VIDEO GAME: Contra (1987)

Contra Year: 1987 Rating: E10+ Time Played: ~1 hour What is there to say about such an iconic game like Contra that hasn't been said before? Not only did it cement the historic "Konami Code" into the brains of scores of retro gamers, but its difficulty basically required using this exploit to get to the end of the game. The transition from coin-operated arcade games to the home console market was one that worked well for Contra, which used its difficulty to keep people playing long enough to "get good" and beat the game without the Konami Code. Part of the appeal of this game is definitely the couch co-op aspect. Playing with a partner makes it much more fun, especially if you're both somewhat good at this action platformer. Of course, the game also has its own technical limitations, which can affect the gameplay—especially when playing with another person. It can be janky and cheap with how it spawns in enemies or makes certain...
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