PixlBit

"Hardcore" is the right word for this brutal but satisfying action game

For several years, Konami's Contra series was exclusive to Nintendo's consoles (apart from arcades, of course). But that all changed with Contra Hard Corps, which was released exclusively for the Genesis in 1994. Developed and published by Konami, HC holds to several of the series' staples while adding new features that make the game unique for the time. The argument can certainly be made that this game is actually better than its SNES counterpart, which is pretty amazing. 

Let's point out the new additions in this game. First, there are four playable characters, and you get to choose who to be before the level starts. These characters are Ray (typical Contra dude), Sheena (the girl), Fang (a wolfman, I guess?), and Browny (a short robot). These characters all play the same except for Brownie, who is half the size of the others and can double-jump (making him a good choice for beginners). Having a small cast of protagonists is pretty cool. 

Second, the game allows you to hold up to three different guns AND a bomb. This is such a great addition since there are so many great guns in this game. Third, and most notable, the game has multiple routes based on the choices you make. This means there are entire levels and bosses that you will miss on your first playthrough, giving the game some good replayability. In fact, the game has five different final bosses and five different endings, which is remarkable for the time. But only a hardcore fan would be able to actually see all five endings. 

HC focuses much more on story than the other games. Your team goes into the city to stop a robot and then you discover that a hacker is reprogamming robots to wreak havoc. The story ends up being cliche and typical, but it's still a lot of fun (and the villain could not be any more stereotypical, complete with a black suit and flowing cape). At least the villain isn't Red Falcon again. It seems that Konami wanted to do something different. 

Gameplay here is exactly what you would expect. Controls are perfect. Power-ups are good. One hit kills. There's a new slide move that your character can do, which can be very useful. The level design is fine. Certain things, such as climbing walls and ceilings, were brought over into this game. Thankfully, Konami is constantly putting you into different scenarios (riding a hover bike, grabbing a giant missile, infiltrating a base, riding a speed boat, etc.). Levels are also distinct (city, jungle, ocean, train, alien base). The graphics are colorful, and there's always something interesting to look at in the background. While the characters are small, they're contrasted well with the huge and detailed bosses. 

Speaking of bosses, they're perhaps the best part of HC. Each level has a mini-boss and final boss. These are some crazy bosses! You'll fight plenty of robots and bad guys in machines. One boss has a guy inexplicably changing into tiles that shapeshift into different forms and attack you. Another boss is three machines that combine (a la Power Rangers) to form various animals. But the best bosses are the ugly alien bosses. One such boss is a giant purple face attached to a machine with huge hands. And one of the endings has you fighting the villain after he has mutated into a super-powered alien. Many of the bosses are over-the-top, but Konami embraces it. These bosses can be tough, but if you use save states, they're certainly beatable once you learn their patterns. 

The music here is good, although nothing really stands out to me. However, that Genesis sound really works here, as the composers use lots of bass and pulsing beats. All together, this is a great package, enhanced by the fact that it's all two player co-op. 

Final Verdict--4.5 Stars: Highly Recommended 

While the levels aren't as interesting as those from Contra III, HC makes up for that with multiple characters, crazy bosses, and alternate routes. There's a lot to love here. This is classic Contra with some new additions, making it a unique game. Sadly, this game is often overlooked as I don't  hear gamers talk about it much. Considering that there are no annoying overhead levels, this is possibly better than its older cousin (although I would never admit it).