Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Contra: Legacy of War marks a bold departure for the series as the first Contra title on 32-bit consoles, arriving exactly ten years after the original Contra (known on some markets as Gryzor). Instead of the classic side-scrolling formula, Legacy of War adopts an overhead perspective that borrows heavily from arcade stalwarts like Commando and Mercs. This shift in viewpoint reshapes familiar Contra mechanics—dodging, strafing, and weapon pickups—into a more strategic, top-down experience.

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Controls remain tight and responsive, with the dual-joystick layout on controller pads allowing for fluid movement and independent aiming in eight directions. Players select from multiple weapon types—spread shot, laser, flame thrower—each of which can be carried over between stages if carefully managed. The pacing is brisk: enemies swarm from all sides in tightly designed arenas, and survival often depends on timely dash maneuvers and judicious use of limited smart bombs.

Adding variety to the core run-and-gun action are several platforming segments and environmental hazards, such as crumbling walkways, moving platforms, and sudden ambush points. Difficulty ramps up noticeably in later levels, demanding precision and pattern memorization. For fans of the original’s relentless challenge, Legacy of War offers a fresh spin, though newcomers may hit a steep learning curve early on.

True to the franchise’s tradition of hidden surprises, Legacy of War conceals two mini-games: an arcade-style shooter homage to Gyruss and a Pac-Man-like diversion called “Pactank.” These easter eggs are unlocked via secret codes on a specific stage and provide delightful breather moments from the main campaign, boosting replay value for completionists.

Graphics

Legacy of War leverages the 32-bit hardware to deliver fully 3D-rendered environments and character models, a first for the Contra franchise. Unlike the sprite-based backdrops of yesteryear, environments feature dynamic camera angles, rotating set pieces, and textured polygons that bring the battlefield to life. While some textures appear chunky by modern standards, the overall presentation retains a rugged, military-tactical vibe.

A standout feature is the optional red/blue stereoscopic mode, which requires simple anaglyph 3D glasses (often bundled with the game). Activating this mode introduces a genuine depth effect, making enemies pop off the screen and projectiles feel more menacing. It’s a gimmick that actually enhances immersion during boss encounters, though prolonged play in 3D can tax the eyes.

Enemy and boss designs carry the series’ legacy of over-the-top science fiction threats, from mechanized walkers to alien beasts. Animations are smooth and the color palette vibrant, with explosions and muzzle flares providing satisfying visual feedback. Particle effects on water, fire, and electrical traps showcase the developers’ efforts to push the hardware’s capabilities.

While some stages reuse textures or present pop-in when the camera shifts abruptly, the overall visual package is solid. The combination of 3D perspective and fast action makes Legacy of War one of the most visually distinctive entries in the Contra lineage, even if it doesn’t quite match the fidelity of later-generation titles.

Story

Story has never been the primary draw of a Contra game, and Legacy of War follows suit with a minimal narrative that serves mainly as context for the action. You reprise the roles of elite operatives (often assumed to be Bill Rizer and Lance Bean), now tasked with thwarting a new bio-mechanical threat codenamed “Project: Omega.” Cutscenes between levels offer brief, stylized artwork and text-based dialogue, but there’s little in the way of character development.

The plot unfolds across eight varied missions spanning arid deserts, frozen tundras, and alien-infested laboratories. Each environment ties into the central premise of retrieving stolen research data and shutting down Omega production facilities. Although standard for its era, the story provides just enough narrative glue to justify the globe-trotting set pieces and boss battles.

Fans looking for lore connections to the original 1987 Contra will spot nods—references to alien “Red Falcon” forces and returning weapon prototypes appear in mission briefings. However, these callbacks feel more like fan service than integral plot points. The focus remains squarely on delivering fast-paced confrontations rather than a deep sci-fi saga.

That said, the inclusion of hidden arcade mini-games (Gyruss and Pactank) is woven into the story via an optional “data recovery” theme: crack the secret code, and you’re rewarded with snippets of alien archives. It’s a playful way to integrate bonus content, even if it doesn’t fundamentally alter the campaign’s straightforward narrative.

Overall Experience

Contra: Legacy of War is an ambitious experiment, transplanting the series’ core run-and-gun DNA into an overhead 2D shooter with 3D graphical flair. For long-time fans, this shift feels both familiar and novel; the tight weapon mechanics and punishing difficulty are intact, but the change in perspective demands fresh strategies. The game’s challenge curve and hidden extras make it well-suited for replayability.

The stereoscopic 3D mode is more than a mere gimmick, imbuing the action with an extra layer of immersion—provided you don’t mind the occasional eye strain. Combined with the vibrant environments and polished enemy animations, Legacy of War stands out on the 32-bit library as one of the more visually daring Contra entries.

On the downside, the minimal story and occasional texture pop-in can undermine the sense of cohesion. Players seeking a narrative-driven shooter may find the campaign’s storytelling sparse. However, for those focused on tight controls, memorable boss encounters, and hidden surprises, Legacy of War delivers in spades.

Ultimately, Contra: Legacy of War strikes a balance between innovation and tradition. It upholds the series’ reputation for relentless action while branching into new technical territory. Whether you’re revisiting for nostalgia or discovering the franchise for the first time, this title offers a distinctive slice of Contra history that’s worth exploring.

Retro Replay Score

6.4/10