"Proving that guns can solve all the world's problems"

The Contra series is definitely one of the best collection of action games ever to be introduced to the world. Contra III is a worthy addition to this series.

Gameplay: 9/10
Not long enough. That's the first thing I realized about Contra III, but every level is a blast. Take control of two guys who go out to save the world and blast every alien in sight. Simple, but its hard to find a more fun action game for the SNES. All of the weapons are really fun to use (especially the flamethrower), and the ability to use two at a time is really more fun than it is helpful. Overhead levels really aren't that long or challenging, and the bosses are even easier, but they offer more variety to the game. Riding missiles is definitely one of the better parts of this game. Nothing is better than blasting your way through a game with unlimited ammo, and doing it with two players adds more fun to the mayhem. Almost each stage is also filled with some tough mini-bosses. The action in this game sets an example for all action games that will be created.

Story: 5/10
Nothing original here, but when you have a game this good who needs an original story? Aliens come down, blow up a city with 'Independence Day' style (this is before the movie came out- remember that) and you grab you're two machine guns and save mankind.

Sound: 8/10
Very good. Explosions sound like explosions, and considering how many there are in the game they need to work. Some good sound effects for the guns (especially the flamethrower) that add to the gameplay. Music works nicely for the stages, especially Stage 3 when it changes a little bit mid level. Anyone that has played the game probably has noticed it.

Controls: 9/10
Weapon switches are easy, aiming is easy, jumping is easy, climbing is easy... you get the idea. The controls work well for the game.

Graphics: 9/10
Very good. I was impressed by the graphics for the overhead levels. Tanks and dogs moving from the background, planes flying at you, and all around good looking characters add to the greatness of this game. Lots of great graphic effects for a game released in the SNES's early days.

Replayability: 9/10
This is one of the few games I could pick up and play again right after I lost all of my continues. Three difficulty levels to play through, and it's even more fun with a friend helping. Short, but a good game whenever you want to play a game for fun and not get involved in the story.

Overall:
Great for action fans, and enough to get people that don't play action games interested. I found it at Gamestop for $20, and it was worth buying. If you don't have a SNES shame on you! Go download it somewhere if you want to give it a try.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10 | Originally Posted: 06/26/02, Updated 06/26/02

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