Game Boy adaptation of SNES Contra III. Compressed but recognizable levels, overpowered weapons, one-hit death. The move to Game Boy saps combat punch, and link-cable multi only helps a little. Still a solid Contra, but Contra (id 195) is smoother on the system.
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Category
Action1 player12+
Description
Japanese version of Contra: The Alien Wars for Game Boy, with some differences in levels and content. Published by Konami, released in Japan in 1993. Same Contra III controls adapted, levels revised for the Japanese market, powerful weapons, and signature run'n'gun action.
Contra Spirits, the Japanese version of Contra - The Alien Wars on Game Boy, with a few differences from the Western edition and Super Game Boy compatible. This Japanese cut carries the original title and presentation of a demanding run-and-gun. Its desirability lies in those regional variations, the Contra franchise's aura in Japan and collectors' interest in the Japanese editions of major action games.
Is Contra Spirits still worth playing in 2026?
Contra: The Alien Wars brings the intensity of Contra III to the Game Boy, a frantic run and gun where commandos mow down hordes of aliens with a varied arsenal. The snappy action, the sense of rhythm and the spectacular weapons remain a model of the genre, and the challenge lives up to the series' reputation. The conversion impresses with its faithfulness despite the machine's limits. For fans of demanding action and relentless shooting, it is an excellent portable title that has lost none of its vigor.
