Contra codified for XBLA this Wednesday

by Richard Mitchell { Nov 6th 2006 at 9:30AM }

It looks like someone over at Microsoft realized that a new UNO deck doesn't exactly inspire excitement on Xbox Live Arcade Wednesdays, because this week they're getting the word out bright and early. Releasing this Wednesday for 400 points is everyone's favorite old school, alien-blasting shooter, Contra. A side scrolling shooter of the highest order, Contra is one of those games that people have been pining for ever since the Xbox Live Arcade service was announced. Like Frogger, another Konami XBLA release, Contra will feature both original and enhanced graphics and sound. We have to wonder if the enhancements will be an actual improvement or if they will feel as strange as they did in Frogger. The game will also feature Xbox Live and local co-op play, leaderboards, and 12 achievements. What we don't know is whether or not the game will incorporate the Konami code. We realize that the code wasn't actually in the arcade version of Contra but it's the principle of the thing.

So, what do you think fanboys? Is Contra so magnificent that it even overshadows that other game that comes out tomorrow, or is it just another retro title clogging the Arcade?

Tags: arcade, arcade wednesdays, ArcadeWednesdays, contra, konami, konami code, KonamiCode, live arcade, LiveArcade, xbla, xbox live arcade, xbox live arcade wednesdays, XboxLiveArcade, XboxLiveArcadeWednesdays

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

xfan @ Nov 6th 2006 9:45AM

I love Contra! Can't wait to try this out again.

Also announced as coming to XBLA arcade from Atari is:

Centipede/Millipede, Battlezone, Asteroids/Asteroids Deluxe, Missle Command, Tempest (cool!), and Warlords (multiplayer? also cool!)

craptastic @ Nov 6th 2006 9:56AM

why am i still paying for old crappy games that XBLA thinks they will make better, when thees nothing better than the system they came on.

not only that, after the lumines contorller issues, why even bother trying to play any other XBLA games its a waiste of time and money for all....XBLA needs to come up with something good before PS# launches their media market....i have a feeling with PS1 being an emulator

DrunkPenguin @ Nov 6th 2006 9:57AM

While, initially, I was hoping for more new games to show up on XBLA, many of the retro titles are holding me over just fine. I can't wait to download this game and play some co-op online. Though it will most likely be short lived, depending on when that other game shows up in the mail.

Dark Morford @ Nov 6th 2006 10:05AM

Didn't Peter Moore announce back at E3 (when he announced Contra coming to Arcade) that the code would work? I don't have the video handy right now, but I'm pretty sure that was brought up...

nick @ Nov 6th 2006 10:26AM

The cool thing about the arcade, you can download and play a level ahead of time. If control is a problem or you don't like the game, don't buy it. I know I haven't bought several after trying them out.

As for Contra, thank you Microsoft! Been waiting for this one.

Judd @ Nov 6th 2006 10:29AM

Well I personally am looking forward to this. Sure it's a rehash of a game that we've had for years but at least they added co-op live play. That's what we need more of in this situation. Not only have they revamped the graphics and multi-player but to offer it for 400 points makes it even better.

Would I rather have Small Arms coming out on Wednesday? Yes! Will I be happy with Contra? Yes, just not quite as happy as if it were small arms.

Marcos @ Nov 6th 2006 11:14AM

i was really hoping for small arms. but hey, theres still 3 more Wednesdays in November right?

Platinum Skeet @ Nov 6th 2006 11:22AM

I get my Gears of War the day this comes out...

NOOOO!!!

mietha CAG @ Nov 6th 2006 11:46AM

Contra is a true classic, and to have updated graphics is a real bonus. I agree, the Frogger updated graphics didn't quite work (I play with the original), but they did add to Time Pilot and Scramble, so let's hope they are more like that. And honestly, I don't care what game it is, as long as they release a new game on every Wednesday. The only out and out disappointments so far are all of the Namco titles. Well, and of course the Lumines BS.