Classic Game Spotlight: Contra, The King of Difficulty

Modern gaming has seen its fair share of titles synonymous with brutal difficulty. Games from FromSoft, like the Dark Souls franchise and Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, are among the modern games notorious for their difficulty. However, before the emergence of these contemporary gaming juggernauts, one game held the crown as the King of Difficulty—Contra.

From Konami

In time for the game’s latest iteration, Contra: Operation Galuga on PC, Nintendo Switch, Playstation 4 and 5, or XBox,  join us as we delve into the legacy of one of gaming’s most iconic titles. Hype yourself up and relieve the glory days! 

Looking to upgrade your PC in time for this fantastic game? Check out the Machenike Light 16 Air from the Next Upgrade Shop! Ensure smooth gameplay and make the most of your time gaming with Next Upgrade Shop’s amazing lineup of PCs and laptops.

From 80s Arcades to Home Console Icon

From Steam

Contra first burst onto the scene in 1987, developed and published by Konami. Originally an arcade game, it was soon ported to the Nintendo Entertainment System or NES in 1988, where it found widespread popularity. Contra combined run-and-gun gameplay with cooperative multiplayer, a relatively new feature at the time, to hook gamers into dedicating hours in trying to beat its steep difficulty curve. With each run only granting you a limited amount of lives, it meant that only the most dedicated players would make it to the end credits.

Shaping the future with a Cheat Code

From GIPHY

“Up, Up, Down, Down, Left, Right, Left, Right, B, A, Start.” Better known as the “Konami Code,” it is one of Contra’s most significant contributions in gaming culture. The Konami Code was usable in the home console ports of the game that grant players 30 lives for each run. It’s relatively basic compared to modern game cheats that can grant infinite lives, but it was perfect for what Contra aimed to do. Even with the additional lives, Contra was still a hard game to beat. That’s why the Konami Code became so iconic—it almost felt necessary for anyone other than the OG God Gamers.

Evolution through the Ages

From Konami

Since its original release, Contra has seen numerous sequels and spin-offs across various platforms, each trying to capture the essence of the original while introducing new elements. Titles like Super Contra, Contra ReBirth, and Contra: Rogue Corps expanded the series' lore and gameplay mechanics. While some entries attempted to modernize the franchise with 3D graphics and different play styles, the core appeal of frantic, side-scrolling action remained constant. The series has experienced highs and lows, with some iterations receiving critical acclaim and others less so. Nonetheless, Contra's legacy persists, with each new title bringing its unique twist to the enduring formula.

Looking Ahead: Contra’s Bright Future

From Konami

The future of Contra looks brighter than ever thanks to its latest release, Contra: Operation Galuga. Reimagining the original game with modern graphics and sound design, Operation Galuga blends the classic feel of the original with modern enhancements, appealing to both long-time fans and new players. With new stages, new enemies, and even new gameplay mechanics, Operation Galuga promises to be a treat to anyone who’s a fan of the genre.

Get the best hardware for your games with the Next Upgrade Shop!

Just like Contra, make the jump to modern times and upgrade your PC with the help of the Next Upgrade Shop! Grab the latest and greatest PCs, laptops, tablets, and more, and add them to your cart today!