# Contra Force - The 1992 NES Run-and-Gun Spinoff *Contra Force*, released on September 30, 1992, by Konami for the NES in North America, is a spinoff of the *Contra* series, originally planned as a standalone Japan-exclusive game titled *Arc Hound* but canceled and repurposed as a *Contra* title. Unlike the alien-fighting *Contra* and *Super C*, it follows a special forces team—Burns, Iron, Smith, and Beans—battling human terrorists (D.N.M.E.) in a modern-day Neocity setting. Featuring five stages (three side-scrolling, two top-down), it introduces character selection with unique weapons and a *Gradius*-style power-up meter. With 8-bit visuals, a high-energy soundtrack, and two-player co-op, it’s notable for its ambition but criticized for severe slowdown and clunky controls. Re-released on no modern platforms, it remains a rare collectible ($90-$300).[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Contra_Force)[](https://www.pricecharting.com/game/nes/contra-force) ## Why Play Contra Force? *Contra Force* offers a unique *Contra* experience with four selectable characters (Burns: leader with grenades, Iron: heavy weapons, Smith: sharpshooter with homing missiles, Beans: demolitions with explosives), each with distinct speed, jump height, and weapons. Players can switch characters mid-game or summon AI-controlled allies, adding tactical depth. The five stages—Warehouse, Harbor, Mati Building, Aircraft Rumble, Blue Group Headquarters—mix side-scrolling (1, 3, 5) and top-down (2, 4) perspectives, with bosses like a cowboy-hat terrorist. Gameplay lasts 1-2 hours (3-5 with retries), with unlimited continues but no Konami Code. Its destructible environments and variety are novel, but severe slowdown, flickering, and sluggish movement disappoint. X posts note its potential if not for technical issues, appealing to *Contra* collectors despite non-canon status.[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Contra_Force)[](https://contra.fandom.com/wiki/Contra_Force) ## Key Features - Play as Burns, Iron, Smith, or Beans across 5 stages with unique weapons - Switch characters on the fly; summon AI allies for brief support - Side-scrolling (stages 1, 3, 5) and top-down (stages 2, 4) perspectives - Use *Gradius*-style power-up meter (e.g., Machine Gun, Homing Missiles, Turbo Power) - Fight bosses like submarines and terrorists; unlimited continues - Experience authentic NES gameplay on our retro ROM platform ## Key Differences from Contra/Super C - **Setting/Story**: Modern-day terrorists (D.N.M.E.) vs. *Contra*’s aliens; no Bill/Lance, features C-Force team.[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Contra_Force)[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Contra_%28series%29) - **Characters**: Four unique characters with distinct weapons/speeds vs. identical heroes. - **Mechanics**: *Gradius*-style power-up meter (suitcases) vs. instant power-ups; character swapping and AI allies.[](https://contra.fandom.com/wiki/Contra_Force)[](https://www.classic-games.net/nes/contra-force/) - **Stages**: Five stages (mixed perspectives) vs. 8-9 in *Contra*/*Super C*; backtracking possible but respawns enemies.[](https://contrapedia.wordpress.com/contra-force/) - **Performance**: Severe slowdown and flicker vs. smoother *Contra*/*Super C*.[](https://www.classic-games.net/nes/contra-force/)[](https://nepascene.com/2018/06/turn-channel-3-contra-force-forced-entry-otherwise-solid-game-franchise/) ## Play Contra Force Online Fight terrorists today! Play *Contra Force* instantly on our website, Classic Joy Games, with no downloads, using NES emulators. Alternatively, try it on sites like RetroGames.cz, ArcadeSpot.com, or EmulatorGames.net. Physical copies cost $90-$300 on eBay/Amazon due to rarity. Ideal for retro *Contra* fans and collectors! Note: Use Mesen or Nestopia for emulation; expect slowdown in busy scenes. No modern re-release exists, but a fan remake in Unreal Engine 5 is in development to fix performance issues.[](https://arcadespot.com/game/contra-force/)[](https://www.ebay.com/b/Contra-Force-Nintendo-NES-Video-Games/139973/bn_16495387) Join players worldwide on Classic Joy Games. Start your mission now and stop D.N.M.E. to forge C-Force’s legacy!