Have fond memories of the Famicom version. Was visiting from the states and my uncle took my brothers and I to a pachinko parlor and with his winnings he got me a copy of contra for the Famicom. When I came back stateside, some friends were amazed that there was actually snow in the snow level, and the cutscenes. The coolest part of the Famicom port is the final level, where the entire is level is 'alive' with the alien parts pulsating faster as you hit the last boss more - was a really cool effect! Thanks again for these videos!!

Never knew the Famicom version had some extras over the western version 👍

Just a curiosity, on Europe, the NES version was called Probotector using robots instead of commandos or soldiers and changing the plot of the game. All the sequels, including the Super Nintendo and Mega Drive ones were called Probotector also...

The reason for the name change is because "Contra" was in reference to the Iran Contra controversy of the 1980's that plagued the US. (Google it. It's very fascinating.) I believe Konami wouldn't think that Europe and Australia would get it so they changed the name.

I think the main problem with the modern arcade port's 3D graphics is that they're too choppy and feel like/actually are pre-rendered sprites instead (a problem the NSMBU style in Mario Maker also has), which is highly noticeable when characters stop from running. No extra keyframes at all.

I remember playing this on the DS through an arcade collection. At first it was hard, but I was able to beat it at one point. I also watched a perfect playthrough in the collection and tried to master it. Can't really remember the last time I played it, but it was fun.

One of the best NES games ever made.

The Amstrad CPC 128k port has separated music/FX.It can be selected by pressing the ESC key in the screen menu..

I also noticed the Famicom has added background animation.

Hands down & thumbs up, one of the best NES run and gun shooters I ever played, no question at all! Played it (NES version) on my Famiclone system back I was a kid. Perhaps I would review and replay this game, this time with the Famicom version. A great way to revisit my childhood days.

NES version was glorious, especially the Japanese one with a bit better graphics due to an extra chip inside the cartridge.

Ocean put a LOT of magazine adverts out for their titles in French Press, no surprise to see home conversions of this receiving awards come review

FANTASTIC...as per usual :)

Konami praises the arcade version by rereleasing it the most. Most American gamers however, can't prefer arcade over THE AMERICAN NES version for many reasons. Before 3D graphic-based FPSs were possible, run n guns were America's preferred game genre. Japan remembered Gradius for the Konami Code more (even Game Center CX), but since Pac-Man hit the arcades, even when R-TYPE was successful, shmups weren't as fun to most American gamers back then until nowadays. That's why you'll hear "Contra Code" and "30 Lives Code" more often.

For me this game was always the good old Gryzor since I first saw and play it on C64. However I must say that the NES version is so iconic that is probably the best version.

Contra...one of my first "big" games on NES and, still, one of my favorites. Another rare case, where home port is considered to be "the definitive version" of the game. And for a good reason, I might add. While Arcade version has more detailed graphics, NES port added much more content and made controls and gameplay more enjoyable as the whole. As for the ports: C64 port...looks horrible in some places, as if graphics were redrawn in MS Paint. But, I guess, at least it looks like developers tried to make something decent. If you look past lack of normal scrolling, Armstad version doesn't look so bad. Spectrum port...must have been nice at the time and for this machine, but generally it looks very watered down. Not sure what to think of MSX port. Hm, I didn't even know that Contra had a MSX port!! I wonder, what prompted Konami to give some extras to this version of the game? Reminds of situation with Castlevania and Vampire Killer. Anyway, while the game looks technically nice, lack of scrolling and general slowness, make me feel, that I wouldn't rate this version of Contra very highly. NES version - is an immortal classic and anther prove that "beauty lies in simplicity". Much like original Castlevania, it is a perfect game, where everything in its place and there is pretty much nothing to add to its formula. Also, stage in NES port were not as much extended, as they were created, because in the arcade game levels 5-8 were pretty short sections merged together. Level 7, Hangar, in particular, was just one screen long in the arcade game. The way how Konami extended it and made it, one of the hardest levels in the NES game, will cease to amuse me. Famicom version is, of course, superior to the NES version. Nowadays, if I want to play Contra, I play Japanese version of the game, with English translation. Contra Revolution Evolution is quite an odd beast. On one hand, I like what they were going for - straight remake of the NES classic with new graphics, without bells and whistles. Just take an original game and gave it a facelift. On the other, it looks quite cheap and controls are floaty and inferior to the NES game. So, in the end, it's not bad, but it is a far cry, from what they could do with this idea, if they put a good developers behind it.

I would play the c64 version with my big toes on the space bar. It would work!

*Nintendo and Super Nintendo Nuff said!* ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

The truth is that the MSX port surprised me. It's pretty decent, despite not having side scrolling due to hardware limitations, compared to other versions.

I grew up with the nes version in 2010 on bootleg consoles!

I remember the ads for the Nintendo version in Marvel Comics, I used to think it looked great! I never had a Nintendo, but did have a C64. I don't remember playing it, but for some strange reason I DO remember the C64 music. Weird. Funnily enough, my wife used to play the Nintendo version with her little brother A LOT when she was a kid. It's one of the few video games she actually likes (excluding mobile games)

Other than the NES/FC port the MSX2 port looks pretty good, and the Amstrad port looks serviceable enough.

Do not forget to Probotector, which was another name was known. Contra is a classic, but the climax came with Contra 3 / Super Probotector that was like an orgasm XD The best Contra that you can play today is called HardCorps for PS3, magnificent work of Arc System Works, has the essence of these classics. A greeting!!!!!

Great channel. Subscribed.

I didn't know that the arcade Contra was the first version released until I checked the museum on Contra 4. Because the NES one was so aawesome and known that everyone always thought on that version. Long live NES Contra!

「魂斗罗 进化革命」 11:58 と「魂斗羅 オペレーション ガルガ」、それぞれ違った方向性の「原点をベースとした現代風リメイク」。 こういう「“現代風リメイク”が2つ3つとある」事例はこれまでもなくはなさそうだけど、これからもっと増えていってもいいのではないか。

The amstrad cpc looks very nice.

Love the content you make on this channel. SUBSCRIBED! :) Also, can you do "The Tower of Druaga" for the next "Battle of the Ports" episode, please?

My favorite Contra version Nes 100% love classic video games never forget rest of my life Arcade original was great the problem is to slowly Arcade Android superb

no probotector? (i know, i know) XD

If you dont know about Contra, you cant consider yourself a true retrogamer. Very glad you did an episode about contra!

Garn dang I'd love to own a dedicated Contra arcade machine or at least the PCB.

I have the Japanese Famicom version, it's awesome. It's one of the three Konami games that I know of where Japan did it better. All in all, I love the Japanese version

CPC does have music, the same you hear on nes during vertical sequences

Arcade version is easily the best. The best 8bit version is the Amstrad Cpc464 version.

here's a interesting urban legend from China:which translated in English is 8 under water level, but later proved it is the msx 2 version

the c64 version had the mountain stage in the budget rerelease version and was also in the konami coin op hits compilation

Oooh...good game. I missed this bad boy as well as Super Contra B O t P. Can’t wait. Hope all is well mark.

In Europe, there's also Probotector, which was how it was called in Europe. They replaced the characters with....robots... yeah... robots...

I really wish I had known Contra was in the works for Battle of the Ports. I definitely could have helped get Contra for DOS running. There exist both workarounds for the BBS screen issue and also separate downloads to make the game work. There is even the European version of the DOS Contra, called Gryzor. I also would have recommended my site for information for this video (sorry for the shameless plug), but especially for some corrections. The Commodore 64 version does have the full Waterfall level; well, at least some versions (including the North American version, Contra); it also suffers from needing to press Spacebar to jump, which really breaks the playability. All versions of Gryzor on CPC have music; it depends on what CPC machine you play it. To jump/drop down a level in the CPC version, just press up/down, not with the fire button; the latter's to aim up/diagonally/duck. You can still get the powerups you missed in the Spectrum version, but only if you're still really close by (can aim diagonally/drop down levels, etc). Other than that, it was fun to watch and listen to.

Nice show man! I see you left out the MS-Dos version. Did you know there was one? Its complete garbage, so you aren't missing much lol.

Anyone know if the "KONAMI CODE" has an effect on any other ports besides NES?

Amiga version annouced in C. C. I magazine at the time

Contra has also MS DOS port :)

Arcades usually have certain problems: some munch numerous coins, about all lack a pause button for restroom breaks, and I have encountered some that were out of order. For Contra, while the American NES version seems extremely prominent to retro gamers in America for several reasons like 2P mode, 30-lives code, firearms, being on the then hot-selling NES, and often considered the very first run 'n' gun, Konami seems to mostly honor and remember their initial arcade version because of it being the very beginning of the Contra series. The Famicom version has more effort and love added to it, but Nintendo of America made them remove certain content, including replacing the game clear theme with the pattern or stage clear theme. In my opinion, I prefer the arcade mainly for Konami's opinion.

I had this for the Spectrum after the great ratings in the magazines. But my God, pressing 'space' to jump killed it for me completely I can live with colour clash and even the not walking left. Nintendo version is comfortably the top version and plays better than the arcade imo.

After showing me all those versions, except Arcade, the NES/Famicom version for me is the best looking, best music, and has better game play o_o I tried that new arcade port, and I agree with you, it's 100% crap taken out of a toilette after taking a dump. ... but I could give +1 for boobs err, I mean, the extra characters.

I didn't know there were other versions of this game! I only knew about the NES one my entire life!

NES ❤ FAMICOM Cut scene , map that's 👌

A mere 1/5 for the budget re-release on the C64 from YC magazine? That's rather harsh

The First J2ME Version Only 2 Stages Completed. The Second J2ME Version Based From NES Version.

There's a KZfaq video where someone translated the Japanese in the Famicom version to English. Go watch it and enjoy it in all its glory!

Famicom/Nes version forever!

I think that the amstrad cpc version is much better than c64 and spectrum one!

If I remember correctly, you could switch between music/sound effects on the amstrad version, I Loved it as a kid (dat laser sound!) but never managed to beat it. Famicom version is still awesome :D

If I remember right, the waterfall stage is only missing on the C64 one in cracked versions

Can you do the Konami code in the arcade version?

Wish the arcade original didn't have that narrow aspect ratio. Other than that, it's one of the best versions, although the Famicom version is probably better due to it having longer levels and a better aspect ratio. But I still prefer the level design and the waterfall stage boss of the original. I had the CGA DOS version as a kid, and as bad as that port was, I could see how amazing of a game it was if it wasn't such a terrible port of it. I remember as a kid seeing the NES version and being amazed by it.

The arcade remake seems kind of rocking, right off the bat, but you're right. At a deeper look, it just looks stiff and cheap. Is Contra Rebirth on the Wii (via WiiWare) any better? I don't even know if it's supposed to be a remake or a brand new game, to be honest. ^^;

Where's the gameboy port? There's even an enhanced gameboy color version on one of the konami compliations

well i did search for the ms dos version of contra or gryzor though but it's still there but it's archived however this might be a new cheap update of contra but i think it does not have to be a perfect remake at all since i did heard about chinese update thing but i understand it's not that good for the controls though. but wait i think the remake is taking the nes famicom animations while the original version of arcade was just decoration of that alien thing.

NES and Famicom the best

Yo, Mark. You should make these videos along with your son! Two players battle of the ports!

very few times when console version better than arcade, famicom is the best version by far

If you must know, Konami 50th Anniversary is about to begin on April.

Hey Retrocore,are you listening to your follower's requests or not? I asked you to make comparison of Dynasty Wars,a great Capcom arcade game that was ported on Pcengine-cd and the 5 major home computer systems. Dont be selfish and make the comparison please.

Why didn't you mention Probotector?

Famicom ver. is the best!

Haha, you just forgot to precize : Contra ... Gryzor ... and Probotector, that's funny joke 'cause germans feelings .. The chinese version is really a port, or just a DS reboot ??? Strange but fun ... thx for the review Retro

Ah, Contra. One of the first games I remember where I couldn't beat the thing without cheating.

I just used my action big toe to hit the space bar, Turrican was much better this way, till the killer cramp kicked in anyway.

Old video but still: since you live in Japan, why are you running a 50Hz MSX2? Don't you have a Japanese one too? As you know better than anyone else, running Japanese games on 50Hz doesn't do them justice. And jeez, how little charm that 3d version has... Great video!

Wonderful GFX from Mark K Jones (Renegade on CPC, Cybernoid series and Drakmere on Amiga) on CPC will always make me consider Gryzor as the good version on CPC. The absence of scrolling is a very poor sacrifice and after a few games, we know where the enemies are placed. There is no slowdown, SFX are wonderful and gameplay is just perfect considering the one button control. In fact this CPC version is even a little too easy in my opinion. At the time, I finished it very quickly. In fact, its only flaw, and not the least it must be recognized, is that it misses a good third of the content of the arcade, as in all the computer versions. By the way, you have to activate the music before starting the game. But you won't have SFX anymore. As stupid as in Double Dragon 2 on Amiga. Amiga version is a disgrace for all Amiga fans, a stupid thing which should never have seen the light of day, much like Castlevania.

I don't agree with the ZX version. Graphics are colourful, and detailed. Sound/music is Ace. It is fun, and very playable. It has that arcade feel. Most Spectrum games were very good indeed. The music is so amazing, and nice graphics.

I remember when Konami put the original arcade game on x box live and other places and every one pissed and moaned it wasnt the nes version......

please play msx japanese games in 60hz

Too bad no Oretachi Game Center Zoku: Contra, greatest home version ever!

Konami loved screwing around with regional differences in content at the expense of gamers around the world, and Contra is no different. That said, the Famicom version looks a lot better than its NES counterpart. Nothing screams outsourced mess more than Contra Evolution; hell, even Hard Corps: Uprising by Arc System Works destroys it.

I only played the zx spectrum version. Nice at the time, but that was it... It's a pitty that there are no more hw conversions to compare - both consoles as well as computer ones. It would be interisting to see what would come up...

The remake has female protagonists, thats a +1 from me. :D

Oh that chinese Contra is awful... that's what u get when u give the licence to the people who just make games without any heart or soul and just look after quick money

no gameboy version?? :O

As for Contra,arcade version is crap compared to the great NES version (which was not made by Konami but from Treasure-Alien Soldier and Gunstar Heroes makers!)

NES by a mile the famicomz graphics just are not as well defined . And the gameplay on both blows the arcade version away

That's why konami went to shit these days

8:51 You gotta work on your pronunciation of Schwarzenegger. I know it sounds stupid but you would be amazed at how often my stupid lisp has gotten me into bother while talking about Arnold Schwarzenegger

C64 sucked eventhough I wanted to be the best back then lol

It's too bad that the new arcade is so ugly.

Why does these crummy European computers even exist lol. It’s like trying to play a video game on an etch a sketch.

Nes is the only version thats better than arcade

i cannot believe the arcade version had horrid graphics. nes/famicom has the best version