Super Contra; a classic that'll make you remember just how hard games could be.
Gameplay: You play as one of two characters (no difference, just looks) and progress through 5 levels; 3 side-scrolling and 2 top-down. The side-scrolling levels are my favorite, with the top-down being significantly harder due to it's presentation and controlling. Through-out the game you'll move with D-Pad or analog, jump with A, and shoot with X; shooting and jumping can be changed to any button on the controller of your choice. Anyway, you go through the level shooting baddies and grabbing power-ups (spread-shot, automatic, grenade launcher) to eventually face a boss and beat the level. It may sound simple, but it's harder than it seems, and never really gets stale especially when playing with friends. Oh and, Konami code works (of course I've never used it nor will I ever).
Xbox Live Co-op: This is the multiplayer aspect of Super Contra. Of course you're playing co-op, you go through the same levels as single-player, and it's pretty fun. In the first Contra for XBLA, you'll reminisce that sometimes the game split leaving you with a computer-controlled ally or some games were just laggy. No lag or splitting is present in Super Contra (lag only consists with a slow host) and it's great.
Graphics: Nothing too good, nothing too old. The graphics are presented nicely, the power-up graphics as well as the deaths have been spruced up to look nicer but can get somewhat distracting. Overall just a bit of enhancing and the rest of nostalgia. You can, of course, switch between the old and new graphics.
Sound: Great Contra music, but I miss the Contra chime when you're loading up the game at "Konami." Man, that was great.
Value: The 5 levels as well as co-op make this a great buy if you have a friend that wants to play it with you, if you want to experience Contra, if you liked the trial, or if you just like the first Contra for XBLA. The difficulty is ramped up from the first, and it's pretty downright hard. But for a price of 400 MS points ($5) you'll get a classic side-scrolling shooter that'll last you longer than most other XBLA games. If you're commited and can beat the game, it's something worth bragging about.
Reviewer's Tilt: What can I tell you, it's Contra. Simple, difficult, and fun.