Score: 7.5/10

(I have completed 5 of 8 levels)

Pros: The game feels great. It maintains the quintessential contra feel. The difficulty is both a pro and a con. The original contra isn’t too hard especially with the 30 life cheat, and the first few levels are nice to play (SAVE STATES!).

Cons: I tend to make hacks that are very difficult as well, but this seemed extremely difficult. The life count is extremely restricted (I believe I heard the 1UP sounds from acquiring points, but I did not gain a life). The 30 life count cheat code is either changed or removed. Hacks really fall into two categories for me: Those that just simply require save states for 99.9% of the population, and those that don’t; This is the former. There’s no way I’d beat this without save states. I probably tried the Level 4 boss 100 times before i finally beat it.

The Laser is much improved in that after collision it doesn’t disappear, seemingly making it more powerful, or at least able to kill more enemies on the screen.

The weaponry is very restricted as well (your weapon resets after completing a level). the ‘M’ is no longer automatic, but the main rifle is.

Suggestions: With the extreme difficulty, I would suggest a very high life count and flood the player with power ups, expecting death. Restricting the player from every angle robs from the play experience.

More when I complete the game.