Contra

Was there a better side-scrolling run and gun than Contra? Yeah, I didn't think so. Contra was hands down (and arguably still is) one of the greatest run and guns of all time. Not only did this game set the bar, but spawned a plethora of imitators. Regardless, at some point you have to had played this game. Whether you were "lucky" enough to pump a few thousand quarters into an arcade machine or cool enough to own the NES cartridge, you were privy to one of the greatest games of all time.

With that said, lets take a look at Contra for the NES. Unless you've been living under a rock the twenty or so years, you undoubtedly are familiar with the famous "code" that gives you a ton of extra lives. In my opinion (and with my playing style), you need all the lives you can get in this one. Now I've seen people blow through this game without losing a single life, but not me and probably not anyone reading this post. 

Getting to the actual game, the story has been somewhat forgotten to me over the last decade or so, but I remember something to do with aliens and drugs or something to that effect. Honestly, it really doesn't effect the enjoyability factor of this game. In regards to game-play, there are several cool aspects as opposed to simply charging to the right of the screen whilst leaving a trail of devastation in your wake. Granted, some of the levels require the aforementioned tactic, there is a bit of diversity to break up what might be considered monotonous over time. Contra also offers a series of 3D levels that require some dodging as well as precision shooting and timing. Upon completion of these levels you are often thrust back into run and gun action only to be greeted by massive bosses and enemies which are really bad ass. 

As for the overall control in this game. Well, what is there to say... The controls are responsive and there aren't really too many spots where you can fall victim of bad control or "handling". I would have to say that the game really delivers in a number of areas, not limited to what we've already mentioned. I particularly enjoy the strategy behind choosing weapons. The first time through the game you are likely to simply grab whatever weapon floats by whereas after a few run-throughs you will be a bit more selective (knowing what is ahead). 

Let's see, let's see... In regards to graphics and music Contra is quite satisfying. Although nothing terribly memorable, the music fits the game and is almost 8-Bit Sci-Fi'y and upbeat to fit the themes of the differing levels accordingly. As for graphics, they are pretty detailed for an 8-Bit game and don't glitch out when too much s@#t is flying about. Honestly, this is just a really good game all around and ought to be owned by any real fan of the NES or old school gaming. I mean, this is where a lot of the run and guns come from and many of the more modern games pay homage.