Cheats for Contra Arcade: Master the Game with These Tips

The arcade game "Contra" is a beloved classic that has entertained gamers since its release in 1987. Known for its fast-paced action and challenging gameplay, many players seek ways to gain an edge through cheats. This article explores various cheats for Contra, including how to unlock extra lives, infinite continues, and more, to help you master the game and enhance your gaming experience.

Contra Arcade Cheats: An Overview

"Contra" is a side-scrolling run-and-gun video game developed and published by Konami. The game gained widespread acclaim for its cooperative gameplay and its difficulty, which was part of its charm. Players often look for cheats to help them progress through the game’s tough levels and bosses. Below, we'll delve into some of the most effective cheats for Contra and how they can help you conquer this classic arcade game.

1. The Famous Konami Code

One of the most well-known cheats in gaming history is the Konami Code. This cheat code is a sequence of button presses that gives players a significant advantage in various Konami games, including Contra.

Konami Code Sequence:

  • Up, Up, Down, Down, Left, Right, Left, Right, B, A, Start

How It Works:

  • Entering this code at the title screen or on the game’s start screen will grant the player 30 extra lives. This cheat is invaluable, especially considering the game’s high difficulty level.

2. Unlocking Infinite Continues

Another sought-after cheat in Contra is the ability to gain infinite continues. This allows players to respawn after losing all their lives, which is crucial for making progress in the later stages of the game.

Infinite Continues Cheat:

  • Start the game and, after losing all your lives, press the following button combination: Up, Up, Down, Down, Left, Right, Left, Right, B, A, Select, Start.

How It Works:

  • By using this cheat, you can continue playing from the last level you reached without having to restart from the beginning. This is especially useful for players who are struggling with more challenging levels.

3. Invincibility Cheat

For those who want to breeze through the game without worrying about losing lives, the invincibility cheat is the perfect solution.

Invincibility Cheat:

  • At the title screen, press the following button combination: Up, Down, Left, Right, A, B.

How It Works:

  • Activating this cheat will make your character invulnerable to enemy attacks. You can still be hurt by falling into pits or environmental hazards, but enemies will not be able to harm you.

4. Unlimited Ammo

While not always necessary, having unlimited ammo can make it easier to take down enemies without worrying about running out of bullets.

Unlimited Ammo Cheat:

  • To activate unlimited ammo, press the following combination at the title screen: Up, Down, Left, Right, A, B, B, A, Start.

How It Works:

  • This cheat gives you an infinite supply of ammunition for your weapons, allowing you to shoot without pause or concern about reloading.

5. Level Skip Cheat

If you want to skip a particularly challenging level or jump to a specific stage, the level skip cheat is a great option.

Level Skip Cheat:

  • To skip to the next level, press the following buttons during gameplay: Up, Down, Left, Right, A, B, Start.

How It Works:

  • When activated, this cheat will advance you to the next level, bypassing the current one. This can be particularly useful if you find a specific stage too difficult.

6. Boss Rush Mode

Some versions of Contra have a Boss Rush mode, where players can fight all the game's bosses consecutively. While not always available in every arcade version, some cheats can unlock this feature.

Boss Rush Mode Cheat:

  • To activate Boss Rush mode, enter the code: Up, Down, Left, Right, B, A, Start, Select during gameplay.

How It Works:

  • This mode allows you to face off against all the bosses from the game, providing a unique challenge and the opportunity to test your skills against the toughest enemies.

Additional Tips for Using Cheats

Save Your Progress:

  • If you're using cheats to make progress in the game, it's always a good idea to save your game frequently. This ensures that you don't lose your progress if something goes wrong or if you want to switch to playing without cheats.

Experiment with Cheats:

  • Not all cheats work in every version of the game. If a cheat doesn’t work, try different button combinations or check if it’s compatible with your arcade machine.

Cheat Codes for Different Versions:

  • Contra has been released on various platforms, including the NES, arcade machines, and more. Cheat codes can vary depending on the version you are playing. Make sure to use cheats that are specific to your version of the game.

The Evolution of Contra Cheats

Since its release, "Contra" has seen numerous adaptations and sequels. Each version might have different cheats or variations of the original cheats. The Konami Code, for example, remains a staple across many Konami games, reflecting its lasting legacy in gaming culture.

Conclusion

Mastering Contra can be a daunting task, but with the right cheats, you can make the experience more enjoyable and less frustrating. From gaining extra lives to unlocking invincibility, these cheats offer various ways to enhance your gameplay. Whether you’re a seasoned player or new to the game, these tips and cheats can help you conquer Contra and fully enjoy its arcade action.

Table: Contra Cheats Summary

Cheat TypeCode CombinationEffect
Konami CodeUp, Up, Down, Down, Left, Right, Left, Right, B, A, Start30 Extra Lives
Infinite ContinuesUp, Up, Down, Down, Left, Right, Left, Right, B, A, Select, StartUnlimited Continues
InvincibilityUp, Down, Left, Right, A, BCharacter becomes invulnerable
Unlimited AmmoUp, Down, Left, Right, A, B, B, A, StartInfinite ammunition
Level SkipUp, Down, Left, Right, A, B, StartSkip to the next level
Boss Rush ModeUp, Down, Left, Right, B, A, Start, SelectFight all bosses consecutively

With these cheats at your disposal, you’re well-equipped to tackle "Contra" with newfound ease. Enjoy the game, and remember, whether you use cheats or not, the true joy of gaming lies in the experience and challenge it brings.

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