Contra

About Contra (NES)

Contra is a run-and-gun action game developed and published by Konami for the NES in 1988, based on the 1987 arcade hit. You play as Bill Rizer or Lance Bean, elite commandos sent to an island in the year 2633 to destroy the alien organization Red Falcon. What follows is relentless side-scrolling shooting across jungles, bases, waterfalls, and alien lairs.

Contra is famous for its intense action, precise controls, and legendary difficulty. It is also known for popularizing the Konami Code — Up, Up, Down, Down, Left, Right, Left, Right, B, A — which grants 30 lives. With tight two-player cooperative play and unforgettable boss battles, it remains the definitive run-and-gun game of the NES era.

Detailed Gameplay

Contra moves fast and punishes hesitation. One hit costs a life, so positioning, timing, and memorizing enemy patterns are everything.

Run-and-Gun Stages

• Sprint, jump, crouch, and shoot in eight directions across side-scrolling levels
• Fight through the Jungle, Base, Waterfall, Snow Field, and Energy Zone stages
• Survive pseudo-3D base stages where you shoot through corridors from behind

Weapons and Power-Ups

Shoot flying falcon icons to collect weapon upgrades. The Spread Gun, which fires five bullets at once, is the fan favorite, while the Machine Gun, Laser, Fireball, Rapid Fire, and Barrier each change how you approach a fight. Losing a life drops you back to the basic rifle, so staying alive keeps your firepower strong.

Boss Battles

Every stage ends with a large boss or fortified defense system, from sensor walls and giant turrets to the alien heart in the final stage. Learning their attack patterns is the key to victory.

Game Highlights

• Two-Player Co-op: Team up with a friend and clear the campaign together, just like the arcade.
• Spread Gun: One of the most satisfying power-ups in any retro shooter.
• Varied Stages: Side-scrolling, vertical waterfall climbs, and behind-view base levels keep things fresh.
• Konami Code: The most famous cheat code in gaming history started here for most players.

Controls

Use the NES controller to run, jump, and fire with split-second precision. - D-Pad: Move, crouch, aim up or down, and shoot in eight directions - A Button: Jump - B Button: Fire weapon - Start: Start the game and pause - Select: Choose 1-player or 2-player mode on the title screen

Tips and Strategies to Win

Contra rewards practice and pattern knowledge more than luck. - Prioritize the Spread Gun and protect it — avoid reckless jumps once you have it equipped. - Crouch often in base stages and shoot the glowing red core while dodging incoming fire. - In two-player mode, stay on the same screen height so your partner is not dragged or trapped. - Use the Konami Code on the title screen if you are learning the game and need 30 lives.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: How many stages are in Contra on NES? A: There are eight stages, ending with the Alien’s Lair, where you destroy the alien heart to finish the mission.

Q: What does the Konami Code do in Contra? A: Entering Up, Up, Down, Down, Left, Right, Left, Right, B, A, Start on the title screen gives you 30 lives instead of three.

Q: Can I play Contra online for free? A: Yes, you can play it online for free in your browser on RiveGame with no downloads or installation required.