# Contra: Hard Corps - The Explosive 1994 Sega Genesis Run-and-Gun *Contra: Hard Corps*, known as *Probotector* in Europe and *Contra: The Hard Corps* in Japan, is a 1994 run-and-gun shooter developed by Konami for the Sega Genesis/Mega Drive. Set in 2641, five years after *Contra III: The Alien Wars*, it follows a new Hard Corps team—Ray Poward, Sheena Etranzi, Brad Fang (a cyborg wolf), and Browny (a robot)—battling Colonel Bahamut’s alien-backed conspiracy to conquer Earth. Featuring six main stages with branching paths and multiple endings, it offers four playable characters with unique weapons, dual weapon slots, and a sliding dodge. With vibrant 16-bit visuals, a high-energy soundtrack by Hiroshi Kobayashi, and two-player co-op, it’s praised (*Sega-16*: 9/10) for its variety and fast pacing but noted for extreme difficulty. Re-released in *Contra Anniversary Collection* (2019). ## Why Play Contra: Hard Corps? *Hard Corps* pushes *Contra*’s formula with character-specific arsenals (e.g., Ray’s homing missiles, Browny’s laser drones), a four-weapon inventory system, and branching story paths (e.g., surrender or chase Bahamut). Its six stages (e.g., City, Jungle, Air Combat) feature side-scrolling action, vehicle sections, and bosses like Deadeye Joe. Unlike *Contra III*, it uses a life bar (2-3 hits), but no continues in the US version (Japan allows 3-5, Europe unlimited). Gameplay lasts 1-2 hours per path (5-10 with retries), with four endings and secret stages adding replayability. Its fluid controls, dynamic visuals, and intense music (e.g., “GTR Attack!”) make it a must-play for retro shooter fans, though its punishing difficulty and no Konami Code may deter newcomers. X posts highlight its chaotic boss fights and co-op thrill. ## Key Features - Play as Ray, Sheena, Fang, or Browny across 6 stages with branching paths - Wield 4 unique weapons per character (e.g., Fang’s Beast Shot, Sheena’s Genocide Vulcan) - Two-player co-op; slide dodge, dual weapon slots, special bombs - Fight bosses like Noiman Cascade and Bahamut; unlock 4 endings - Life bar (2-3 hits); no continues (US), limited (Japan), unlimited (Europe) - Experience authentic Genesis gameplay on our retro ROM platform or *Contra Anniversary Collection* ## Key Differences: Regions and Ports - **US (Contra: Hard Corps)**: Human characters, no continues, high difficulty; includes secret Stage 5 (Alien Space). - **Japan (Contra: The Hard Corps)**: Human characters, 3-5 continues, slightly easier; unique cheat for 70 lives (A, B, C, Left, Right, A, B, C, Left, Right at title screen). - **Europe (Probotector)**: Robots replace humans (e.g., CX-1-DA300 for Ray), unlimited continues, robotic enemies for censorship. - **Gameplay**: All versions share stages, but Japan adds a hit-point display; US has secret boss fight (Bahamut Overdrive) via code (Up, Up, Down, Down, A at title screen). - **Ports**: No handheld ports; *Contra Advance: The Alien Wars EX* (GBA) uses *Hard Corps* assets but is a *Contra III* port. ## Play Contra: Hard Corps Online Blast enemies today! Play *Contra: Hard Corps* instantly on our website, Classic Joy Games, with no downloads, using Genesis emulators. Alternatively, enjoy it in *Contra Anniversary Collection* (PS4, Xbox One, Switch, PC) or sites like RetroGames.cz or EmulatorGames.net. Physical Genesis copies cost $50-$150 on eBay/Amazon. Ideal for fans of retro ROMs and run-and-gun classics! Note: Use Genesis Plus GX or RetroArch (PicoDrive) for emulation; US version recommended for challenge, Japan for continues. For secrets, choose Browny for versatile weapons and unlock Stage 5 by fighting to the end in Stage 4. Join players worldwide on Classic Joy Games. Start your mission now and stop Bahamut to forge the Hard Corps’ legacy!