Contra (Famicom) (2.9.88)
The Famicom packaging for this 8-bit classic is quite interesting, as the back of the box explains the etymology of the Japanese 'Contra'. In Latin, Contra means against/opposed (contradiction, contraception, etc.). The game was also undeniably influenced by the Nicaraguan Contras of the 1980s.
Konami explains that the word fighting spirit 斗魂 (Tokon) is flipped into 魂斗 (Konto) with 羅 (Ra) attached at the end to form the word 'Contra'. 羅 is a difficult word to translate in this instance, as depending on the context it has many meanings: the Latin language, to nest, to cover, and is used in all sorts of lexicon dealing with Eastern religions and more. The infamous Shinra 神羅 corporation of Final Fantasy VII also uses the same character.
(Images taken from Moby Games. Contributed by Rik Hideto)
Front:
Emergency Directive Activated!
Back:
Warning, the aliens are approaching!
* 3 Way Scroll
* High Position Visuals
* Weapon Capsule System
* Sound Select Ability
"Kontora," is the name given to the masters of guerilla warfare, those born with and possessing a burning fighting spirit.
Contra (MSX2) (5.26.89)
While impressively packaged and boasting a number of new additions, the MSX2 version of Contra was several limited by the hardware's lack of screen scrolling.
(Images taken from MobyGames. Contributed by Biofloppy)
They have the burning, fighting spirit!
The MSX2 version of [Contra] is finally here!
The year is 2633, where strange events are occurring on the planet. A plan by beings from another planet to invade and wipe out humanity has commenced. Warriors, the time to fight has come. As your fighting spirit burns, head to the Galuga Archipelago, which has been transformed into the enemy base!
The MSX2 version has a total of 19 stages, including new and original added levels!
(Captions)
Infiltrate the Galuga Archipelago!
3D screens within the underground passages.
An MSX2 original, the Magma Zone.
The Alien Zone. Is this it's true form?
Giant enemies await.
* Grab the capsules! Power Up!
By taking the capsules which appear throughout the game, your jump ability, running speed and more will POWER UP!
* Control 5 types of 'SUPER GUNS'!
Destroy power-up sensors throughout the game and grab the items to select your weapons.
Super C / Super Contra (NES / Famicom) (2.2.90)
Nintendo of America, seeking to avoid controversy as usual, had the second Contra renamed to Super C, in order to avoid referencing political scandals which were simmering well into the early 90s.
(Images taken from MobyGames. Contributed by Depeche Mike)
(Super Audio * Video Action)
The power of [Contra] goes full throttle, once again. The super-powerful alien army awaits. Making use of advanced technology, an astonishing battlefield is in store.
* Featuring multidimensional scrolling, a game defying expectation unfolds.
* 2 player simultaneous play available, using Billy and Lance.
* From giant mechs to internal organs, a world of striking visuals.
Operation C / Contra (Game Boy) (1.8.91)
Borrowing elements from both versions of Contra on the NES, the first portable Contra faired quite well with pumping music, animated backgrounds and plenty of the action the series is famed for.
This is authentic, hard action.
Firing away, attacking ceaselessly, FIGHTING is the way of life for these men. Even beginners can feel at ease with included gentler settings. The masterpiece has finally arrived.
* Game Boy Original Version
* Homing Missiles and other new weapons are introduced
* Graphics which have surpassed the (Game Boy's) limits
* Stage select function included.
Contra: The Hard Corps (9.5.94)
Compared to the grittier Genesis cover, the Mega Drive version gets an anime style illustration. This first (and only) Contra for a Sega system features multiple paths and endings.
(Images taken from Gamefaqs. Contributed by RFH.)
(Background) Indiscriminate Shooting.
Non-Stop Pulverizing Action
Taking pride in their wondrous fighting abilities, the elite unit "Contra". Facing vicious high tech robots, they're in for a tense, continuous gun battle. With their 'fighting spirit' elevated to the upmost limits, they pulverize their enemy. The 'aesthetic of destruction,' reaches its extreme here.
Contra: The Alien Wars / Contra Spirits (Game Boy) (9.23.94)
The Game Boy port of Contra III impressively recreates the gritty, busy graphics. Even the overhead stages are included, minus the scaling effect.
(Images taken from MobyGames. Contributed by Rik Hedito.)
A storm of bullets sweeps over the devasted city.
The super-hard action of the Super Famicom masterpiece has been brought over!
With overwhelming fighting and scientific capability, this is clearly another form of life.
The nature of this alien attack far surpasses the general knowledge of humanity.
Now, once again, the Contras have stood up to them...
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