Contra: Legacy of War - A Retrospective Look at a PS1 Classic

Story

Contra: Legacy of War marks a significant departure from the traditional side-scrolling action that fans had come to expect from the Contra series. Released in 1996 for the PlayStation and Sega Saturn, this installment was developed by Appaloosa Interactive and published by Konami. The game’s story takes place in a future where Earth is under threat from an alien menace led by Colonel Bassad, a rogue military leader. Bassad has discovered a way to open a portal to another dimension, intending to use the alien forces to conquer the planet.

Players assume the role of one of four commandos: Ray Poward, Tasha, CD-288, and Bubba. Each character brings a unique set of skills and attributes to the battlefield. Their mission is clear: infiltrate Bassad’s stronghold, close the dimensional portal, and thwart his plans for domination. The narrative, while straightforward, serves as a backdrop for the action-heavy gameplay, with brief cutscenes and dialogue sequences providing context for the unfolding chaos.

Gameplay

Contra: Legacy of War deviates from its predecessors by embracing a 3D perspective, a bold move at the time. The game offers players a third-person view, allowing them to navigate through various levels filled with enemies, traps, and obstacles. This transition to 3D was ambitious, aiming to offer a fresh take on the classic run-and-gun formula.

The gameplay retains the core elements of the Contra series, with players collecting power-ups that enhance their firepower. These power-ups provide access to a variety of weapons, such as machine guns, lasers, and the iconic spread gun. The game is structured across several levels, each featuring unique environments and progressively challenging enemy types. Players must navigate through hazards and defeat formidable bosses to advance.

One of the notable features of the game is its cooperative mode, allowing two players to tackle the campaign together. This mode accentuates the game’s emphasis on teamwork and strategy, as players coordinate their efforts to overcome the relentless onslaught of enemy forces.

Despite its innovative attempt at 3D gameplay, Contra: Legacy of War faced challenges with its control scheme. The transition from 2D to 3D introduced a learning curve, making precise movements and aiming more difficult compared to the series’ earlier titles. Players often found themselves grappling with the controls, which impacted the fluidity of the action.

Graphics and Sound

Contra: Legacy of War’s graphics were a point of contention upon its release. While the move to 3D was a bold step for the franchise, the execution was met with mixed reactions. The visual design aimed to capture the futuristic and alien environments, with varied level designs ranging from dense jungles to mechanical bases. However, the graphics were criticized for being somewhat blocky and lacking the polish seen in other contemporary titles on the PlayStation and Sega Saturn.

The character models and enemy designs, although creative, suffered from limited animations and detail. This contributed to a visual experience that felt somewhat dated even at the time of release. Despite these shortcomings, the game maintained a consistent frame rate, ensuring that the action remained smooth during intense combat sequences.

In terms of sound, Contra: Legacy of War featured a soundtrack composed by Attila Heger. The music aimed to complement the fast-paced action with energetic and dynamic tracks. While the soundtrack was praised for its intensity, it struggled to leave a lasting impression compared to the iconic music of earlier Contra games. Sound effects, including gunfire and explosions, were serviceable, effectively adding to the chaotic atmosphere of the game.

Legacy and Reception

Upon release, Contra: Legacy of War received mixed reviews from critics and players alike. While some appreciated the attempt to innovate with a 3D approach, others lamented the departure from the series’ 2D roots. The game’s control issues and graphical limitations were frequently cited as points of criticism, overshadowing its ambitious design.

Despite its shortcomings, Contra: Legacy of War holds a place in the history of the series as a bold experiment during a time when many franchises were transitioning to 3D. The game paved the way for future titles to explore different gameplay perspectives and mechanics. It also showcased the challenges developers faced during the early days of 3D gaming, providing valuable lessons for the industry.

Conclusion

Contra: Legacy of War stands as a testament to the evolving landscape of video games during the mid-1990s. Its attempt to bring the beloved Contra series into the realm of 3D was both ambitious and challenging. While it may not have achieved the critical acclaim or commercial success of its predecessors, it remains an intriguing entry in the franchise’s history.

The game’s impact is seen in its willingness to experiment with new technologies and gameplay styles, a quality that has allowed the Contra series to endure across multiple generations of gaming. For those interested in the evolution of video games or the history of the Contra series, Contra: Legacy of War offers a unique glimpse into a pivotal moment in the industry’s development.