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Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles IV: Turtles in Time – A Retro Revival

  Release and Legacy Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles IV: Turtles in Time launched on the Super Nintendo Entertainment System in 1992. In Japan it arrived on July 24, in North America during August, and in Europe on November 19 of that year. The game built on its 1991 arcade predecessor, Turtles in Time, and continued the SNES numbering from previous Konami TMNT titles. Copies Sold and Popularity Exact SNES unit‐sales figures for Turtles in Time have never been publicly disclosed. However, its arcade parent became Konami’s best‐selling cabinet game upon release, cementing the brand’s status in the early ’90s beat ’em up scene. Over time, the SNES port has maintained a strong presence on retro “best‐of” lists, holding an average GameRankings score of 83% across seven reviews. Story The game kicks off during a live newscast at Liberty Island, where Krang—piloting a giant mech—hijacks the broadcast and snatches the Statue of Liberty right off its pedestal. As April O’Neil reels in hor...

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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