contra 4 for the DS. It is hard as shit...and also fun as hell.

[Xexyz]

Familiarize yourself with Hard Corps by using Brownie. Like E Nice mentioned, he's short, so you don't have to duck in most situations, half his weapons are homing (Weapon C, the ball & chain owns this game if you use it right), and his double jump can really come in handy if your jump timing is off. Also, don't forget to take advantage of the slide ability, as you're invincible when using it. I really wish the slide mechanic was made a staple move in the series.

Once you start 1cc'ing the paths with Brownie, you shouldn't have too much of a problem with Sheena and Ray, although Fang is still a tough character to use no matter how well you memorize the game.

And Contra 4 is all sorts of bad ass. I hope you own a DS or plan on getting one soon for this game.

[RegSNES]

Oh I've got a DS and plan to get Contra 4 eventually. I heard Contra and Super C were there as unlockables. Now that is some dope homage.

I just may play Contra: Hard Corps this week with Browie to see how much I can better myself at the game. Sounds like Fang isn't even worth playing with since he requires expert use.

[Haoie]

Hard Corps is without a doubt the best Contra, to me anyway.

As usual, the original J version is much easier than all other regions. For example in that, you can take 2 hits before you lose a life.