Super C
The PC DOS conversion of Super Contra was developed more with the arcade original in mind. As such, despite its name, it more closely resembles the arcade original than the NES version. It is overall a very accurate conversion, retaining nearly all aspects from the original Super Contra. The simultaneous 2-player mode is present, for example. Differences include more options, such as for audio (Adlib, PC Speakers, Tandy 100 Sound, etc.) and video (EGA, CGA, Hercules monochrome, Tandy). The player can select between keyboard and joystick/gamepad for control. The former makes firing automatic, but at very slow rate; this is problematic as there are many sections where enemies attack in large groups. The use of a joystick/gamepad is almost essential to complete the game. The bosses, however, have been significantly weakened. The collision detection is rather faulty and the player may even occasionally get killed for no reason, especially in the overhead stages. The game starts the player with 10 lives and no continues. However, 10 extra lives are awarded (for a maximum count of 20) after completing each stage. The player has the ability to save and load the game, akin to save states; this is achieved through a keyboard command and the main menu. In addition, there is a cheat code for invincibility. Limitations include fewer music tracks and a small variety of simplistic sound effects. The major issue with this game is the unbalanced pace; enemies move and attack much faster than their arcade counterparts. This DOS conversion retains 2 gameplay features of its arcade counterpart that no other version retains. First, the player jump height can be controlled by holding up or down. Second, the diagonal aim includes the additional, intermediate angles that make the aiming slower, but more precise. As an aside, the helicopter insertion opening of the first stage was removed, an element that was recreated in the NES version. In this DOS version, the stage begins with the player falling to the ground from high up in the air.
ESRB Rating: Not Rated
Genre(s): Shooter | Platform
