Collection essentials #99: Super C (NES)

This is the second Contra game, and if you remember, Contra is one of the games I’ve most highly praised so far in this series. Konami changed the name for this NES release from “Super Contra” to “Super C”, and the reason why was never revealed but it’s easy to speculate that it was likely due to the controversial “Iran-Contra scandal” that was on the minds of Americans at the time.

The original Contra was one of the finest examples of a side-scrolling “run ‘n gun” action platformer, executing all the fundamentals of the genre incredibly well. And, thankfully, Konami decided to pretty much not mess with those fundamentals for the sequel, so we have another great game on our hands with Super C. There is a pretty notable difference, though, because there are no longer occasional levels with a behind-the-back perspective. Instead, the “mixup” levels in this game are from a top-down perspective of the action where you can move and shoot in eight directions (see photo). I think I’m in the majority when I say that I prefer the previous type of level, but that doesn’t mean this new kind isn’t fun too.

In the world of video games it’s really common for sequels to be better than the original because the developers are able to refine the mechanics and design, and they often deliver a greater amount of content as well. However, this is one case where the original wins. Super C is certainly still a great game, and has the excellent controls, fun power-ups and great multiplayer that a game like this should have. But the level design just isn’t quite as inspired as the first game. That was an unusually high bar to reach though, so Super C is still a beloved essential. You can play it on modern platforms if you pick up the Contra Anniversary Collection, which, again, is highly recommended.