Contra Anniversary Collection

There's really not much to say here, it's a big ol' Contra collection and it's a good one. The arcade originals are here as well as the console games and even some of the gameboy versions. Chances are your childhood favorite from the series is here somewhere and they even include some of the regional variants. I highly recommend checking out the Japanese version of NES Contra and being mad, like me, that we Americans got so gipped on visual features. Anyway yeah, it's Contra, you know it, you love it (and often hate it), so buy it.

This is a fantastic set of classic action games. These games helped define the run-and-gun genre, which blurred the lines between an arcade shoot-em-up and a platformer game. Each title stands on its own merits and is a blast to conquer. The original arcade version of Contra is a solid game with a relatively short length. The home console version is iconic and adds additional stages to offer a more comprehensive experience. The arcade variant of Super Contra is surprisingly brutal, especially at its most difficult setting. My thumb was injured for several days after playing Very Hard mode for prolonged sessions. It lacks some polish and innovation compared to the first game, but is still worth the challenge. The NES version is far more forgiving and also adds some fun new stages. Operation C is a fun diversion. It is the easiest game in this collection, granting players a well-earned break from the gauntlets of the other titles. Contra III is also a great time, combining the best aspects of all previous games and adding some nice visual flair. Contra: Hard Corps is excellent. It contains the most challenge, content, and innovation of any game in this collection. Its gameplay places a focus on difficult boss encounters, which are a lot of fun to tackle. The visuals and soundtrack are top-notch and have genuine personality. This collection is worth the purchase for its inclusion alone. The Bonus Book of history behind each title is a great read. It is a primary source of information on the development behind all classic titles in the franchise. The addition of Japanese and European versions of games in the collection is appreciated. While the requirement of using an Xbox-based controller is questionable, this is a great release of some outstanding games. It is recommended to anyone who enjoys action games.

There are two PS1 titles and one PS2 title that should be part of this "Anniversary" collection. The PS2 title is excellent, making its omission quite disappointing. Also, Operation C for the Gameboy did get a Gameboy Colour release (under its PAL name Probotector), as part of "Konami GB Collection Volume 1". This version should've been included, not the B&W version. Contra 3 & Hard Corps make this a worthy purchase, as long as it's on sale for under $8.

It's a great collection of classic Contra video games, a little odd in its navigation around the menu but otherwise a superb treat. A bit of a shame two of the games are simply repeats in the collection but with an overall sprite alteration from organic/human entities to robots everywhere, so do consider that when picking this up.

This collection gives you exactly it says it does. All the good 8 bit and 16 bit Contra games (thankfully no Contra Force on the NES) in one place. Yes it's hard and no it's not for the type of players who want an easy mode. You play, you die, you get better.