C: The Contra Adventure

After the fully 3D (and disappointing) Contra: Legacy of War was shunned by press and hard-core Contra fans, the Appaloosa development team has opted to bring the next game in the series closer to its roots.

C: The Contra Adventure has a mixture of 2D and 3D gameplay with environments similar to those found in the SNES Contra game. The first stage, for example, resembles the SNES' metallic city level, but this time polygonal backgrounds and foregrounds provide the ledges, obstacles, and scenery. There are also two different types of 3D levels: One is eerily similar to Legacy of War because you see the action from an overhead view in a 3D environment. The second type of 3D level design is vaguely similar to Tomb Raider, but strictly linear. Again, SNES players will immediately recognize the 3D fortress interiors where electric gates and enemies must be mowed down before progressing to the next area.

If any of this seems a little overwhelming, don't worry, there's a basic-training mode that will step you through the game's 3D mechanics.

Expect the game this August.