CONTRA - XBox360 Live Arcade

[Kubrick]

Still a very good game this that holds up well today. I've never actually played the coin-op before but comparing it with the PS2 version (http://www.play-asia.com/paOS-13-71-r-49-en-15-contra-70-19ey.html&main=ntsc-uk), it seems arcade-perfect - right down to the slowdown.

Choice of original or enhanced graphics/music as usual, although the enhanced graphics don't look much different (in SD at least), plus the screen size can be adjusted to taste.

There's Live co-op play which I've not tried yet, but it should be fun if it's not too laggy. Some of the achievements are earned in co-op mode and it's also nice to see that some of the other achievements require hardcore skills for a change. ie: clearing levels without losing a life, or doing them quickly, without powerups etc. :)

[maximum]

this is one of the best 400 point arcade downloads yet.....still plays well today. the co-op mode is allot of fun too.

[MattyD]

Am I the only person who still prefers the NES version? http://ntsc-uk.domino.org/images/smilie/unsure.gif

[ChrisField]

Choice of original or enhanced graphics/music as usual, although the enhanced graphics don't look much different (in SD at least), plus the screen size can be adjusted to taste.I don't really like the look of the enhanced graphics. Reminds me of the Eagle filters in MAME. Are they using the same filter?

[dvdmike]

The code works ;)

Aslo how did they not get sued by Fox over the Alien level ?

[ChrisField]

Don't think IGN liked it!

[Kubrick]

What a terrible review. It reads like the whole "OMG! the Co-op is broken" stuff is based on playing it once or something.
"Minutes later, I turned it off in anger."
Anyone experienced these "bugs" that are mentioned? I've yet to play the co-op mode yet. Been getting some of the single-player achievements first. ;)

[Goemon]

Yep, A friend and I had that problem on the waterfall - only once mind.

Another problem we had is when I played online my screen was squashed to hell (and I mean really squashed) altho my m8's was fine. He was on an SD TV I was using HD.

The game is quite good fun but it feels like a half hearted effort TBH.

[DavidHolliss]

The code works ;)
but pleased to read elsewehere you can't unlock any achievements when using it.

Never played this game before XBLA so have nothing to compare it against, but not bad for three quid at the end of the day :)

[J0e Musashi]

I can't tell any difference in grafx when I turn on the enhanced mode. It honestly looks exactly the same to me. Is it broked or something? Just like I remember it, and BTW it has to be played with a stick :)

[Yoshimax]

Not downloaded yet but will do so tonight as I liked Gryzor on the speccy ! :D

[Kubrick]

The enhanced mode gfx are just the same but with different explosions and weapon effects. I couldn't notice the difference either. :)

[SUMIRE]

The enemy bullets are alot easier to see in the Enhanced version

[kapowza]

Am I the only person who still prefers the NES version? http://ntsc-uk.domino.org/images/smilie/unsure.gif

I do aswell, the graphics in the original are a bit all over the place, wheras the Nees ones looked fairly clean, if simpler. Still a good game, holds up well.

don't tell anyone, but I always preferred Super Probotector's robots to Contra 3's burly men also.

[Yoshimax]

Downloaded & had a quick go last night - Very enjoyable hope there isn't too much lag over live.

For £3 it'd be rude not to,.

[MattyD]

I do aswell, the graphics in the original are a bit all over the place, wheras the Nees ones looked fairly clean, if simpler. Still a good game, holds up well.The NES version had good, solid, chunky graphics and gameplay. It also had the best bullet sound effect of the generation.

My main gripe with this is how squashed it is, I know you can expand the size somewhat but it still looks incredibly small, especially if you have a widescreen (and therefore far shorter vertically) TV.

[hoolak]

Not downloaded yet but will do so tonight as I liked Gryzor on the speccy ! :DSnap! I loved this on my spectrum. I never forgot the music and then I downloaded this and the tune I remember kicks in on corridor level. Now all I need is Combat School.