One hit – one kill. Love it or hate it Contra was built around this gameplay mechanic, and though it extended the game's extremely short completion time by forcing players to play through the first few levels multiple times before ever truly understanding the pattern of the game, it was still fun and a challenge. However, with Contra's release on Xbox Live, even the famous Konami code can't save this once great game.

Contra follows the exploits of Lance and Bill (whoa, how very generic those names seem now) as they battle people and blow things up. Okay, so that isn't the "exact" storyline, but really, there is no story. You run around, dodge bullets, kill people, blow stuff up, and then you move on to the next level.

Though technically a side scroller, it does deviate from the norm by also including levels where you move upwards, and even then some tunnel levels that react in a sort of 3D-esque vibe, by having your characters and enemies go into and out of the background and foreground, but still it is all flat and 2D.

I once had good times with Contra, though I was always more familiar with the NES version, which was not only longer, but looked a whole (and I mean a WHOLE) lot better. Contra for Xbox Live is simply dreadful to look at, as everything is poorly done, and it is hard to believe that this used to be cutting edge (or even called fun for that matter). Problems with Contra are immediate from the get-go, as the once tight eight directional gun firing is sloppy in its execution. No longer can you quickly point in a direction and have those bullets immediately go that way, because while you try to go diagonally, there is a slowness as your character arches their bullets in that direction, meaning that your bullets won't go the moment you need them, opening you up for all kinds of trouble (namely those one hit one kill bullets).

Contra was also well known for its co-op, and sadly even Konami can't get that right for the Xbox Live release. Yes, sometimes it works fairly well, but there are extreme bugs in the game that will force gamers to quit constantly and will show different action on screen to two people at the same time.

I know, I know, "Wow, this is a really short review!" Well, for a game this lazily ported over, which offers none of the joy it may have once had, there isn't much to say beyond Contra for Xbox Live is a waste of money, and you're better off going out and buying a used NES and Contra cartridge instead. And with one of the Achievements being beat the game in 12 minutes (how is that for short) I'd rather spend the money on something like a vanilla Frosty from Wendy's instead. You'll be able to finish it off in less time, and you'll probably feel more satisfied after downing it.

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