In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in retro gaming, with many classic titles from the NES era being re-released on modern platforms. One such game that has gained significant attention is Contra, a run-and-gun action game developed by Konami and released in 1987 for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). The game has since become a cult classic, known for its challenging gameplay and iconic soundtrack.

For fans of Contra looking to experience the game on PC without breaking the bank, there's good news: a free version of the NES version of Contra is available for download on Windows. This article will explore how to obtain this free version, as well as provide some background information on the game and its development.

Background Information on Contra

Contra was originally released in Japan in 1986 under the title "Gradius II," but it was later re-released in North America and Europe with a new title, simply titled "Contra." The game was developed by Konami's internal development team, led by Hideo Kojima (who would later go on to create the Metal Gear series), and was published by Konami.

The game follows the story of two special operatives, Bill and Lance, who must fight against an alien invasion in a fictional South American country. The game features fast-paced action, challenging level design, and a unique co-op multiplayer mode that allows two players to play through the game together.

Gameplay

Contra is known for its challenging gameplay, which requires players to navigate through increasingly difficult levels while avoiding enemy fire and projectiles. Players can choose between two characters, Bill and Lance, each with their own set of abilities and strengths. The game also features a variety of power-ups and upgrades that can be collected throughout the levels.

One of the most iconic aspects of Contra is its secondary weapon slot, which allows players to switch between different types of ammunition while playing. For example, players can choose between explosive bullets, laser bullets, or even a homing missile. This feature adds a layer of strategy to the gameplay, as players must carefully manage their ammo supply in order to succeed.

The Remote Barrier is another key feature of Contra that has become synonymous with the game. The Remote Barrier allows players to activate a shield that protects them from enemy fire for a short period of time. When activated, the shield glows bright blue and can be used to deflect projectiles or absorb damage.

How to Get the Free Version

The free version of NES Contra available for download on Windows is an emulator-based port of the original game. To access this version, you'll need to follow these steps:

1. Download the NES Emulator software: There are several NES emulators available online, including Visual Boy Advance (VBA) and Nestopia. For this example, we'll use VBA.
2. Download the Contra ROM file: You can download the Contra ROM file from various websites, including ROMHacking.net or CoolROM.com.
3. Extract the ROM file: Once you've downloaded the ROM file, extract it to a folder on your computer using an archive utility such as WinRAR or 7-Zip.
4. Launch VBA and load the ROM file: Open VBA and navigate to the folder where you extracted the Contra ROM file. Select the ROM file from the list of files in the emulator's built-in file manager, and click "Load" to start the game.

Note that using an emulator to play Contra may raise concerns about copyright infringement. However, the original NES version of Contra is no longer under copyright, as it was released over 30 years ago. Emulators are widely accepted as a legitimate way for retro gamers to play classic games on modern hardware.

Additional Tips and Tricks

If you're looking to get the most out of your free copy of Contra, here are some additional tips and tricks:

• Use the right weapon: The secondary weapon slot is key to success in Contra. Experiment with different types of ammunition to find what works best for you.
• Manage your ammo supply: Make sure to collect enough ammo to survive each level. If you run out of ammo, be prepared to restart from a checkpoint or lose progress.
• Use the Remote Barrier wisely: The Remote Barrier is a powerful tool that can help you survive even the toughest levels. Use it sparingly to avoid wasting ammo.
• Co-op mode: Contra features a co-op multiplayer mode that allows two players to play through the game together. This adds an extra layer of challenge and excitement to the gameplay.

Conclusion

Contra is a classic NES title that has stood the test of time, thanks in part to its challenging gameplay and iconic soundtrack. The free version available for download on Windows offers a great way for fans to experience the game without breaking the bank. With its fast-paced action, challenging level design, and unique co-op multiplayer mode, Contra is a must-play for retro gamers and newcomers alike.

Whether you're looking for a nostalgic trip back to the NES era or simply want to try out a classic game on modern hardware, the free version of Contra is definitely worth checking out. So why not give it a shot? Download the emulator software, extract the ROM file, and start playing one of the most iconic games of all time!