Contra features a 'Rambo' style soldier (or 2 in co-op mode), on a mission to overcome an invasion of extraterrestrials. Players assault the invaders by moving through multiple levels, both side scrolling and '3D' ala 'Donkey Kong' but adds the offensive and defensive capabilities any good super soldier should have, including guns, missiles, bombs, flamethrowers, and health boosts.
The final boss, a giant alien heart, is famous, and upon defeating the game, players are treated to one of the first ever 'cut scenes' as a reward.
The game's action is greatly enhanced by an uptempo soundtrack, and layers of sound effects. Players are treated to a constant barrage of gunfire, explosions, the whistle of falling bombs, alarms, and satisfying 'power up' sounds. Exciting theme music alerts the player to new dangers, boss fights, and level victories. In fact, music drives the entire game, with barely a moment left sonically empty. Each level has unique, entirely synthesized music.
Between the very advanced (for the era) graphics, the innovative game play, and the strong use of sound and music, Contra became one of the legendary games of the late 1980s.
