Contra Returns is a mobile game based on the classic shooter franchise Contra, famous for being a fast-paced and difficult shooter even back in the days of the original NES. Although the Contra series is most lauded for its origins on the Nintendo Entertainment System, the franchise has spanned many systems and installments to varying degrees of success. With many popular franchises taking their shot at the mobile game market, Contra doing the same doesn't feel entirely out of place.

Over the course of Contra's incarnations over the years, there have been a few adjustments to the formula. For example, Neo Contra used a top-down perspective rather than the series' typical side-scrolling gameplay, and Contra: Shattered Soldier had different endings depending on the player's performance. Contra has even appeared on PC alongside Castlevania, but the most important aspect of the series is exciting shooter gameplay, with quick reflexes required to best hordes of enemies, and that is the most important thing that Contra Returns must deliver.

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Upon booting up the first few levels of the game, it is clear that Contra Returns has followed the series' blueprint for action. The game features the familiar waves of aggressive enemies that Contra is known for. The designs of the levels also call back to the original game, with a few moments, from level setups to boss fights, acting as callbacks to the series' past. For example, the first training level is very similar to the first stage from the original Contra. Longtime fans of the series will definitely find familiarity in that sense. The way that the controls are positioned on the screen is also reminiscent of the button layout of the NES controller. Contra Returns' release on mobile recalls the classic in these ways.

Contra Returns Has A Few Twists Compared To The Original

contra returns mobile game key art

Contra Returns also has some definite changes from the original. The most obvious is the addition of a life meter. While the original game had the player die upon taking damage once, Contra Returns is much more forgiving in that regard, and a player can make multiple mistakes and still complete a level. Another change is the addition of multiple playable characters and special attacks unique to each character, adding further options that did not exist in the original (though Contra: Hard Corps on the Sega Genesis experimented with multiple characters and branching paths, in addition to a life meter in the Japanese release). Weapon-swapping has also been changed, having the player carry two interchangeable weapons with infinite ammo and collecting other temporary weapons from midlevel pickups. Konami also launched Contra Returns' mobile release with game modes that did not exist in previous games, including PvP combat and challenge modes.

Another very obvious new mechanic to the game is the gacha system. Through either playing the game or paying money, the player can receive new weapons for the characters, or new characters entirely. While they start with Contra's original protagonist Bill Rizer and can later unlock fellow series hero Lance Bean, the other characters have a variety of designs, ranging from fantasy to sci-fi. With Contra being an old-school series, the microtransactions and permissions the game asks for may put some fans off, but with a Contra board games and Super Bomberman R Online cameo, perhaps a shift in model shouldn't be too much of a surprise

Contra Returns features the core of the Contra series' gameplay style, but it has a lot of added features that are up to interpretation in terms of quality. Some players may like the added content and what it does for the game, while others would prefer a more traditional Contra experience that is true to the rock-hard difficulty of the original. Ultimately it comes down to personal taste, but one thing that is definitely clear is that Contra and Contra Returns are very different games.

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