Contra's foray on the Genesis and also one of its best.
Graphically, Contra Hard Corps is amazing. Though the Genesis was limited in terms of graphic processing, Contra HC managed to pull off some spectacular effects. Some levels deviated from the standard side scrolling fare to levels that took on a 3d feel, most notably the highway level fighting that cyborg guy. I think his name is Dead Eye Joe or something like that. I was disappointed with the SNES’ Contra III The Alien Wars with its bland levels despite the SNES’ superior graphic capabilities. The sound is also great with all the explosion effects. The music sets the frantic pace of the game well without going too over the top. Contra HC isn’t an easy game to play through. The game does have a branching level structure, so you can decide which way to go. This does add to the play value as you can go back and take different paths and get different endings. Some paths are easier to play through than others. Some paths are downright frustrating. The game does require you to play multiple times to find patterns in the enemy’s movement. There isn’t much room for error since on hit will kill you, but that is standard in Contra games of the time. Even if you do have the patterns down, you better be on top of your game because on slip up could send you starting all over again.
When I heard games like Contra and Castlevania were coming to the Genesis, I was ecstatic. Sure, games appearing on multiple gaming platforms are nothing special nowadays. But if you remember you gaming history, Nintendo had the monopoly on many gaming franchises well into the 90’s. For fans of the Contra series, Contra HC is a definite must have. I believe it is the best in the series because of its branching level structure, multiple playable characters, and excellent graphics and sound. Yes, it is a hard game, but it wouldn’t be a true Contra game if it wasn’t.