Sep 2020
In the vast universe of video games, there's a shining star-no, not the kind you find in your mother's garden, but the one known as 'Contra.' When it blasted its way into arcades in 1987, it left in its wake the aromas of quarter-laden machines, the sweat of gamers who dared to challenge its notorious difficulty, and the echo of 'What do you mean I only have three lives?' Fast-forward to today with the Nintendo Switch version of 'Arcade Archives: Contra,' which serves as the perfect nostalgia trip for those whose gaming origins trace back to the golden age of pixelated commando action.
"Contra" is the epitome of the phrase 'Run and Gun.' Players choose between Bill or Lance, two hyper-masculine commandos destined to take down the evil Red Falcon organization (very relevant in 2023, might I add). Gameplay primarily focuses on shooting bad guys, dodging bullets, and making quick decisions-kind of like dating, but with less heartbreak and more explosions. The game is famous for its two-player cooperative mode, which means that you can hop on your couch with a friend, totally not aware that a massive alien invasion is at stake, while both of you bicker about who gets to use the spread gun. Speaking of guns, the variety in weaponry is fantastic: from a machine gun that turns enemies into Swiss cheese to a laser gun that's as powerful as your 2012 smartphone on a good day. Just don't forget to destroy those pill boxes to grab your upgrades!
Graphically speaking, let's be real-there's a certain charm to those pixelated sprites. The Switch version captures that retro essence, making you feel like you're back in 1987, minus the questionable fashion choices. The vibrant backgrounds create a surprisingly immersive atmosphere; battling alien blobs in jungles, bases, and waterfalls all while your screen shakes from explosions. Sure, it won't hold a candle to modern graphics, but it's like grandma's old fruitcake-you just love it even if others don't get it.
Ultimately, "Arcade Archives: Contra" is a blast from the past that still echoes loudly in the present. It's a testament to why 'Contra' remains a classic in the gaming hall of fame. With its challenging gameplay, cooperative fun, and that legendary Konami code (which, if you're not using, are you even living?), this game deserves a spot on every gamer's Nintendo Switch. So, grab a friend, turn off the notifications, and prepare for a pixelated fury that reminds us all why we fell in love with gaming in the first place. Don't forget to bring those quarters!
Another SquareThought Site