Contra: Hard Corps

"This game is hardco... oh forget, that's too easy."

If you actually sought out a review of this nine year old Genesis game, you probably know what Contra is. But just incase you were, I don't know, typing random numbers into the URL to get to the review pages on this site and came across this review by chance, I'll explain what Contra is. Contra is a classic series of side scrolling (and sometimes overhead, but not in this installment) action games where you take on evil alien empires as a one or two (if you've got a friend) person army because every other soldier in the world is, let's say, at a ''Strength in numbers'' seminar. Actually, there are a few differences in Hard Corps, (pronounced ''hard core'', hence the review title) but I'll get to those later.

Story:
After constant battles with the invading alien armies, Earth has for the time being stopped the constant assaults. Unfortunately, a group of rogue militants has decided they want the alien cell, a souvenir of the battles with the aliens. The government has doubled its military spending and hired a whopping FOUR soldiers to deal with this. In addition to the standard commando guy, there is a wolf alien, a robot, and even a woman (also a commando, filling in for commando guy number 2 from the other Contras) you can choose from, all of whom play differently (mainly in what weapon powerups they get). The story has a much larger role than other Contras, with text between missions, branching paths, and even a couple plot twists. You're not going to care too much about it, but it's nice to have.

Gameplay:
Contra is the very essence of 2D on foot action. Lots of enemies, powerups, explosions, and curse words (one hit deaths, a series staple) accompany every game. Hard Corps ups all of this, with tons of enemies, plentiful explosions, 16 (counting the variations between the characters) different powerups, and an even harder difficulty level. (that is saying a lot for Contra) Unfortunately, the game offers less in some areas. Mainly length. The levels seem shorter than previous Contras, with only 5 or 6 in a single playthrough. Also, there are no difficulty settings (although I doubt anyone really wants a harder mode). This is balanced out though, with multiple paths you can choose in the game, leading to alternate levels and multiple endings. Also, each character plays differently, so if you have the patience to master every one you could quadruple the replay value.

The gameplay itself can best be described as intense. Every second is a fight to stay alive. Enemies and fire come from everywhere, and you only have one hit point, 3 lives (instant re spawn), and 5 continues to get you through. But you have very powerful weapons to aid you, plus the ability to stick to walls and ceilings. It's a tough, but extremely satisfying battle to reach the end. In a way, the short length is good, since you can get back to where you were quickly if you run out of continues. The levels have varied design, with several vehicles to ride. If you can handle the challenge, you'll love every second of it.

Gameplay score: 9/10

Graphics:
Hard Corps has good graphics for a Genesis game. The smaller characters aren't very well detailed, but the giant bosses and mid bosses are. The explosions are nicely done, and there are some very well done scrolling effects. The scenery is varied, ranging from highways to dumps to cyber space. The backgrounds aren't spectacularly detailed, but you can tell what they are.

Graphics score: 7/10

Sound:
The sound is what you'd expect from this type of game. fast music and loud gunshots, explosions and screams. The music blends in nicely, as do the sound effects. The voices are a bit garbled, but there aren't that many. You'll be too caught up in staying alive to notice the sound most of the time.

Sound score: 6/10

Gameplay: 9/10
Graphics: 7/10
Sound: 6/10
Overall: (not an average) 9/10

Conclusion
Contra Hard Corps is a worthy entry in the Contra legacy. The challenge targets experienced Contra players, but patience will get you through eventually even if you've never played Contra. The last great Contra for many years after its release, Hard Corps deserves to be in your Genesis collection.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 06/05/03, Updated 06/05/03