Review: Contra Advance: The Alien Wars EX (GBA)

Oh Konami, what have you done? We can understand that there was never going to be a perfect port of the Snes's Super Contra 3. However, did you really have to turn it into such a sloppy mess?

For anyone who was hoping for a nostalgic trip down memory lane, prepare to be very, very disappointed. Remember those amazing Mode 7 levels, that would have Megadrive owners blubbing like little kids? Well, they've been taken out...   Can you recall the joy of switching between 2 weapons and dropping huge screen destroying smart bombs? Well tough, they didn't make the final cut either.

What we end up with is a stripped down version of the original, with a few levels from the Megadrive's Hard Corps version standing in for those missing, and the end result is upsetting to say the least. As much as Gamestyle would like to moan about the game's missing mechanics, let us remember that many new gamers will never have had the pleasure of playing the original Snes title. These new gamers will find a very tough challenge ahead of them. No, let's start that again. These new gamers will find a ridiculously hard challenge ahead of them.

Enemies appear incredibly quickly from either side of the Advance's small screen, and the reactions of a mongoose are needed, simply to survive the continual onslaught. The stupid difficulty factor (which also hampers the PS2's Shattered Soldier) is most unwanted, and it simply stop many people from seeing what is a very technically accomplished game. Even the 2-player mode proves to be a rock challenge, and the end result will see many players copping out, and simply playing the - laughably - easy mode instead, (until they realise only the first 4 levels are available.)

Contra's gameplay is fast, hectic and is like a blast of hot plasma compared to any of its current peers. There is a nice array of weaponry (including flame-throwers, homing-missiles) and some gob-smacking bosses. The only new feature available is the ability to run backwards whilst firing your latest weapon. Now, this may be handy against some of the bosses, however, it's wasted in the rest of the game, due to your close proximity with the edge of the screen. The simplest option would have been to simply reinstate those awesome looking smart bombs.

Controls are nice and responsive, with none of the problems normally associated with the Advance's meager buttons. While the game may be frustrating to play, there is no doubting it is beautiful to look at. Sprites throughout are wonderfully sharp and full of imaginative design. The occasional slowdown that sometimes plagued the original is a thing of the past, and it looks very impressive compared to many recent GBA titles. Every level is packed with plenty of detail and all the money shots from the original (check out the mode 7 bomber) are present and correct. Losing the outstanding mode 7 levels is a major blow, however they have at least been replaced with some of the better Hard Corps levels, (the level taking place across a speeding train is particularly pleasing.) Overall the post apocalyptic levels look as fresh today as they did in 1992, high praise indeed.

Sound is also handled very well. While the impressive orchestral arrangements of the Snes lose a lot of their impact on the Advance, they still sound very impressive. They also perfectly complement the onscreen action, which in turn gets boosted by the varied array of spot effects used throughout. Konami have managed to once again squeeze some impressive audio out of the Advance's simple sound chip, and for that they should be applauded. Finally we have the always-amazing bosses. These have stood the test of time extremely well and look even better in their new miniaturised form. Whether you're taking out the massive robot from the 2nd level, or filling the final boss with hot lead, each and every one is as impressive now as it was then. Just like the rest of the game though, they certainly are not pushovers. So prepare to face some of these guys many times, before they are eventually defeated.

Overall Contra Advance is a huge disappointment and a naff conversion to boot. Both the stunning original and KonamiÂ’s recent string of decent GBA titles amplify its lameness, and that annoying difficulty is the final nail in the coffin. Sure, it may look and sound decent, but only the most hardened of masochists will ever see the later stages, let alone complete them. Oh, how the mighty has fallen.

Rating: 5 / 10

Words by Darran Jones