Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Contra Force introduces a strategic twist to the classic Contra formula by allowing players to switch between four distinct operatives—Commando Burns, Smith, Beans, and Iron—each equipped with unique strengths and weaknesses. This character-swapping mechanic injects a layer of tactical decision-making: do you send in the heavy-hitting Iron with his bazooka when a group of D.N.M.E. troopers appear, or rely on agile Beans to dart through tight corridors and trigger traps?

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The game’s five missions alternate between traditional side-scrolling action and top-down shooting stages, keeping the pace varied and the challenge fresh. Side-scrolling segments feel reminiscent of the earlier NES entries, with platforming jumps, wall climbs, and relentless waves of enemies. In overhead levels, your squad navigates labyrinthine compounds, locating secret passages and disarming land mines, which provides a welcome change of perspective and demands careful map awareness.

Weapon variety is one of Contra Force’s greatest strengths. From rapid-fire rifles and flamethrowers to screen-clearing rocket launchers and time bombs, the arsenal encourages experimentation. Finding hidden weapon caches and secret exits rewards exploration—discovering a flame thrower can transform a difficult corridor into a manageable gauntlet. Multiplayer mode further amplifies the fun, as two players coordinate character choices and cover each other’s blind spots.

While the controls can feel slightly stiffer than those in Contra III on the SNES, the learning curve is compensated by the depth of mission design and the opportunity to master each operative’s quirks. Boss encounters demand quick reflexes and strategic weapon usage, especially when battling mechanized D.N.M.E. war machines. Overall, the gameplay loop of choosing the right commando, hunting secrets, and blasting through levels remains engaging from start to finish.

Graphics

Given the NES hardware limitations, Contra Force delivers surprisingly detailed sprite work and backgrounds. Each commando features distinctive colors and animations, making it easy to identify Burns’s swift movement or Iron’s lumbering heavy attacks at a glance. Enemy sprites range from basic infantry to large, imposing vehicles, creating a visual hierarchy that informs your tactical choices on the fly.

Side-scrolling environments are richly decorated, from urban rooftops lit by neon signs to underground bunkers with flickering lights. The designers employ a muted palette for D.N.M.E. facilities, using grays and dark greens to convey a militarized, oppressive atmosphere. In contrast, overhead missions feature clearer color separation to help players discern pathways and hidden alcoves, though the clutter of scenery can occasionally make it tricky to spot small explosive barrels.

Animation frames are relatively smooth for the era, with each character executing walk cycles, jumps, and weapon firings fluidly. Explosions and weapon effects carry satisfying screen shake, adding weight to every rocket launch or grenade detonation. Despite some flicker when many sprites occupy the screen—an all-too-common NES occurrence—the overall presentation remains coherent and readable.

Comparatively, Contra Force doesn’t reach the graphical heights of Contra III: The Alien Wars on SNES, but it holds up well among its NES peers. The art direction emphasizes clarity and gameplay readability over superfluous detail, ensuring you always know where to move and what threats to prioritize. For collectors and retro enthusiasts, the visuals are a nostalgic showcase of mid-’90s NES design.

Story

Set against the sprawling urban landscape of Neo City, Contra Force casts players as members of an elite counter-terrorism unit tasked with dismantling the sinister D.N.M.E. organization. Though narrative exposition is minimal—delivered primarily through brief mission briefs and end-of-level graphics—the premise of a special forces team battling a domestic terror threat lends urgency to each operation.

Commando Burns leads the charge with unwavering resolve, while Smith’s balanced skill set makes him a reliable all-around fighter. Beans brings agility and reconnaissance expertise, slipping through vents and unlocking secret pathways. Iron serves as the muscle, his rocket launcher and flamethrower decimating enemy strongpoints. This quartet’s personalities are hinted at through title-screen portraits and unique weapon specialties, but most of the story unfolds through the heat of battle.

Each mission’s one-sentence briefing underscores the stakes—rescue hostages from a high-rise under siege, infiltrate waterfront docks to prevent missiles from launching, or storm an underground base to defuse a time bomb. These succinct setups fuel your motivation without bogging you down in cutscenes. The climax at D.N.M.E.’s hidden command hub showcases occasional cut-in art panels that punctuate the action and reward progression.

Contra Force’s narrative simplicity is both a strength and a limitation. By focusing on pure action and strategic gameplay, the plot never overstays its welcome. However, players seeking deep character development or intricate storytelling may find it thin. For those who value non-stop thrills over cinematic spectacle, the game’s brisk pace and clear objectives hit the sweet spot.

Overall Experience

Contra Force stands out as an ambitious NES entry that blends the series’ trademark run-and-gun intensity with light tactical elements. The ability to swap between four commandos adds replay value—each operative’s unique arsenal transforms familiar levels into fresh experiences. The mix of side-scrolling and overhead stages further prevents monotony, ensuring that no two missions feel identical.

Difficulty is generous by modern standards but unforgiving in classic NES fashion. One-hit kills mean learning enemy patterns is crucial, especially on later missions where D.N.M.E.’s fortifications unleash relentless barrages. Save states on emulators or frequent password checkpoints on original hardware can alleviate frustration, making the game more accessible without diminishing the satisfaction of overcoming tough encounters.

For Contra aficionados, Contra Force offers a welcome twist on the beloved formula, even if it lacks the polish of its SNES counterpart. Multiplayer ramp-ups the fun factor, turning each mission into a cooperative dance of cover fire and synchronized special attacks. Fans of retro action games will appreciate the hidden routes, weapon pickups, and the sheer adrenaline of blasting through waves of enemies.

Ultimately, Contra Force is a solid addition to any NES library. Its blend of strategic character management, varied level design, and robust weapons loadout makes it an engaging pick for both newcomers to the series and veteran Contra operators. While it may not eclipse the high-water mark set by later console entries, it delivers decades-old thrills that still pack a punch today.

Retro Replay Score

6.3/10