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In the Hunt: A Submarine Shoot-’Em-Up for Arcade and PSX

  Release Dates and Platforms In the Hunt debuted in arcades in April 1993 and was later ported to home consoles and PC throughout the mid-1990s. In 2019, Hamster’s Arcade Archives series brought it to modern platforms like Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4. Platform Release Date Region Arcade April 1993 Worldwide PlayStation 10 Nov 1995 Japan PlayStation 22 Mar 1996 North America PlayStation 1996 Europe Sega Saturn 15 Dec 1995 Japan Sega Saturn 4 Jun 1996 North America Sega Saturn June 1996 Europe Windows (PC) March 1997 Japan Switch, PS4 2019 Digital re-release Game Story Post-apocalyptic Earth lies submerged after the Dark Anarchy Society (D.A.S.) melts the polar ice caps with magnetic doomsday devices. Survivors form the United Ocean Garrison and secretly build the Hydro Fober Grampus, codenamed “Granvia,” to infiltrate D.A.S. waters and destroy their superweapon “Yugusukyuure.” Depending on player count and continues used, the game offers four dramatically different endings, f...
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Contra - a huge classic from Konami

 



Contra: The Classic Run-and-Gun Adventure


In the pantheon of classic video games, few have left as indelible a mark as Contra. Developed by Konami, this run-and-gun action game was first introduced to arcade enthusiasts in 1987, before making its way to the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) in 1988.

Developer and Mechanics Contra’s gameplay is a blend of fast-paced shooting action and platforming. Players take control of commandos Bill Rizer and Lance Bean, who are tasked with thwarting an alien invasion. The game is renowned for its challenging mechanics, which include a variety of playing perspectives—from standard side views to pseudo-3D stages where the action moves into the background.

The controls are intuitive yet deep: an eight-way joystick paired with two action buttons for shooting and jumping. Unique to Contra is the ability for players to shoot in multiple directions, including diagonally and downwards, adding a strategic layer to the combat.

Stages and Power-Ups Contra features a series of diverse stages, each presenting its own set of challenges and enemies. From the jungles of the first level to the alien’s lair in the final stage, players must navigate through eight levels of intense action. The game’s stages were modified from the arcade version to include more traps and challenges, making the NES version a unique experience in its own right.



Power-ups play a crucial role in Contra, with various weapons like the Spread Gun and Laser Rifle helping players battle through the alien forces. The iconic Konami Code also made its appearance in Contra, granting players thirty lives to help them tackle the game’s notorious difficulty.

Legacy as a Classic Contra’s impact on gaming is undeniable. It set the standard for the run-and-gun genre and is often cited as one of the best games on the NES. Its legacy continues with numerous sequels and inspired countless other games in the genre. The name “Contra” itself has become synonymous with challenging gameplay and cooperative action, cementing its status as a timeless classic in the world of video games.

Contra remains a testament to the enduring appeal of well-crafted game design and is a title that continues to challenge and delight players, even decades after its release.

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