However, Tsugu-Min’s words imply that this Bill Rizer is simply a clone and that he will be killed. In a rather dark scene, Bill Rizer is shown presumably returning to cryo-sleep, having accomplished his mission. Battling hordes of enemy troops, machines and aliens, the Contras emerge victorious and are congratulated by the Galactic President. Lance is eventually discovered to be alive, undercover in enemy territory. Both are considered to be Contras as well. Aiding them along the way are Tsugu-Min herself and Plissken, a reptilian alien soldier. Bill is paired with Genbei Yagyu (from Neo Contra) to form the response team that is sent back in time to stop the threat. He is greeted by a female robot, Tsugu-Min, who relays the message of the Galactic Present regarding the situation with the Neo-Salamander Force. In the present day, Bill Rizer awakens from cryo-sleep, his memory completely clouded. However, contact with Lance is lost during his mission.

The galactic president’s initial response is sending Lance Bean to neutralize the threat. Their first course of action is traveling back in time to 1973 and killing the Contras of the past. The Neo-Salamander Force is a new terrorist organization, led by Chief Salamander. The events of Contra Rebirth take place in an alternate timeline, set in the year 2633, the same year as the events of the very first Contra. Note: The Nintendo Wii U’s Wii Mode allows all original Wiiware and Virtual Console games to be played, which includes Contra ReBirth. It’s certainly a reiteration, or perhaps rehash, of the series’ greatness but it has enough to stand on its own and provide an enjoyable Contra experience. Regardless, Contra ReBirth is a solid entry in this run-n-gun series. The title seemed to be a matter of “bit off more than it can chew” and many players viewed this game with Contra 4 standards. Some want to stress that this game brings nothing new to the series’ formula. The latter shouldn’t be an issue, as there aren’t many levels to begin with, the game isn’t long and the levels have been balanced and tailored to work around the arsenal. Other points of criticism include the plot, of course, and the limited arsenal. However, it can be argued that these were done in direct response to prior complaints about the opposite. The reduction is compounded with the quirks associated with each difficulty mode. The overall difficulty is also greatly reduced by the fact that you are provided with unlimited continues. However, some may feel that the palette is too sharp in contrast to the somewhat more realistic approach taken by previous titles.Ĭriticism is primarily aimed at the game’s length: with only 5 stages (6, if you count the special final boss battle as a stage), the hefty price of this Wiiware release has been a point of contention.

On one hand, it is quite suitable for the side scrolling run-n-gun environment and makes for a beautiful display. Simultaneous 2-player mode is akin to the Contra III model such that bosses take more damage to defeat.Ĭontra ReBirth’s visuals are a point of mixed opinions.

You start with 2 playable characters, Bill and Jaguar (Yagyu). You can also unlock a very tough difficulty setting, as well as additional characters, by finishing the game on the 3 difficulty settings. Super Contra is especially emphasized in the game as a whole. As previously mentioned, the arcade games come to mind with this game when all elements work together. In fact, it almost tries to outdo Neo Contra’s insanity. The over-the-top and highly ridiculous plot is a comfortable homage, or maybe satire, to the absurdity of the North American NES Contra manuals, in addition to Neo Contra as a whole. Using the Classic Controller is the extra step to make it an authentic SNES experience. Gameplay is a mix of Contra III (checkpoint system most of the guns and overall stage structure and pace), Contra: Hard Corps (fast pace and some of the bosses) and the arcade games, especially Super Contra. The sound effects and music are unarguably some strong points of this game. In a similar effect, the Japanese title screen is very reminiscent of the MSX2 version of Contra. The remade music and menus are reminiscent of Arcade Super Contra and Contra Hard Corps, respectively. The foundation of Contra ReBirth evokes a strong arcade feel. Its core gameplay uses Contra III as a base and integrates elements from all of the early games in the series. Despite unrealistic expectations from players for a game as extensive as Contra 4, the essential Contra gameplay and camp are retained in this Wiiware release. Contra ReBirth is yet another throwback to the classic Contra experience.

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