27-Feb-2003 306,541 bullets and still counting... Come on!
You'll probably fire off more rounds in a single sitting of Contra Advance than were shot throughout the entire Second World War! And you need every last bullet, because there's not one nanosecond in this game when you're not being attacked from all sides.
Swinging across rivers of lava and dodging spurts of magma while slaying countless enemies and somersaulting over incoming rounds is as relaxed as it gets.
Except for a couple of new levels, Contra Advance is virtually identical to the original SNES title. Side-scrolling shooters really don't come much more intense than this crazily apocalyptic nugget.
Breath of Death Much like the Metal Slugs and Super Ghouls 'N Ghosts of this world, clocking it is tougher than running a marathon in a titanium jockstrap. Mistime a jump by a moment, get clipped by a bullet, or brush shoulders with an enemy and you're dead.
The breakneck pace, outrageous power-ups, extravagant set pieces, manic boss battles, and cooperative two-player carnage should make Konami's side-scroller appeal to even the most hardened adrenalin junkie. But the fact that there are only six small levels somewhat takes the sting out of its tail.
So despite the hardcore difficulty, you'll probably be craving for more. Nonetheless, for a short sharp burst of dynamite action, Contra on GBA delivers in spades.
Michael Cooper
// Overview
Verdict
An undeniably explosive handheld experience, but the shortage of levels might make your enthusiasm fizzle out too quickly.
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