Play Contra Online

Contra came out on the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1987, developed and published by Konami. It was a time when side scrolling action games were defining the console, and this one stood out for its military theme and cooperative play. The NES version adapted the arcade game with some changes, like longer levels and a few new weapons, making it a solid home experience.

You control either Bill or Lance, commandos armed with a standard rifle, running and jumping through jungles, military bases, and alien lairs. Your goal is to stop the Red Falcon organization by destroying its heart, moving screen by screen while enemies pour in from all sides. You can collect power ups that change your weapon, like the spread shot or laser, and these drastically alter how you handle crowds or bosses. The pacing is relentless, and the difficulty is punishing, especially without the famous code for extra lives. It feels tense and demanding, forcing you to memorize enemy patterns and manage your limited shots carefully.