Contra: Hard Corps

"WHOA!!!!! Action packed gameplay at its best!"

The Contra series has a mixed bag of games. The first Contra game and this are the best in my opinion, the SNES and GBA ones are decient, and the PSX version I hear is trash. I have yet to play the PS2 version because I don't own a PS2. I don't know any game that makes me want to jump from excitement and rip off my head more than this game. There are so many things going on at once that it makes you want to scream at the top of your lungs, rip off your shirt, and whoop some butt. Now onto the review:

GRAPHICS: 10/10
One of the greatest parts about this game is the special effects. Konami went all out with the graphics and pushed them to the limit with tons of guys jumping out and thousands of bullets flying around the screen. Boss's are insane and range in size and techniques. Once you destroy some of the big boss's the screen flashes many times that it could give a few people seizers. I love it because it adds to the excitement and you get a nice explosion for destroying him. From the fire to the super fast road stages this game pushes the genesis to the limit. It also includes some behind the character stages to really add to the fun.

MUSIC: 9/10
Usually Contra games don't focus much on making great music and more on the keep up with the fast gameplay. The music and sound effects will make your heart pump much faster. Don't expect Castlevania quality, but it defidently fits the mood for this fast moving game.

CONTROLS:9.5/10
Great controls which is desperately needed for this game. You can shoot in all 9 directions and change weapons easily. The only problem is you may slide if you accidently hold down, but you still hurt the enemy by doing so.

GAMEPLAY: 10/10
Like I said before this game will make your heart race. I don't think I ever got so excited while playing a video game. This game will defidently increase your reaction time. However, if your not good at platform games don't you dare play this game. You will need to be a pro to make it to the 3rd level. Make sure you play this game for the challenge and not so you want to beat it. Luckly, it goes aside of the normal gameplay and gives you 3 HP instead of 1 hit you lose a life. But, it still won't make it any easier. If only more action games today were filled with this much excitement.

OVERALL: 10/10
I love this game. I even think it's better than the original for NES! If you own a Genesis, be sure to pick this game up. This game has to have the most action gameplay I ever seen!

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 02/13/03, Updated 05/26/03