Contra: Evolution Review – The game stays true to it’s roots
App Type: Uncategorized
Our rating: 
By: Konami Digital Entertainment
Version #: 1.1.0
Date Released: 2013-06-26
Developer: PunchBox Studios
Price: 0.99
User Rating:
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Contra was one of the golden age games when video gaming first entered my world, I remember going to my Uncle’s every week to meet up with my cousins and we would all sit together in one big group taking turns to jump around and shoot at random monsters. So when it became somewhat of a new trend to port classic games to iOS devices, a little bit of me was secretly wishing for this magnificent game to cross over too. I guess my wish was granted with Contra: Evolution.
I’ve always been under the impression that having an ‘Evolution’ in the name of a spinoff leads to the ruin of the franchise. Think Dragonball. Well, I was wrong.
Essentially playing out like the original classic, the first thing you will notice is how the game stays true to it’s roots in terms of visual appeal. Everything was virtually identical to what I played those years back, with the familiar graphics and soundtrack providing much nostalgia for me to reminisce. The developers did add a 21st century twist though, with extra perks in the game that were unavailable in the original. These, I leave you to find out for yourself.
Gameplay is very simple to master. Virtual joysticks and buttons are superimposed on the screen and plays out just as the console version would. For the uninitiated, the game itself is a side scrolling platform where the storyline is negligible and all you have to do is make it to the other side. Along the way you jump across obstacles, cross rivers and gun down enemies that threaten to come into your way. As the game progresses you will make it into boss stages, fighting behemoths that truly send your adrenal glands flying.
At a mere $0.99 this game is more than worth the purchase.
Quick Take
Value:High
Would I Buy Again:Most definitely
Learning Curve:Simple joystick based console controls
Who Is It For:Mostly targeted at fans who've played the original, but everyone will enjoy this one
What I Like:The game stays true to it's roots
What I Don't Like:Controls are a little difficult to mess around with on a small iPhone screen, but then again there's nothing much that can be done can it?
Final Statement:I'm impressed!
console Contra: Evolution is the first official Contra game for iOS, bringing all of the run-and-gun action of the 1988 original with 21st century graphics and controls to the palm of your hands.
Bill “Mad Dog” Rizer and Lance “Scorpion” Bean are back to business fighting aliens in the jungles of South America--but can you survive one of the hardest games ever? Collect power-ups, unlock new levels and characters, and take on challenges in this arcade blast from the past. With updated HD graphics and future iOS 7 compatibility, get ready for a whole new Contra experience!
Screenshots
Article By Eng Wei Jie
A water polo player from Singapore, Wei Jie devotes most of his time to training. However, when he's not occupied by water training or pushing himself in the gym, expect to see him squinting at his iPhone testing out new apps.
eng-wei-jie has written 308 awesome app reviews.
