Gamefings logoimg
Retro Game Review banner

Review of Contra: Legacy of War on PlayStation

by Gemma Looksby Gemma Looksby photo Nov 1996
Cover image of Contra: Legacy of War on PlayStation
Gamefings Score: 6
Platform: PlayStation PlayStation logo
Released: 29 Nov 1996
Genre: Third-person shooter
Developer: Appaloosa Interactive
Publisher: Konami of America

Introduction

Welcome to the chaotic universe of Contra: Legacy of War, a game that has been described as a rollercoaster ride through pixelated madness with an explosion frequency that might make Michael Bay weep with joy. Released in 1996, this third-person shooter makes you feel like a hero in an action-packed movie - with slightly worse graphics and a plot that leaves you more baffled than the last time you tried to explain TikTok to your parents. But fear not, because armed with terrible one-liners and a machine gun, you'll be ready to blast your way through this nostalgic adventure.

Gameplay

Let's talk gameplay, shall we? This game shifts the Contra series from 2D to a 3D world - think of it as watching your favorite cartoon characters trying to figure out 3D, but they're all high on energy drinks. You control one of four characters-Ray Poward, Tasha (who's here to prove girls can shoot too!), CD-288 (a robot that clearly skipped leg day), and Bubba (an alien that's less extraterrestrial and more 'your weird uncle'). All characters come equipped with a glorious machine gun and flamethrower, ready to light up the foes, which honestly makes moving through hordes of enemies feel like a family BBQ gone horribly wrong. The controls allow you to duck, strafe, and generally dodge bullets like a pro, but just remember, precision jumping in this game might as well be considered a sport of its own. Forget the nice little somersault jumps of previous games; here, you're more likely to jump into an enemy's fire and scream in frustration while your friends chuckle in the background. And if you actually make it through a level and think, "Yeah, I did that," there's save functionality to preserve your glory on a memory card-because nothing says nostalgia like needing to save your progress with a rectangular hunk of plastic because auto-saving wasn't a thing yet.

Graphics

Visually speaking, Legacy of War is what happens when your parents let you paint your bedroom with your toddler art supplies. The shift to 3D meant lower resolution than expected, which leaves characters more blocky than a Lego set run amok. However, it does try to impress with its use of 3D effects by providing anaglyph glasses in the package. Graphics aside, the vibrant colors attempt to mask the overall muddiness, which means you might still feel like you're in a bad trip through a Kaleidoscope. Some elements definitely pop, like the original music, which is like a rock band that collectively had too much fun at a family reunion - loud, energetic, and just a bit out of tune.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Contra: Legacy of War is that awkward cousin at family gatherings that everyone loves but isn't quite sure why. It's not a complete disaster but is far from the golden standard set by its predecessors. If you go in without expectations of a grand narrative or flawless gameplay, and instead look for some mindless action that will let you spray bullets like confetti at a party, then you might just find joy in the chaos. Grab your anaglyph glasses, your favorite comfort snack, and prepare to relive the glory days of gaming where life was easier, and each pixel explosion felt like a personal victory. It's not perfect, but then again, neither are most of us. So, give it a whirl - just don't expect to emerge unscathed or with your sanity intact. Is it worth it? For fans of the series, absolutely. For others? Perhaps rent there for a laugh and head out for a pizza after that.

See Prices for Contra: Legacy of War on PlayStation on Ebay

See Latest Prices for Contra: Legacy of War on PlayStation on Amazon

Related
Latest
image for news article 'The Nintendo Switch 2: An Overhyped Second Date That Actually Went Well'
Chucky - 14 Jun 2025
Nintendo Switch 2 has hit the market, and it's selling like hotcakes! Here's what you need to know about this slightly improved se...
image for news article 'Switch 2 Shatters Records While Sony Asks ‘Remember Us?’'
Gemma Looksby - 13 Jun 2025
The Nintendo Switch 2 is breaking records while Sony desperately waves a flag saying, 'Hey, remember us?' Let's dive into the batt...
image for news article 'Unleash Your Inner Jedi: The Challenge of Fortnite's Star Wars Galactic Battle Event'
Hemal Harris - 13 Jun 2025
Dive into the challenges of Fortnite's Star Wars Galactic Battle Event! Discover the skills you need to overcome the chaos and eme...
image for news article 'PlayStation Plus Game Catalog for June 2025: The Games Are Coming, But So Are the Gigabytes'
Chucky - 13 Jun 2025
Dive into the quirky lineup of PlayStation Plus games for June 2025, featuring everything from chaotic shooters to creepy animatro...
image for news article 'GTA 6: A Magnificent Meltdown of Mayhem, Mischief, and Mild Mannered Mechanics!'
Gemma Looksby - 12 Jun 2025
GTA 6 is set to blow our minds with new gameplay features, including home design, 700 shops to loot, and an expansive map-prepare ...
image for news article 'Unleashing the Future: The Next PlayStation Handheld Will Demand Your Skills!'
Hemal Harris - 12 Jun 2025
Sony is rumored to release a new handheld console that combines impressive features with gameplay challenges aimed at hardcore gam...
image for news article 'The ROG Ally: Unpacking Characters and Story Arcs in Gaming Hardware'
Tanya Krane - 12 Jun 2025
Dive into the character analysis of the ROG Ally handheld console, exploring its compelling features, rivalries, and future potent...