The Contra Series Center

The Contra Series Center -Only Authenticity

What this is... (Basics- May 27, 2008)

Hello and welcome to my website dedicated to the Contra series. This is the site's current location, though whether it's actually temporary or not, I'll decide later. Anyways, this site will provide you, the Contra fans (I hope), a whole lot of interesting information and facts on the Contra series. For those of you that don't know, Contra (in this case) is a video game known for its difficulty. It spawned many sequels, versions, ports, etc. Have a good stay...Me, I'm a HUGE Contra fan and I try and acquire as many ports of Contra as I can. Why? They're different enough to provide a new form of challenge. On Youtube, I'm user Iniche and currently broadcast some RARE Contra games; at gamefaqs, I'm user gearratio, author of the Versions/Ports Guide for the first Contra game. I have one on the verge of being released for Super Contra... much more stuff to come. Questions/comments, don't hesitate.

Contra HQ Moved...? Hah! (November 15, 2009)

Well, gee. The rotting site, Contra HQ, moved from gamespy to kontek after free hosting was cut off. Yeah, I know what you're thinking: "Do we, or anyone, care? How many people noticed?" Well, the answers are no and 2 people. Well, what does it matter, anyway? The site's been long dead and care has no meaning with that place. Who even remembers that site? Yeah, nobody. Anyway, I just came across some information about the current owner looking to give the site away. Although it's no surprise, I wonder why he didn't make this intention more public. Oh, yeah, perhaps because of the embarrassment of total contradiction and fail. I don't blame him: the pseudo-fans of Contra often fear of having a hurt ego and tarnished e-penis.

What does this leave in store for Contra HQ? What else? It'll probably be handed over to someone who will follow in the footsteps of its 2 previous owners. For the clueless, this involves an introductory news headline claiming he/she is a fan of Contra and promises many "great" things planned for the site. Of course, the closest thing to "great" from these sell-outs is the amusing barrage of news headlines that flood the homepage containing claims of site developments and changes.

At this point, we don't take any of it seriously anymore, now do we?

Contra Rebirth is Out and is Fantastic (July 6, 2009)

Iniche here, giving a quick update on the release of Contra Rebirth - it's awesome and anyone who has half a fucking brain to call themselves Contra fans should buy it immediately. No really, even if you don't live in Japan, go steal it or download it to play for free. It's worth the jail time! It's a nice return to its roots, seriously, and feels a lot like the arcade Super Contra and Sega Genesis Contra: Hard Corps. However, it's given a nice glossy sheen, along with many setpieces (...ok) of previous Contra's. But it really has a Super Contra/Hard Corps feel to it. Easy mode shouldn't be a problem for Contra vets (plus beating it unlocks a bonus character called Tsugu-Min, who can be used to easily beat the other difficulties to unlock other goodies). But Normal and Hard are also too easy, but in that good kind of way. Contra 4 was really G, it's just that Kurt Kalata sucks at Contra. Seriously, more companies need to get M2 together to revive stagnating franchises that the Japanese big companies have no idea what to do with (Shining Force and Phantasy Star, I'm looking very specifically in your direction). Plus, they even included Game Kommander in the Special Thanks section, which makes them beyond awesome (it's better than the Contra HQ, isn't it?). The official site launched a few weeks ago - both this and the game in whole are amazing homages to the old quasi-maniacal Konami work. A fuller review should be coming shortly, but in the meantime, here's a few (quite excellent) songs recorded straight from the game:

Not!!!!!!!!!

Sterlin Garvy (of "smack cocks the size of a needle" lame) commented, along with most everybody else, that the game feels "old-school" (i.e. Contra). I really agree, and some of the stylistic choices did match my notions about the series - but it really doesn't matters, does it? It's the gameplay, morons! This entry into the series digs with both hands into the history of Contra in North America and digs up classic gaming (if I can spell it right, why can't some jackasses?) style along with some regional oddities that probably will translate well - but the overall effect is that it rekindles true passion instead of simply resurrecting the dead shell of a series. It is also a game that will make new fans overseas (since, 99% of gamers grew up with a bottle in their mouth and save-state type games shoved up their asses). I'm never biased towards any Contra game, unlike many so-called "hardcore fans" (a little ROTT somebody?), but pining for the good old days of awesome weaponry (unlike how some idiots call it: "plastic assault rifles with neon stickers and flashing LED's) will keep the series fresh. Confused by that statement? Aren't we all?

So far, my only real complaint with the game (some people are saying stupid, blind, poorly concluded things, really) is that it's rather short. I know, it's a Wiiware product and has the subtitle "Rebirth"... but maybe they should have opted out of it altogether? Nah, it's still great. Too bad there are no cheats! Not that I'd need them, nor many players, since this is very easy. But the bottom-fed, freeloading parasites of casual gamers will throw the game away once they realize they cannot save game. Other than that, the game is flawless through and through. Oh - there was the matter of the 31st (unlike the lazy, I'll specify: December), which proved to be very patient-wrecking to US fans: possible release. But that's just a placeholder and Rebirth will probably arrive earlier than that day, arriving in Wii Shop sooner. The PAL release would launch earlier than that, though (at least to PAL customers), but proves rather fearsome of ways and clearly Contra fans wouldn't think the same way as certain no-brainers. Even more confused?

I do recommend the 2007 port of the original Contra 4 for mobile phones, and I've managed to make several videos for the game. Check that out on my youtube channel (find it). I've got some fond memories of the game to process still, and with some luck I'll eventually turn out some Contra Rebirth stuff as well, and perhaps some music samples for both (oh really?). Or I can fit in with the trend and act lazy....

U 8 7|-|3 J|_|D63

Smoothly Rolling (February 13, 2009)

First thing's first: 2008 is now gone by as we all know and in comes 2009. Now, take note of the day's date. Nothing bad happened to me the whole day, so I guess I'm lucky XP. Nah, I don't believe in that superstitious crap.

Anyway, site development did not cease at all. I've been working on it as much as I possibly could throughout the period between this and the previous update. You can find most recent additions in the pirate scans area, as well as adding minor information, fixing mistakes and maybe a new page. The most notable difference is that I've created a page for a newly discovered cell phone game: Super Contra 5. It's very interesting. I also came across 2 other J2ME cell phone versions of Contra 4, one of them that I've been on the hunt for since July. Can't say I like them too much.

I have a whole list (unfortunately growing) of unsolved Contra-related concerns/matters/issues. I'm trying to resolve them as best I could.

As far as official Contra news, it's as dead as it always was since 2006 (yeah, Contra 4 wasn't even a dent). The same old retarded gamefaqs community; same Contra HQ and same Contra DB. My forum is still open...

'Till next time...

Pirate Cartridge Scans and More! (December 22, 2008)

We're nearing the new year and things are getting insane over here. First, something exciting for fans at my expense. Take a look at the pirated games section for a new link. I've put up a page where I've uploaded many scans of pirate Contra game cartridges and will keep adding more. Along with that, take a look at the fan-games section for a new entry, Contra: The Abyss. It's quite exciting.

Bye.

Contra: Legacy of War (November 28, 2008)

Well, I finally managed to pick up Contra: Legacy of War on the PS1. I found it at a local Microplay store. There's also Legacy of War on the Saturn that I've snatched from Ebay. Now, the PS1 version came with 3D glasses. One would usually be glad about this. However, since it was a used game, you cannot expect to have the original 3D glasses. Instead, it came with the pair used for the movie Journey to the Center of the Earth. Those didn't give off the 3D effect (does it have to do with one of the lens being green instead of blue?). Fortunately, the saturn version I won in the auction seems to come with the original pair.

I got the games at such awesome prices! The PS1 version for $5 and the Saturn version for $15 (the average price for Saturn games is around $40 on Ebay these days). I'll put up reviews for the game once I have both ports at hand and, man, do I got stuff to mention...

Cheers

A Really Important Update (November 12, 2008)

I'd say that this update is just as important as the when this site first went online. No big reason really, but.... I have closed all redundant links! Now, whenever you click into something, you won't be taken to a different page. All links lead to a proper page. Of course, many pages still have no information, but I assure you that will change. In the meantime, it's definitely better to be taken to the actual page, rather than being redirected. This is something I've been trying to do for a very long time. Now that I got this out of the way, it's off to the real chunk of work. Once I'm done that, there comes the final part of the work: media. That should be a bit easier.

In other news, Ed Oscuro (current site owner of the Contra HQ) seems to be MIA. He hasn't interacted online since at least July. Who knows? Ed, did you quit the internet life or something? I got lots of unanswered questions in your inbox since July, as well as lots of exciting information on Contra. Not interested?

Nothing new in terms of game releases. However, word's been going around about 2 unofficial, but major, fan-made projects. One is a custom NES ROM someone is making. It's apparently an attempt to recreate Contra 4! As exciting as that sounds, there's just so many doubts: how will the dual-screen system work? Judging by the size of Contra 4, will this ROM be over 5 MB? How much content will remain, be changed or be removed? Is this even a good idea to boot? Well, only the result will tell. One common question asked is how all the original controls will be translated onto the NES controller (which obviously has much fewer buttons). The truth is, the game will run on either a new emulator that maps extra buttons or through a custom build of a good one (FCEU, I hope? Or perhaps NESTopia?) which emulates some pirate/unlicensed controllers. These foreign controllers usually have extra buttons that don't come into use. Most importantly, for the convenience of players, a custom gamepad (probably with a PS1 or DS button layout) may be required to play this game. There really hasn't been any news on this project. I don't even know where to get new information, anymore. This could either be a hoax (most likely), cancelled or it may be in development yet!

The other project, similar, is some sort of add-on/modification for Contra 4 on the Nintendo DS. Being made by someone under the name of JTG Maddox (could it be JTG the WWE superstar who's, following his character, thus trying to play us :P), his features text file show so much of exciting stuff. You just gotta read it to know more. Who knows, this could be yet another stupid joke. Anyway, get the text file below (notice how clever this JTG guy is, cannot even leave a contact email). He once showed some screenshots of his game on the justroms.com forum. I should have kept a copy of them on all my PC's. They pretty much depict Contra 4, but with entirely new levels, enemies and cool new designs. Get the text file, NOT the add-on, below.

Here

Have a nice day...

Forum Change (November 2, 2008)

Forum location has changed. I've decided that the cause of the emptiness in my board is the uber-retarded board system. Half the people that tried to join did not receive a confirmation message. I say, "Go fuck yourself, Aceboard". Anyway, I've updated the new location in the forum section. Check it out. The forum has a better layout and hopefully, more people will join...Iniche - the only true Contra fan alive - signing out...

Rather Late Update? :) (September 22, 2008)

Well, I mean, last time I put an update was (checks update below...) July 20. That was almost 2 months ago. Well, that doesn't mean I slacked off for 2 months. In fact, I've been adding lots of stuff recently. But like it should already be known, any changes made to the site won't be applied to public view until I hit that little orange Publish button up there on my tool panel.To more interesting stuff, I've finally run a forum for Contra. So people can enjoy Contra discussion, after almost a 2 year hiatus. And this time, it's at a forum dedicated truly to Contra, not the retarded anti-social and loser-oriented gamefaqs boards (I'm not saying everyone there are classed as so, but most of them are. Roboplus, you know you're one of them, you pretentious piece of shit). Too bad nobody really knows currently, though, based on the member count of 3, including me. Do you guys want a community for this or not? Get off your lazy ass and register.'Til next time...

I have C: The Contra Adventure :) (July 20, 2008)

I finally got the game. I made a review for it and you can check it out. During this long period, I've been fixing stuff, filling gaps and adding a lot of minor stuff. Once I get word from Konami Mobile on an inquiry (How hard is it to read my email? We all know whether this company is busy or not...0.o), things will really pick up. Stay tuned...

Heavy Update! (July 3, 2008)

I've added LOTS to the site. Now, the main links in Contra and Super Contra are complete and don't lead to another page. Now, they have sufficient information. Plus, I've filled in on the TI-8X versions of Contra and put in extra information to the inter-sequel changes and regional differences. I'm putting more stuff onto the site real often. Stay tuned...

Developing the site... (June 23, 2008)

Just began work on Contra 4, Hard Corps and Force.

Didn't I say? :P (June 8, 2008)

Well, I said I'd be back at least once this week. If you take a look around, you'll see that a majority of the links in the game section lead to another page, where you can choose the version/port. That's what I've been adding so far. Before I head off, I want to shed some light on the links. Yes, I know that over half the page links in the game section lead to a page other than what was chosen. I am aware of this and it is because I still have to make their pages (so in the meantime, the links will redundantly lead to Amstrad's Gryzor, for example).Have a nice day.

Much More Added (June 1, 2008)

Once again, check the games section.Also, as a heads-up, I'm going to be busy as hell this week, so don't expect any updates until Saturday or Sunday. However, I'm NOT quitting on the website and will make sure that won't happen, if ever! Sometime next week, I'll also be booked, and the week following that one. But from the end of June until the end of August, this site will be at least 50% done, I hope...(See that? I didn't make any promises, nor guarantees, because I know how it is when such things aren't executed)

Gryzor-Amstrad CPC Added (May 28, 2008)

Check the games section for a new page up.