Contra Force NES Classic: Storyline, Characters, and Features

When gamers think about the legendary Contra series, what usually comes to mind are the intense battles against alien invasions, futuristic weaponry, and high-octane run-and-gun gameplay.

However, tucked away in the history of the franchise is a title that took a different path: Contra Force. Released in 1992 for the NES, Contra Force stepped away from the alien themes of its predecessors and focused instead on crime-fighting, with a team of commandos battling a powerful syndicate.

This game holds a special place in retro gaming culture because of its unique storyline, four playable characters, and tactical approach to action, which set it apart from the rest of the franchise. Even though it didn’t get the same level of global fame as other Contra games, it has developed a cult following among classic NES enthusiasts.

History and Background of Contra Force

To understand the significance of Contra Force, it’s important to first look at its origins. Unlike the original Contra and Super C, which followed the formula of space marines fighting extraterrestrial forces, Contra Force had an unusual development journey.

Originally, Konami planned to release the game in Japan under the title Arc Hound. It was not part of the Contra series at all. However, during its localization for North America, Konami decided to rebrand it as a Contra spin-off. That is why the game’s plot, characters, and villains are completely different from the alien-fighting narratives that defined earlier titles.

What makes Contra Force stand out is the fact that it was never released in Japan. This rarity alone adds to its retro gaming charm, making it a collectible for enthusiasts and a fascinating piece of NES history.

Contra Force NES Quick Facts

Storyline of Contra Force

Unlike the alien-heavy plots of other Contra games, Contra Force follows a crime-thriller storyline. The game introduces players to C-Force, a special commando unit tasked with defending their city from the D.N.M.E. syndicate (Deadly Neo-Mega Empire).

The crime syndicate has infiltrated government systems and built a powerful empire that threatens national security. To restore peace, the government calls in the elite C-Force, led by their commander, Burns. The missions in the game revolve around tracking down and eliminating the syndicate’s influence across different environments, from city streets to enemy bases.

This grounded, crime-focused plot is a major departure from Contra’s usual alien warfare, and it makes Contra Force feel like a cross between Contra and a tactical military shooter.

Characters in Contra Force

One of the most memorable aspects of Contra Force is the ability to choose from four unique playable characters, each with their own weapons and specialties. This variety gave players a chance to adopt different strategies based on their playstyle.

Burns (Leader)

Burns is the fearless leader of the C-Force team. He is the most balanced character, offering standard weaponry and reliable combat abilities. For players new to the game, Burns is often the safest choice.

Smith (Heavy Weapons Expert)

Smith brings raw power to the team. His heavy weapons are capable of delivering devastating firepower, making him ideal for situations where brute force is needed. While he may not be as quick as other characters, his destructive potential is unmatched.

Iron (Demolition Specialist)

Iron specializes in explosives. His unique demolition skills allow him to take down enemies and obstacles with style. Iron adds a tactical dimension to the gameplay, especially for players who prefer calculated destruction over direct shooting.

Beans (Speed and Agility)

Beans is the fastest and most agile member of the group. He relies on his speed and technical skill to outmaneuver enemies. Though he is lighter in firepower, his ability to dodge and move quickly makes him a strong asset in tough battles.

The diversity of these four characters allowed players to switch strategies, experiment with different playstyles, and add replay value to the game.

Gameplay Mechanics and Features

Contra Force delivers the familiar run-and-gun experience fans loved, but it also introduced some unique gameplay elements.

• Character Variety: Players could select any of the four C-Force members, each offering different abilities.
• Special Weapons System: Each character had access to special weapons, adding variety to combat.
• Multiplayer Co-Op: Like other Contra games, Contra Force supported two-player co-op, allowing friends to tackle the syndicate together.
• Stage Design: The levels ranged from urban cityscapes to enemy bases, providing variety in both environment and combat.
• Difficulty: True to the Contra spirit, Contra Force was challenging. Enemies were relentless, and players had to master quick reflexes and strategy to progress.

While these features made the game exciting, there were also technical drawbacks. Contra Force was notorious for slowdown issues when too many enemies or effects appeared on screen. This performance flaw frustrated some players, though others considered it part of the NES charm.

Comparison with Other Contra Games

Compared to classics like Contra (1987) or Contra III: The Alien Wars (1992), Contra Force is almost unrecognizable in terms of theme. Instead of battling aliens or futuristic creatures, players were grounded in a crime-war narrative.

The character system also set it apart—other Contra titles focused on two main protagonists (Bill and Lance), while Contra Force offered four distinct heroes. On the downside, it lacked the fast-paced polish of the mainline entries, which limited its critical success.

Graphics, Sound, and Technical Performance

For a late NES game, Contra’s Force showcased decent visuals. Character sprites were well-designed, and environments captured the gritty feel of crime-ridden cities and enemy hideouts.

The soundtrack, composed in Konami’s signature NES style, delivered adrenaline-pumping background music that enhanced the action. Sound effects were impactful, making weapons feel powerful.

However, the slowdown problem became one of the game’s most criticized aspects. Whenever the screen was filled with too many enemies or bullets, the frame rate would drop dramatically. This performance issue held the game back from reaching the same level of acclaim as other Contra titles.

Reception and Legacy of Contra Force

When it was released in 1992, Contra’s Force received mixed reviews. Critics praised its unique approach, character variety, and storyline, but they also pointed out the slowdown issues and how it felt different—almost too different—from the main Contra formula.

Over time, however, Contra’s Force developed a cult following. Retro gamers appreciate its originality and consider it a hidden gem within the Contra brand. For collectors, owning a copy of Contra Force is special, since it was only released in North America and remains relatively rare compared to other NES titles.

Why Contra Force is Still Remembered Today

Even though Contra’s Force didn’t achieve the same legendary status as other Contra titles, it is still remembered for several reasons:

• It’s unique storyline, centered on crime syndicates instead of aliens.
• The four playable characters with distinct roles.
• Its exclusivity to North America makes it a retro rarity.
• The nostalgia factor for gamers who grew up with the NES in the early ’90s.

Contra Force may not have been perfect, but it helped broaden the scope of the Contra brand and offered a different flavor of action gaming.

FAQs on Contra Force

FAQ: When was Contra Force released?

Ans: Contra’s Force was released in 1992 exclusively for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) in North America.

FAQ: How many characters can you play in Contra Force?

Ans: Players can choose from four characters—Burns, Smith, Iron, and Beans—each with their own special abilities.

FAQ: Is Contra Force part of the main Contra storyline?

Ans: No, it is a spin-off. Unlike other Contra games, it features a crime-fighting story instead of an alien invasion.

FAQ: Was Contra’s Force released in Japan?

Ans: No, the game was exclusive to North America and never saw a Japanese release.

FAQ: Why is Contra’s Force different from other Contra games?

Ans: Contra’s Force was originally developed as a separate game called Arc Hound before being rebranded as part of the Contra franchise.

Final Thoughts

Contra Force remains one of the most unusual entries in the Contra franchise. While it lacked the alien-fighting chaos fans expected, it offered something fresh with its crime-war narrative and multiple character choices.

For NES collectors and retro gaming enthusiasts, Contra’s Force is more than just a game—it’s a window into a time when developers experimented with storytelling and gameplay in bold ways. Despite its flaws, the game has carved out its place in history as a memorable, distinctive NES classic that still sparks discussions among gamers decades later.