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Story

Contra Force presents a narrative that slightly deviates from the alien-centric themes of its predecessors. Set in the fictional city of Neo City, the game follows a special task force known as C-Force, assembled to combat terrorism and criminal activities that threaten peace. This unit consists of four members: Burns, the leader and a former military officer; Smith, a skilled weapons expert; Beans, a master in demolitions; and Iron, a martial arts specialist.

The plot kicks off as C-Force is assigned to thwart a criminal organization led by a mysterious figure known as “D.N.M.E.” The team must navigate through various urban environments to dismantle the syndicate’s operations. Unlike other Contra titles, Contra Force focuses on a more grounded, militaristic storyline rather than an extraterrestrial invasion.

The storytelling is straightforward, typical of early ’90s action games, and while it may not win awards for depth or complexity, it serves as a solid backdrop for the intense gameplay that Contra fans expect. The narrative provides just enough motivation for players to dive into the fast-paced action, maintaining a balance between story and gameplay.

Gameplay

Contra Force stands out within the Contra series due to its unique gameplay mechanics. Unlike the traditional run-and-gun approach, this game incorporates tactical elements, allowing players to select and control one of the four C-Force members. Each character comes with distinct abilities and weapons, adding a layer of strategy to the fast-paced action.

Players can switch between characters during gameplay, which is crucial for exploiting each member’s strengths. For instance:

• Burns wields a rifle and is effective for straightforward combat.
• Smith specializes in heavy artillery, making him ideal for dealing with larger threats.
• Beans uses grenades and excels in clearing obstacles and crowded enemy positions.
• Iron, with his martial arts prowess, is best for close-quarters combat.

The game features five levels, each with its own unique design and challenges. Levels range from cityscapes to dockyards, offering a variety of environments that keep the gameplay fresh. Within these levels, players encounter a mix of platforming segments and intense firefights, requiring quick reflexes and strategic use of character abilities.

Contra Force also introduces a cooperative play mode, allowing two players to team up and tackle the game’s challenges together. This mode enhances the strategic depth, as players can coordinate attacks and make tactical decisions on the fly.

However, the game is not without its challenges. The controls can feel sluggish at times, and the screen flickering, a common issue in NES games, can hinder visibility during intense action sequences. Despite these drawbacks, the gameplay remains engaging and challenging, demanding precision and strategic thinking from players.

Graphics and Sound

For a game released on the NES in the early ’90s, Contra Force showcases impressive graphics that push the console’s capabilities. The character sprites are well-designed, each with distinct features that reflect their personalities and roles within C-Force. The environments are detailed, with vibrant colors and varied backgrounds that enhance the game’s setting.

The graphical presentation, while not groundbreaking compared to some other titles of the era, effectively conveys the gritty, urban atmosphere of Neo City. The animations are smooth for the most part, contributing to the game’s overall visual appeal.

In terms of sound, Contra Force delivers a memorable soundtrack that complements its action-packed gameplay. The music, composed by Kenji Yamazaki, features catchy and adrenaline-pumping tracks that match the intensity of the on-screen action. The sound effects, from the firing of weapons to the explosions, are satisfying and add to the immersive experience.

Overall, the graphics and sound design, while occasionally hampered by technical limitations of the NES, succeed in creating an engaging and atmospheric backdrop for the game’s action.

Legacy and Reception

Contra Force is often overshadowed by its predecessors, particularly the original Contra and its immediate sequel, Super Contra. Released in 1992, the game arrived at a time when the NES was nearing the end of its lifecycle, with players’ attention shifting towards more advanced consoles like the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES).

Despite this, Contra Force has garnered a cult following over the years. Its deviation from the standard alien-themed narrative of the series and the introduction of tactical gameplay elements have earned it a unique place in the Contra franchise. The game’s cooperative mode, character selection, and strategic gameplay are often highlighted as its strongest features.

Critically, Contra Force received mixed reviews upon release. Some praised its ambitious attempt to innovate within the series, while others criticized its technical issues, such as slowdown and graphical flickering. These mixed reactions have contributed to its status as an underrated entry in the series.

Today, collectors and retro gaming enthusiasts appreciate Contra Force for its distinct gameplay and contribution to the evolution of the series. It represents a bold attempt to diversify the Contra formula, and while it may not have achieved the commercial success of its predecessors, it remains an intriguing piece of gaming history.

Conclusion

Contra Force, despite its relative obscurity and mixed critical reception, stands as a testament to the experimental spirit of early ’90s video game development. By introducing tactical elements and a more grounded narrative, it carved out a niche within the iconic Contra series. While technical limitations and a late release in the NES’s lifespan may have hindered its initial impact, the game has since gained recognition for its unique approach and cooperative gameplay.

Its legacy is one of innovation and ambition, illustrating how video game franchises can explore new directions while maintaining the core elements that define them. Contra Force may not have achieved legendary status, but its influence and charm endure, capturing the interest of those who seek to explore the breadth of the Contra series.