Contra
Blast through alien bases side-by-side in this legendary run-and-gun shooter where teamwork, timing, and the famous Konami Code are your keys to survival.
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What You'll Need
About This Game
Run and gun classic. Up up down down left right left right B A. You'll need it.
How to Play
- Move with D-pad, A = jump, B = shoot
- Aim in 8 directions while standing or jumping
- Collect weapon power-ups (S, M, L, F, R)
- S = spread shot (best weapon), M = machine gun
- One hit = death (unless with barrier)
- Shoot or avoid all hazards - walls, bullets, enemies
- Run-and-gun sections alternate with base infiltration
- Boss weak points - memorize patterns
- Konami Code: up up down down left right left right B A = 30 lives
- Co-op: work together, don't steal power-ups
History & Background
Contra debuted in arcades in 1987 before finding legendary status on the NES in 1988, becoming one of the most iconic run-and-gun shooters of all time. Developed by Konami, the game was inspired by action films like Predator and Rambo, featuring two commandos battling alien invaders and military forces across exotic environments. The NES version introduced the now-infamous Konami Code (up, up, down, down, left, right, left, right, B, A), granting 30 lives—a cheat code so famous it became embedded in gaming culture and was later referenced in countless other games and media.
Contra's two-player cooperative mode was revolutionary for its era, allowing friends to tackle the intense challenges together in split-screen action. The game's brutal difficulty and one-hit-death mechanic made cooperative play essential; partners had to work in perfect synchronization, share weapon power-ups strategically, and memorize enemy patterns to progress. This cooperative design helped establish Contra as a social gaming experience that defined arcade and home console multiplayer gameplay throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s.
The franchise spawned numerous sequels across multiple platforms, but the original NES Contra remains the gold standard for 2D action games. Its influence on game design—fast-paced shooting mechanics, pattern-based boss encounters, and cooperative gameplay—continues to inspire developers today. The game's perfect balance of accessibility and challenge, combined with its quotable cheat code and memorable co-op moments, cemented Contra as a timeless classic that defined an entire generation of gaming.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you play Contra with 2 players?
Yes! Contra is an excellent choice for 2 players — in fact, it's designed specifically for a duo. You'll get the full experience without any compromises.
How long does Contra take to play?
A typical game of Contra takes about 20-30 min. This can vary based on players' experience level and how quickly decisions are made.
What do you need to play Contra?
To play Contra, you need: NES, and Contra cartridge.
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