Retro Review: “Contra III: The Alien Wars” – A SNES Classic

In the realm of retro gaming, certain titles are spoken of with a near-mythical reverence, and “Contra III: The Alien Wars” is one such title. Although my own gaming roots were firmly planted in the soil of the Sega Genesis, with its much-touted “blast processing,” I never laid hands on “Contra III” until 2023. The experience was a mix of delight and adaptation; while the game was indeed a blast, it felt somewhat sluggish compared to the hyper-speed titles I was accustomed to. Nonetheless, this game is a classic for a reason, and diving into its world was a journey worth taking.

Developer and Legacy

Developed by Konami, a powerhouse in the gaming industry, “Contra III” is a hallmark of their golden age. Known for creating compelling action games, Konami’s prowess in game design is on full display in “Contra III,” which released in 1992. It was a time when developers were pushing the boundaries of what 16-bit consoles could do, both in terms of graphics and gameplay.

Story and Atmosphere

Set in a dystopian future ravaged by alien invasions, “Contra III” drops players into the boots of battle-hardened warriors Jimbo and Sully as they fight to save Earth from destruction. The game’s narrative, while not complex, perfectly sets the stage for the non-stop action that unfolds. It’s a classic tale of good versus evil, with enough sci-fi flavor to keep things interesting.

Gameplay – The Core of “Contra III”

The essence of “Contra III” lies in its gameplay. As a side-scrolling shooter, it’s relentless and unforgiving. Players run, jump, and blast their way through hordes of alien adversaries and challenging bosses. The game introduced new mechanics to the series, such as the ability to wield two weapons simultaneously and the power-up system, which allowed players to unleash devastating attacks.

Despite feeling slower to a Genesis kid, the game’s pace is balanced, with moments of intense action followed by brief lulls that allow players to catch their breath. The SNES controller felt like an extension of oneself, with responsive controls that demand precision.

Visuals and Soundtrack

For its time, “Contra III” was a visual spectacle. The detailed sprites, dynamic backgrounds, and Mode 7 graphics during certain levels were a testament to the SNES’s capabilities. The game’s music, composed by Miki Higashino, Masanori Adachi, and Tappi Iwase, is an adrenaline-pumping symphony that complements the on-screen chaos.

Public Reception and Impact

Upon release, “Contra III” received critical and commercial success. Gamers were wowed by its intense action and polished presentation. Magazines and gaming shows of the time praised its challenging gameplay and replay value. It’s widely considered one of the best games for the SNES and has been included in many “best of” lists over the years.

Replay Value – A Battle Never Truly Won

“Contra III” is renowned for its replayability. With multiple difficulty settings and secret paths, it offers a fresh experience with every playthrough. The sheer challenge of the game also means that players will come back to it time and time again, striving to master each level without losing a life.

Four Engaging Facts

1. Multiplayer Mayhem: “Contra III” was one of the first games to perfect the cooperative two-player experience on the SNES, doubling the fun and the chaos.
2. A Graphical Pioneer: The game showcased what the SNES could do graphically, especially with its use of Mode 7 for pseudo-3D level effects.
3. Censorship: When “Contra III” was released in Europe, it was renamed “Super Probotector” and the human characters were replaced with robots due to censorship laws.
4. Legacy: “Contra III” has been re-released on numerous platforms, including the Virtual Console and SNES Classic Edition, allowing new generations to enjoy this classic.

Community Reflections

A retro gaming enthusiast, Alex Martin, shared his thoughts on a popular gaming forum:

“Even after all these years, ‘Contra III’ remains a pinnacle of action gaming. It’s one of those rare games that’s easy to pick up but incredibly hard to master. Every time I play, I’m taken back to my childhood, and I discover some new strategy or hidden secret that keeps the game feeling fresh.”

A Look at some fun Sources

• Wikipedia Entry for Contra III: The Alien Wars
• Contra Anniversary Collection on Konami’s Official Site
• [Retro Gaming Subreddit]  Contra III: The Alien Wars – A Testament to the SNES’s Might