About Contra III: The Alien Wars
Contra III: The Alien Wars is a legendary run-and-gun shooter released for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) in 1992. Developed and published by Konami, the game is widely considered one of the best entries in the entire Contra series thanks to its fast gameplay, massive explosions, and impressive use of SNES hardware.
The story takes place in a future where Earth is under attack by alien forces once again. Players control elite soldiers Jimbo and Sully as they fight through destroyed cities, military zones, alien nests, and mechanical war machines. Compared to earlier Contra games, The Alien Wars feels bigger and more cinematic, with large animated bosses, collapsing environments, and screen-filling action sequences that constantly push the SNES hardware.
One of the biggest differences in this entry is the increased mobility. Players can carry two weapons at the same time and switch between them instantly during combat. Classic weapons like the Spread Shot and Laser return, but the faster gameplay and larger enemy waves make weapon management even more important than before. The game also introduces powerful screen-clearing bombs that can save players during overwhelming situations.
The stage design is much more varied compared to earlier Contra titles. Some levels are traditional side-scrolling shooter stages, while others use the SNES Mode 7 effect to create rotating overhead battle sequences. These overhead missions include spinning environments, moving targets, and enemy attacks from every direction, giving the game a unique feel compared to the NES entries.
Contra III is also known for its difficulty. Enemy attacks come constantly, bosses move aggressively, and later stages become extremely chaotic. Despite this, the controls remain very responsive, making the game feel challenging without becoming unfair. Combined with its two-player co-op mode, detailed pixel art, and energetic soundtrack, Contra III: The Alien Wars remains one of the most respected action games on the SNES.
How To Play
In Contra III: The Alien Wars, players run, jump, climb, and shoot through enemy-filled stages while avoiding bullets, explosions, and environmental hazards. The gameplay is extremely fast, with enemies attacking from nearly every direction at once.
Players can carry two weapons simultaneously and switch between them instantly during combat. Weapon pickups include the Spread Shot, Laser, Flame Thrower, and Homing Shot. Choosing the right weapon for different situations becomes important during later stages, especially during large boss fights and crowded enemy sections.
The game includes both side-scrolling action levels and overhead stages viewed from above. In overhead missions, players rotate around the environment while attacking enemies from multiple directions. These stages rely heavily on movement and quick reactions because attacks can come from all sides of the screen.
Players can also use powerful bombs that damage every enemy on screen. Since later levels become extremely intense, bombs are often saved for emergencies or difficult boss phases. Boss battles are much larger than in earlier Contra games and frequently involve giant alien creatures, mechanical weapons, and multiple attack patterns happening at once.
Two-player co-op mode allows both players to fight together simultaneously, creating even more chaotic action during later stages. Fast controls, constant enemy pressure, and large-scale boss encounters make Contra III one of the most demanding and memorable games in the series.
