Contra III: The Alien Wars Online

About Contra III: The Alien Wars

Contra III: The Alien Wars (1992) took the series to the Super Nintendo and turned every stage into a spectacle. The aliens have invaded Earth, the city is burning, and two commandos fight back through ruined streets, alien hives and a desert full of giant creatures. The first stage alone – with fighter jets, a tank to drive and a mutated turtle boss crashing through a wall – is one of the most famous openings of the 16-bit era.

What is new

• Two weapons at once: carry two guns, switch freely, and only lose the one in your hands when you die.
• Smart bombs that clear the screen.
• Climbing: grab walls and hang from bars while shooting.
• Overhead stages that rotate around you, showing off the console's Mode 7 effects.

Weapons

Machine gun, spread, laser, homing missiles, flame thrower and the crush gun – each with its own strengths against different bosses.

Tips

• Keep your best weapon (usually spread or homing) in the slot you do not use, and switch to it for bosses.
• Use smart bombs when a boss enters a dangerous phase – not when the screen is already clear.
• In the overhead stages, rotate slowly and clear one direction at a time.

Play the 8-bit originals – Contra and Super Contra – or see every game on the Contra hub.